Mark and I met late in life, when he was 70 and I was 66.  We got engaged the next year, shortly after he decided to run for office.  I often quipped that I was only going to marry him if he won the election. As a former PR career person, I was always hoping this might grab a headline "She says Let the Voters Decide!"  Mark did not win in spite of getting the largest historical percentage of votes by a Democrat running for Florida House Seat 79. He voiced some concern that I might have been serious about the marriage caveat, and mentioned several times that "the offer was still on the table."  So on Dec. 20th, while visiting his sister and children and grandchildren in Northern California, to be immediately followed by a visit to some of my family in the UK, we got married. We had a lovely celebration with his family, Then, on Christmas eve, we headed over to London to celebrate with mine.  We arrived early Christmas morning.  He was fighting a head cold, which -- by the time we arrived -- had turned into a flu.  He died suddenly and unexpectedly the next morning, just six days after our marriage -- Boxing Day in London. I assumed it was from complications from the flu. But the coroner in London revealed a hidden heart condition, something of which he was completely unaware. Mark exercised daily, took good care of himself, and monitored his health. He led a very busy life, especially when he ran for office. So his death took us all completely by surprise. Especially me.

Mark was an exceptional man -- brilliant, kind and ethical.  He was passionate about the law as a tool for justice. He was also passionate about politics, and had a strong belief in democracy, and in our political system, especially as a tool to solve problems. He also was a wonderful man to live with.  I am very grateful for the two-and-a-half years we had together.  And because he had the drive and courage to run for office (as a Democrat in a Red district) I am happy so many others grew to know and appreciate him.  "He is the first Democrat I ever voted for," has been a comment I have heard several times.   

This song, written by Bob Dylan but sung so beautifully by Madeleine Peyroux, had special significance to us during our courtship.  It is even more meaningful now that he is gone:

I'll look for you in old Honolul-a
San Francisco, Ashtabula
You're gonna have to leave me now, I know
But I'll see you in the sky above
In the tall grass, in the ones I love
You're gonna make me lonesome when you go.

By beat reporter, Chuck Ballaro, who ran into Mark at many civic events. 

Redundant to much on this web site memorial, but the editor knew Mark from his campaign and gave me a by-line for the occasion.