Just received this email from Mark's wife a short while ago (via Deborah Gilpin whose computer is down right now due to storms).
It is with a heavy heart I must report that Mark is finally free and headed home. He went peacefully in his sleep at home earlier this morning. I can?t begin to tell you how very blessed we are to have such incredible friends and family. The love that has been poured out on us has been the most amazing thing I?ve ever witnessed in my life.
A celebration of life service will be held 2:00 pm, Saturday, June 27 th , at St. Andrew United Methodist Church, 5801 W. Plano Pkwy, Plano, Texas.
Mark requested that you not remember him with flowers or plants, rather make donations to either:
OR
ChronicHope Program (a cancer support ministry) at St. Andrew United Methodist Church (please be sure to earmark it for this program)
Karen Sutherland SlotterbackThis is the page where we will all eventually end up sooner or later (hopefully later than sooner).
It is not going to be easy to write any of these entries: first of all, death is always a sad event, and it is especially hard to learn that someone who you possibly haven't seen since they were so young and alive in high school is already dead.
Secondly, so little information is known thus far about most of those who have passed on, that it seems almost scandalous mentioning their passing without at least having a minimum of information, such as time of death, last known residence, and any survivors. Obviously, any additional information would also be of interest, but it is understandable that families might be sensitive about releasing too many details for publication here, so their wishes for privacy must be taken into consideration.
There is even the remote possibility that some one's death could be reported here in error, in which case, we would be more than happy (in fact, we would jump with glee) at the chance to retract an erroneous obituary. Obviously, we would much rather hear that, despite rumors to the contrary, someone previously thought to be dead is actually still alive and well, so please do mention any errors such as this - should they be made. Furthermore, we apologize in advance if any such errors occur.
By recognizing our fallen Trojans, it is hoped that we can begin to come to terms with the loss, as well as to possibly shed some light on ways in which they helped to shape our own lives. As more facts emerge surrounding these deaths, we will also be better equipped to put together a fitting biographical update in hopes of celebrating their lives.
With these things in mind, we begin the Trojan Memorial section of the web site.