My brother Mark was a unique man of many and varied talents. His passion for planning, urban design, architecture, real estate, cartography and creating new projects big and small knew no bounds. His singing talents began in church choir (or was that me?) and on to the Purdue University Glee Club; eventually, the Portland Gay Men's Chorus in the 1980s and 90s. His voice for those of us in his family was legendary; especially if on the phone or in person on your birthday.
Personally, and best of all in my opinion, were the times I heard him sing Smoke Gets in Your Eyes or Blue Christmas during any of the several evenings spent together at various Karaoke bars throughout Portland over these last several years. When I was little, like in this picture, he would play songs on demand for me on the piano. Mostly, I just picked the Entertainer because he knew that one best.
Personally, and best of all in my opinion, were the times I heard him sing Smoke Gets in Your Eyes or Blue Christmas during any of the several evenings spent together at various Karaoke bars throughout Portland over these last several years. When I was little, like in this picture, he would play songs on demand for me on the piano. Mostly, I just picked the Entertainer because he knew that one best.
My sister Cheri gave me this photo a few months back. By my estimate, it's from about 1977 when I was 5 and he was 21. There I am in my favorite captain's hat and fringed jacket, my brother Mark, mother Janey and father Paul. We've lost all of these beautiful people in the past two years; most recently in Mark's death from Prostate Cancer on September 29, 2011 in Portland, Oregon. I loved him very much and appreciate the lessons his life has taught me and will continue to teach me for the remainder of my days.
His whole family misses him terribly and hold each other in support. Our thanks extends out to all of our friends sending us their love and holding our loss in their thoughts, prayers, hopes and dreams. We appreciate you all so very much and draw strength from your healing touches, near and far.
The family is holding a small memorial on Sunday October 9, 2011 in Mark's home on Hayden Island on the Columbia River in Portland, Oregon. In lieu of flowers or anything else sent to the family, I personally ask those out there in the world reading these words and so inclined to please donate what you can to any organization promoting healthy, livable communities respecting and protecting the rights of all people equally.
1 comments:
Thank you for sharing these stories and memories with us. You and your sister are in my heart.
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