Dear Carolyn
My password for this site was forever love.  Even though I only met him once years ago, the deep love and regard you two held for each other was obvious even at a distance. I am sincerely saddened by your loss and by what must have been such a difficult year.  I don't doubt that your presence soothed and nurtured him while he went through such difficult times.  I will be leaving town Wednesday so likely won't make it to stop by, but know that my thoughts are with you.  Again, even at a distance I knew you two had/have a special love. Sincerely, Corinne

I know Mark mostly through knowing you, Carolyn. Your love for him was evident always, and only shone brighter through this trial. My brief occasions for conversation with him showed me that his love for you was equally deep. I keep you in my prayers with deep respect for the dignity and courage of your grieving. As much as a friend can do, I share your grief.

Carolyn, how much Todd and I enjoyed our Saturday afternoon visit with you and Mark in April. What shone was what a brilliant, interesting person Mark was to talk to. Even his illness, at that late date, didn't take precedence over what an engaging person he was. We drove home talking about what a pleasant afternoon it had been and how amazing Mark was to have made it so.

Carolyn, I only knew Mark through you, and from that, I understood the wonderful and loving relationship you two shared. Know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.

Carolyn, what I knew about Mark was what I saw reflected in you, and what a lovely reflection that was! When you spoke about your life adventures and the decisions you two shared, your connection and love was obvious. You have been very strong for a long time, a loving strength given during the most difficult time ever. What Mark inspired in you tells me what a special person he was. Love and peace in your grieving. I am so sorry for this huge loss.

Carolyn, I only met Mark at intermissions, but he left a lasting impression on me. I will miss watching the two of you hold hands during the break.

Hello Carolyn,

It was a pleasure working with Mark. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Mark was one of the kindest and patient persons I have ever met at work. He also was very smart and enjoyed helping others, always with very good explanations and with a smile. I am so glad I was able to meet him. He will be greatly missed.

I'm so sorry for your loss. It was a pleasure working with Mark, and he will be sorely missed. I wish you strength and peace during this hard times.

Dear Carolyn,
On behalf of Peter and all of your colleagues in the American Balalaika Symphony, please accept our deepest and most heartfelt condolences on the passing of Mark. Although I never met him, he must have been a remarkable man for your love and concern for him was so great and so evident. Please let me know if there is anything I can do for you in the days ahead. I will keep you and Mark in my prayers, and pray that God will send you comfort and peace.

Dear Carolyn,

I know Mark from work. He would always help me with computer and software issues whenever I asked, whether it was my fault or not. I will miss him.

Dear Carolyn,

I knew Mark from his work here at the Institute. Mark was very bright and cheerfully helpful, and was very good at what he did. As such, he was a great benefit and a good co-worker to all of us, and he will be missed. From what I've read here, he was an even better person away from work and at home. That says a lot of good things about him. My sincere condolences, and best wishes for you as you go through this time of grieving.

On behalf of all his Reluctant Brothers across the nation and beyond, Carolyn, we offer you our love and comfort to carry you through this most difficult time. While Mark's loss will always bear grief, there comes a time when the fond, happy and fun memories prevail.

While we never met Mark, we spoke many times; it was our privilege to offer our support. His brilliant mind was so clearly evident - we will miss his presence at our meetings.

The Reluctant Brotherhood www.thereluctantbrotherhood.org

Dear Carolyn,

I knew Mark from work at STSCI, he was always helpful, knowledgeable, cheerful, kind and, importantly, patient with people who were frustrated. He will be missed. 
My thoughts are with you and your family during this time.

Susana Deustua

I guess among the measures of a life well lived are how many people we have touched, and how much we are loved. By that measure, Mark was without peers. 

Mark was brilliant - but always willing to pull the rest of us along so we wouldn't miss out on something interesting. Whether talking about sailing or the Equatorial bulge, he always had a boy-like way of imparting knowledge as in "I know this really cool thing that you'll want to know about, and here, let me tell you all about it."

However, I think the thing I will remember most of all about Mark was his deep and endless love of Carolyn. From the first time I met them, it was so apparent that the term "soul mate" didn't even begin to describe what they had together.

My thoughts are with Carolyn and all who loved him - and he will be forever in my heart.  /paula

Dear Cher,

You might think it's Mark's sweetness or how smart--unbelievably smart--Mark was that I'd pay tribute to. But it's hard for me to remember Mark without thinking of you. How you two supported one another, how you two left good jobs and a home to sail together. How he went to France, watched French television, without knowing any French (at first), all for you. And how, when the boat was no longer an adventure, you made another home together. Because wherever you were, was home.

Every time I saw Mark, cher, I saw how much he loved you.

I only knew Mark a short time at the institute, but I was immediately struck with how strong he was in keeping his convictions and fighting his battle in his own way.

Seeing his courage, strength, and tenacity will stay with me, forever.

Dear Carolyn,
I only met Mark once, but each time you and I met over the years, he was always on your mind. From you, I know the deep love you shared. I feel your grief, dear friend.

Mark, may peace surround you like a sail on the perfect day. May you see further than ever before and be enchanted while held gently to take it all in. Carolyn, may the times you've shared with Mark be the glimpses of light caught through the storm begging you to a deep, safe anchor. May you feel held and loved.