Happy Birthday Mark! We love and miss you every single day ❤️

There is a stream I cross every time I go for a walk in the woods. It was at that stream, two years ago Christmas, that I last saw Mark “being Mark.” He played in that stream for over an hour, building a dam, taking it apart, building it again. Just having fun. I have named the spot “Mark’s Crossing” - and I remember him and that day every time I am out there.

The rose bush we planted in Mark’s memory is flourishing and made it through this winter with all of its leaves in tact. Every time I walk past the rose bush especially when in bloom, I think of him as a small child running up the sidewalk to ring our doorbell.

i miss you mark. you were genuinely such a sweet guy. i can’t believe we’re coming up on a year. you’ll live on in my heart forever ❤️‍

Well I got the news this morning and I haven't stopped thinking about it all day he was such a good kind and caring friend. He was so funny It was unbelievable we always sat together in class laughed and did work together. He will always be missed and a good caring friend. He will always live in my heart

It may be inappropriate of me to leave a tribute here, because I only knew him through the internet. But he was a wonderful person. He never failed to cheer me up, which is why I at least wanted to leave a tribute here. I'm really thankful that people like him exist, without them the world would be so much darker.

I am once again sorry if this might be inappropriate.
I am also terribly sorry for any grammatical errors that you might see in this text, as this is not my native language.

May you rest in peace.

Thank you mark's dad for reaching out to his friends I've been playing games with mark for about 3 years and he never failed to entertain me and make me laugh he really got me through some tough times so i thank him for that, I am very sorry for your loss he will be missed. 

I am very sorry for your loss. I worked with Mark at Sam’s Club. There wasn’t a day he didn’t make me laugh or smile. His laugh was infectious. He was always so full of joy and excitement when I saw him.

E.B. and family, I am so sorry to hear this news. I have 3 kids myself and can only imagine what you're going through. I will pray for healing, and healthy mourning.

Dearest EB and CoasterRadio family. I am deeply sorry for your loss. This is a terrible tragedy and my heart goes out to your family. I can’t even imagine the pain you are facing right now, but know the lives you have touched are here with you for support. May your healing journey be filled with great memories and happy times with Mark. Take comfort in knowing that Mark will always be with us.

Voyage or El Toro?

I will always remember you as a cuddly chubby baby who love being rocked and sang to sleep.
I will always remember the long walks and talks in the woods.
I will always cherish your last phone call to me this past Valentine’s Day. You took the time to call across the miles to tell me you loved me. How many 16 year old boys would do that?
I’ll miss you deeply and I know we’ll meet again.

The Project School brought us together, and Mark was impossible to miss. He filled the room with energy, constantly in motion, quick-witted, and as others have commented he had a mischievous bent - the best kind the way smart, creative people do. That is the Mark I knew and mourn the loss of for his family, friends, and those who got to know him. I'm saddened beyond words, you all are dear to my heart. 

Mark:
I don’t have many images of you, but there’s one my brain has stored in an indispensable file. We were both still at TPS. I was out in the hallway, taking a math assessment. I was having trouble with the problem, and had looked up so I could reset myself. There was a bae window in front of me-- maybe I planned to look out it-- and on either side of me was a row of lockers. You came in.
I looked at you immediately. Because, the truth was, there was something I was thinking about telling you. Then I remembered the test and looked at it again. Still no idea, so… back to you, out of the corner of my eye. Your hair-- white-blond, then-- was pushed back. You were turned toward your locker, so I didn’t see your face. I kept thinking of you standing there at the locker, instead of my math problem.
You got whatever you needed, closed the locker, and turned around. You saw me looking at you. I think I said, “Hi, Mark,” but that part is fuzzy, because my head was full of the important thing a tiny part of me wanted to say to you, even though I knew it was stupid. I cleared my throat. I even whispered it so quietly that no one but me could possibly hear. You walked away. I didn’t tell you. And I wished I had, to see where it would take me, but I was glad I hadn't, because… where would it take me?
Mark, that important thing I almost said, four years ago in the locker bae at school, it wasn’t that I liked you. In fact, it’s not really important at all. But when my mind is idle, I think of you that day, and how much my attention was diverted by you. If it wasn't really hormones that made me look again when I saw you in the lunchroom, think again when I heard your name, I don’t know what it was. I wish I did, but I don’t.

Mr. and Mrs. Bolstridge, Dean, and Maddie:
Although the story above is true, I didn’t know Mark. I don’t say that out of indifference. I say it out of a desperate need to be honest at this moment. Whatever I say will seem frivolous. I know that. I will never come close to feeling your pain or knowing what living thorough this is like. But I thought this might help you, in some small way, because even I, with this one clear memory of Mark, have thought of him often for four years. Also, I want to know that although I have a fine motor impairment which makes typing difficult, and make frequent use of spellcheck, I typed this by hand.
All the goodwill I can offer belongs to you. May you find peace.

I didn’t know Mark, but all I knew is that he was close to Dean, and it hurts to see him hurt. My heart goes to you guys, especially you Dean, rock on little dude.

I knew Mark when we were very young. I have always kept the memory of how tech savvy and intelligent he was. His mind worked in amazing ways. You could always sense his kindness and warmth in each interaction you had with him. Although it had been a long time since I had gone to school with him, I know he will be missed greatly. Sending love and healing to the Bolstridge family.

We are holding all Mark’s family in our hearts.

rippp

I was one of Mark's third grade teachers at Fairview.  I remember his drawings the most. He was so creative. I kept one of his drawings for many years. I'm so sorry for your loss. 

mark is in the theme park in the sky on big roller-coaster ride just remember the good time and the bad time you had with mark one day it your and my time but we have to wait in line  R.I.P MARK GONE TO SOON

May Mark Rest In Peace , god bless him and his family during this extremely difficult time. What a wonderful bright young man he was . The family was extremely blessed to have such a wonderful child In their life . He is still with us , in our hearts forever

Mark seems like an absolutely beautiful soul. The creative and witty energy that surrounded him will still flow with us even though he is not in human body. I am so deeply sorry for your loss.

I'm sorry for your loss. I hope one day you find less pain.

So sorry to hear this. He will always be in our memory

My condolences and prayers with the entire Bolstridge family at this difficult, unforgiving time. Losing a child is never easy and never will be. Reading about Mark on this page gave me insight that he was a wonderful young man who's journey through the circle of life was ended well before it needed to be.

God bless the Bolstridge family, and may Mark's spirit live on in all of us in the days, weeks, months and years ahead.

So sorry to hear this, our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Words can't convey our sadness for your loss. Our condolences to the entire Bolstridge family and all the people who were close to Mark.

Only Peace, Love and LIGHT now...

It is hard to find words at a time like this... Please know I am holding the pain of your loss, Tris, and also the light of your love. May the heart bond between you and your son keep you connected always and may Mark's gifts and spirit live on through you and all who knew him.
Through our time together at CTR, I always delighted in hearing about your children and seeing their photos. Your affection for your beloveds shines on

Tris, I regret that I did not have the privilege of knowing your dear son. But I know you and have a sense of your lovely and fun-loving family. My heart hurts for you, and I offer you all the compassion and care I can raise.

We are so sorry, and the Childers family are sending our deepest condolences to the Bolstridge family and all of Mark's friends.

Dear Mark,
I appreciate getting to share my mornings with you in Information Technology. As a Teaching Assistant, I enjoy that my students teach me something too. You have taught me that getting your work or assignments done first, before playing video games or chatting with friends should be a priority. Though this wasn't always the case, we didn't have to worry that you would complete your assignments.
You also educated us on the different places in Bloomington that you had work experience at. Listening to you discuss the different work environments caused us to ask questions or give opinions.
You taught me to take pride in my material possessions. You really liked your car and was super excited that you could bring it to HHCC to have it worked on or was able to modify it in some way. It mattered to you about the details of your car and the different improvements you were making to it. Also, your Nintendo Switch…I learned more from you about Super Smash Bros than from my own kids. 
Lastly, your kindness. You showed it many different ways, even when I had to remind you to use it. When we've had time in class to take a break and explore video games or music, you were patient to answer questions in your charismatic way. When a friend was behind in work, you gave him a "Mark Pep" talk. And a few weeks ago, when I was subbing, I asked the class if they would watch the movie because it cost $2. You said, "Here's $2. Rent it." Most of the class watched it and I think that was because of you. Or the time that you brought a big piece of chocolate cake that you got from Sam's and you offered to the class.
My favorite part of my time with you is watching you and Frazier interact. The banter, challenging, and general conversations that you two had were great to be a part of. How those conversations sparked other students to join in. How we'd comment on your Monster drinks with a bag of Sour Patch Kids. How you'd leave the Diet Dr. Pepper Bottle in class full of water in case you ever needed it.
Lastly, though you put on a tough exterior, I saw the real you. I saw the student that wanted to be here, be seen, and get an education, but on his terms. Class hasn't been the same the last few days. I am still waiting for you to open the door and yell, "Frazier…(whatever you were excited to tell him about)". However, I will have to just replay that over and over in my head. You were taken too soon. You mattered. You made a difference and an impact. I will miss you.

Sincerely,
Mrs. Heather Cox

Mark was one of Willow's first friends when we joined the Thursday playgroup, and I have so many happy memories of watching them play together. He was mischievous and delightful, always busy, always doing something fun. I'll hold the memory of that little guy, sweaty and with black walnut stains on his hands, in my heart, Tris. He was a wonderful little boy.

This is the hardest burden to carry, the loss of a child. My heart goes out to you Tris. I can not even imagine the pain of loosing a child is. I lost my father when I was in my 20 s to a car accident but loosing a son is so much harder. Holding you in my prayers and meditation as you journey with grief . Reach in to your inner strength I know you have and reach out to your friends.
Love, love love, Sura

I've been having a hard time finding the right words. My heart is heavy, and all of my love goes to Tris, Eric, Dean and Maddie, and his beloved cat. We've gotten our families together only a handful of times, but every single person he met in those short visits he has touched.

My children instantly loved all of the Bolstridge kids, but the loving, fun, energetic, colorful and vibrant vibe Mark brought to every occasion kept him top of mind whenever we would share these memories. Even kids who met him once remember him vividly and are pained by his loss. That is how strongly he touched the people who knew him.

To say I'm sorry for this tragic loss to his family and friends doesn't come close to what I feel. I'm sorry for the loss of people who didn't get the unique pleasure of knowing him. I'm sorry for the loss of his limitless potential; his combination of kindness and brilliance is beyond rare.

I loved Mark, the way I love Dean and Maddie. And knowing him and his family has made me a better person. Anyone who knew him is better for it, and a part of him will live on forever in every person he met. I am honored to be forever changed by knowing this extraordinary human being.

Thank you Mark. I love you.

Mark, you are forever imprinted in my mind as an adorable 5th/6th grader. You carried a passionate spirit and you always greeted me with that winning smile and a mischievous glimmer in your eyes. You are unforgettable. My heart is with your family now and forever.

This is heartbreaking news. May love and care surround Mark’s family, all those who have loved him and everyone whose lives he has touched. 

I remember when me and Mark were dating. He was very kind to me and gave me great advice. Whenever we broke up I told people that it was my worst decision in my life. I now realize that, that was a lie. I’m going to miss seeing him so much at the library. All the fun we had together. He even tried to help me get out of my parents house. I can’t believe he is gone...

I knew mark relatively late in his life, I played smash with him all the time at the library. He might have been seemingly rough on the outside, but I knew that he was a caring person on the inside. Mark was a great friend and will be dearly missed by his friends and family.

I am so terribly sad to hear of Mark’s passing. My thoughts are with the entire Bolstridge family, wishing you comfort in the beautiful memories you have of him. Sending love from the Rieman family.

I have memories galore, but the one I will always remember is of the last time we saw him, Christmas 2021. Spring weather! So naturally, as we usually did when he came, we took a walk in the woods - Tris, Mark, Dean, Maddie, Nancy and me. We stopped at the stream; Dean went off gathering big rocks looking for crystals; Maddie wandered the woods. Mark went all Army Corps of Engineers in rebuilding the “dam” on the stream. Because it’s flowing water, and he’s a kid. About two hours of this. Total focus. When we left the stream, he was satisfied. Not necessarily done, but satisfied. Mark - intense, engaging, energetic. Mark.

Sending much love to you all. I am keeping you guys in my thoughts and prayers.

My sincerest condolences to all of Mark’s friends and family. I met Mark when he was quite young (and only a few times) and even as a small child he was delightful, inquisitive, and brilliant. I enjoyed watching Mark and my own grandson play, problem solve and imagine together. Having lost my own younger brother when he was 17, I understand the pain and grief of losing someone so young and with so much promise. I have to believe that their beautiful souls were a blessing to us while they were here, but that God has a greater plan for them, allowing them to leave us in their innocence. May God bless Mark in the hereafter, and may God comfort his family and friends.

mark was always so funny and kind to me. he would make the funniest jokes and always had really unique stickers on his laptop. he was a great kid, we are gonna miss him.

Deepest condolences to your family from ours.

I haven't seen much of Mark and his family in the past few years, but I have fond memories from his day's at Fairview Elementary. I remember his exuberance, his smile, his intelligence, his birthday parties, his treehouse, and his wonderful siblings. This is tragic and a great loss for this world. May Mark have a smooth passage to his next adventure, and my heart goes out to his family and friends. Sending blessings, love, and hugs.

Sending much love to you all.  My heart is with you. 

We are deeply and profoundly sad to hear this and are holding the dear Bolstridge family so very, very closely in our hearts. Whenever Mark would come to visit our home, our three rescue pups were his top priority, and they absolutely adored him. We remember him continually asking to give them “just one more treat.” ;) His brilliant intelligence was awe-inspiring, and we always imagined him trailblazing some new amazing invention or creation in this world. We are wrapping you all in abounding love. - Christine and Bret Eartheart

Mark was a wonder, so smart, so mischievous, my grandson was incredible. He would always beat me at chess and I found I had to really think when we played. He and I would walk the neighborhood when he was here and it was wonderful to have him to myself for that short time. I will miss him and love him forever. I hope God has a special place in heaven for him.

Mark wasn’t too kind to me often but it was clear to me, and everyone that under the surface he loved everyone around him. Although he struggled caring for people who he had hurt, I loved him and I miss his rare beautiful smile and his witty charm.
He was always making an impact in one way or the other I loved him so much. I will always remember him as my loving different difficult older brother, he shaped me and changed who I am in so many ways.
-Dean Bolstridge