I am the editor of the Colgate Class of 1969 notes published quarterly in the Colgate SCENE. I will be republishing info from this website to share with Steve's classmates and fellow alumni.
Steve was a heroic figure at Colgate. He came to Colgate gifted, full of promise. After the injury, it seemed he might never fulfill his potential. He did, even before he graduated. The former football star excelled in the classroom and remained fully engaged in all aspects of campus life.
I last saw him at our 40th reunion in 2009. I was proud to be paired with Steve at the start of the alumni parade up Broad St. I could not keep up with Steve in his wheelchair, and neither could the rest of us 60-somethings.
Steve, in his wheelchair, was ahead of the rest of us that day, and I think he was always like that.
Jim Milmoe
Class of '69 Editor
Breckenridge, CO 80424
I will never forget that day in 2004 when Steven Paul Mark cold-called me at my Horror Channel office on Spring Street and introduced himself offering his services pro bono to help a fledgling cable channel get launched. I thought to myself; "Is this man for real?"
And then a few hours later he appeared at my office, in his wheel chair(!) and spent a few hours discussed every topic under the sun including his pioneering accomplishments launching iconic cable TV networks. I was so thrilled that he shared my vision and was willing to bet on me.
We have remained friends ever since. And even though we did not speak for a couple of years recently. I was so happy to reconnect with Steven just a couple of months ago. His voice sounded as strong as ever and, as always, had the best advice for a friend and business associate. And his sense of humor was always there, lurking beneath the lifeline of any conversation, ready to interject.
I will always remember Gracie Mews Restaurant as our HQ for business meetings. The next time I am in New York City, I will dine there in his honor.
My memories of Steven Paul Mark will never be taken for granted. His head and his heart were, respectively, citadels of intellectual curiosity and boundless love. Despite the setbacks he endured he always persevered, soldiered on and kept an optimistic outlook.
Whenever I need inspiration or guidence, I will reflect upon his memory and his legacy of courage, wisdom and inspiration.
This man was a lion.
Not just a lion for his times.
But for all time.
God Bless you Steven Paul Mark.
You will be missed, my very dear friend.
May his memory be eternal.
Steve and I did not know eachother well during our first few weeks in college. I happened to be watching my roommate practicing Freshman Football the day of the accident, and it tore me up to see a player carried off the field. The next time I saw Steve was in a wheelchair, as it turns out, for life.
When we were blessed with his appearance at our 40th Reunion, I was embarassed that Steve knew, and recited, more about my modest accomplishments in life than any interest he might have had in talking about his heroics. He accomplished so much in the short time he was with us, and he will be remebered as a wonderful man.
