19 replies to this topic

[Divegirl412]

In my prayers...

Rosa

[Landlocked Dive Nut]

I'm so sad to report that Mark aka BillyBobDiver passed away today. Although it was expected, it did all happen pretty quickly. Margaret aka scubajunkie6 was by his side constantly during the past few weeks, squeezing out every ounce of time together they could. They even had a special wedding anniversary dinner the last week of September.

I send all positive thoughts to Margaret, and hope her inner strength holds her in good stead during this difficult time.

As Mark goes on the next stage of his journey, those of us still earthbound will mourn and miss him, though I believe he would want us to celebrate his life.

I will always remember him as the step-dad who drove a 13 year old boy from Houston to my house in Kansas City last winter, just so the boy could experience snow. I recall Mark standing in the snow watching, likely freezing his sneaker-clad toes off, but smiling at his family. This picture says it all.....



Rest now, Mark.

[WreckWench]

Mark may you rest in peace...and I know you will having given so much to your lovely wife and son. And while Logan was your step son he truly was your son. You were a loving husband and father. Margaret is lucky to have been loved by someone like you...but unlucky to have lost you so soon.

Your death shows us how fragile life is and that we must seize the moment... for this moment is your life.

I am seizing the moment by making my mother's life long dream come true...taking her to Rome and on a Med cruise. My aunt is dying of cancer and reminded me that time does not wait patiently for things to fall into place. But if it had not been her...it would have been you. I hope others use your life to remember that life is so short and can be so fleeting... seize it NOW!!!

Don't wait to do something for someone you've been promising. Don't wait to go diving...I'm so glad Margaret and Mark got to dive this summer together... who would have known it would be the last time?

So celebrate the insider tip that Mark has given all uf us... life is short...often shorter than it should be. Work to make every day count and set your priorities so that you have little or no regrets over what you should have done.

[scubajunkie6]

My SD buddies,
Just a quick hello. I wanted to thank you all for the thoughts and prayers for us. Things are going well. Mark's passing was incredibly amazing. He died with me next to him, and that is how he wanted it. Our "home base" at StayBridge Suites was a perfect arrangement. I HIGHLY recommend an arrangement like the one we provided for Mark. If you want details on what we did, please let me know, and I will share. We had big breakfast every morning and there was 3 nights of dinner too. Not worrying about cleaning and changing the sheets was a blessing. It allowed me to focus on my time with Mark. Also, eating in the dining room near the lobby provided great conversation with other guests. Logan was extremely comfortable with the place, enough to even want to stay at home base last night and tonight.

Mark did show me the value of love, family, and marriage. It was wonderful to share so many trips and great memories with him and Logan. After some serious thinking, I will plan to attend the Cozy Halloween trip. I've always found diving therapeutic, and I think Mark would want me to continue with this trip.

LLDN, your photo and story on Mark made me cry of happiness. Thank you.

Love,
Margaret (ScubaJunkie6)

[uwfan]

My prayers continue for you Margaret. May Mark rest in peace and may you and Logan find your own peace in this challenging time. Enjoy your time in Cozumel, it was my first dive trip and it gave me peace after my father died.