I only had the privilege of meeting Mark -- or Markie as I learned to know him, via Kim -- just a few years ago.

But I loved Mark as a brother as soon as I met him. He was always deeply genuine and curious, and I was always stunned by how he picked up an interest in virtually everything, ranging from history to Catholicism to politics to law to science to engineering to whatever Kim and I were up to lately with our work to everything in-between.

I’ll never forget discussing such matters over cigars and pipes, and the last time he even loaned me some of his books for further reading. His intrigue never ran empty. I was always impressed by his mind.

I’m sure I didn't appreciate even ½ of Mark’s jokes, but I chuckled every time I saw a picture of a “bad doggie” posted to Kim’s wall on Facebook. I think it’s safe to say that he and Kim share a uniquely witty sense of humor.

From the day I met Mark, I only ever got unconditional support and love. He welcomed me into the family without question or pause, and for that I am eternally thankful. I feel so lucky to have met Mark, and I will miss him immensely.

Our guardian angel! I love you Mark! I am going to miss our messaging back and forth. You are the light! We will all meet again. I would sometimes have to ask you the meaning/history of your FB pics and you kept me intrigued by those stories and your beautiful faith you found in God! I know you are by HIS side preparing for the feast when we all meet again! I LOVE U COUSIN!!!

We only remember being around Mark when he was a small child. He was a precious child along with his sister Kim. We visited them in Austin, and they visited us in our home here in Ms. Oh how I wish we hadn't lost touch over the years. We only recently reconnected, tho we never saw him as a grown man, only in pictures. He was a very handsome young man . And I know if he took after his mother, he must have been so special. Rest in peace dear Mark, and may God be with your family.

I did not know Mark for a long time. I met him in Temple. He was visiting Sylvie and Ron. He indeed had a sense of humor. He was easy and fun to talk to. He really knew the computer stuff and advised me on some problems I was having. I remember when I left, I had met a special person, and he just happened to belong to one of my best friends. We had the privilege a few weeks ago, while visiting in Branson, to spend time with Ron, Sylvia, and Mark. We had fun being serenaded at a restaurant while we had dimmer. We all went to a great show and had a lot of fun. I remember telling him goodbye, we'd see him the next time.......so, now the next time will be in Heaven with our other friends and relatives. We loved you and your family. GOD BLESS.

Mark was a brilliant curator of historical tales. When he was interested in a topic, he would read everything there was to know about it. That combined with his excellent memory (a skill he exclusively inherited), and most importantly, sense of humor, made him the best story-teller. Some of my favorite stories were ones he told about legal proceedings in the middle ages against mice, and how lawyers actually petitioned on their behalf.

Mark was a comedic mastermind. Telemarketers had no chance against his wit, as their call became his opportunity to lure them into a strange tale about why he needed their services. Wild, unruly monkey invasion requiring carpet cleaning services, etc. We liked to think he was providing a diversion to the otherwise boring job of cold calls.

Mark will always be my hero, my comedic icon, and my dear big brother. Love always.

Mark was my first friend in America. I had just come back from living many years overseas and I had little (if any) sense for the ways of teenage life in the US. Mark didn't care that I pulled my socks up to my knees and didn't really watch TV. He was kind to me, and along with Kim, became my lifeline in a very bumpy cultural transition.

I have so many fond memories of our days in Austin. Everything we did, no matter how mundane, were reasons to laugh. Driving aimlessly around town in the Nova (and later the Mustang) listening to metal on cassette tapes (and occasionally U2 for the Kims :)). Going through drive-thrus at pawn shops seeing what we could get for random things. Mark putting Chrissy the dog up on the mantle in the duplex and then calling her name incessantly. Sitting in the hot tub and wondering out loud about life. The little things that would generally go unconsidered in the stories we tell about our lives were better because we did them together. I am deeply grateful for the time we had.

Our precious Mark, we miss you so much. Our hearts are breaking so and I know you are in a place where you don't have to worry about being in pain any longer. We love you, Mom and Ron