Mark and I go way back to when he moved into his first house on Clubhouse Drive. We lived about 10 houses from each other and would go back and forth. About age 12, he was a big Kiss fan. He would join the boys and we would play tackle football across the street. He eventually moved down the street to another house on Clubhouse Drive.
I went on vacation to Catalina and Palm Desert with the Wauben's family numerous times. There were too many memories to write about on these trips, but I will state a few of them. Mark grew up on boats, but my little brother Dennis and I were rookies. We were going to Catalina and Mark had us eat a full breakfast. The seas got rough, and the food did not agree with us. Dennis threw up on the boat. I looked at Mark and he was busting up. I think he planned this as a practical trick.(So Mark)
In Palm Desert, we would ride a little motorcycle through a riverbed to get to the shopping mall. Of course, this was illegal, but we were teenagers and we thought we were cool. We would get an ice cream or candy and ride back to the house. We would also go golfing with his dad, but one time Mark and I were alone(14 years old). We drove the golf cart down a steep sloping hill(part of the course) and then we threw it in reverse. Bad Idea, we needed a new golf cart.
The boys all became young teenagers, and this is when the parties that you have read about started. Mark and Natalie had some of the best parties ever. They were so great, I can not remember anything to write about!
After high school, Mark moved away to Blythe, and we did not meet so often. I would meet Mark when I would be with Pete. The last few years, I would meet Pete and Mark at the Angels game. We would of course laugh and have fun.
There are so many more great memories. As was stated many other times, Mark would set his mind to something, and just do it. He was there to help or just have fun, but he cared about people. I will always have a place in my heart for Mark, and many great times in my memory. To a great person!!!!!!!
Your childhood neighbor and friend,
Kevin Haggerty