We Won't Forget You, Mark

One reason that I wanted Mark to be our Rose Garden editor, and the one who ran our workshop, was that he had a great respect for our environment, and never advocated harmful chemicals. If you followed Mark's advice, you not only got a great garden - you became a friend to the earth - as he was.

When he wrote to me a few months ago to tell me about his illness, he immediately asked if I wanted to replace him. Of course I didn't. Mark was a pro, knowledgeable, and totally dependable - and funny and a joy to work with. I couldn't imagine replacing him if there was any possibility that he might be back.

Now that there is no possibility, I still find it hard to imagine replacing him. We may have someone with an equal depth and breadth of knowledge, but as a man, Mark was one of a kind.

I would like to find a fitting memorial for Mark. This topic is one - and if you take the time to look through it you will find a wealth of information. It is his work - and it is valuable work and a valuable testament to a wonderful man.

I would like to see a rose named for him, or a rose garden. I will certainly plant a rose for Mark myself. I hope you who came to know and respect him here will do the same.

I like to think that he is at peace now, no longer frustrated by the growth that invaded his brain and made thought difficult. Where he is now, I like to think that all thought is crystal clear, and that he finally knows the name of that mystery rose that we all had so much fun debating on line.

Be peaceful, Mark, and know that your friends here miss you - but wouldn't have missed knowing you for the world.

--Carol Wallace

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