I just found out about your passing as of writing, my deepest condolences to your loved ones, Sir.

I first met Dr. Toole as a student at HPU in a Buddhist Philosophy elective.  I was constantly brimming with questions, and always took opportunities to probe his mind.  I shared life experiences with him, and he shared his own that I am honored to be privy to.  He walked with me to my next class every day I had his course, even though it was across campus, and we would just talk as two adults, two leaners, two friends.  Dr. Toole helped me begin to understand the meaning and purpose behind Faith, and always supported me in my mental gymnastics of understanding the "why" behind Faith. 

Mark, I will never forget you.  Thank you very much for being a pillared example of a man that I, as a young man and soon to be husband, have to look to whenever seeking guidance.  God bless you and your family, may your spirit rest in peace.

I am shocked and deeply saddened to find out Mark passed away.  I just took a rare glance through an issue of The DePauw and saw his name among the recently departed alumni. I was in the Delta Upsilon pledge class of 1996, and Mark was one of our much-respected and beloved pledge educators. We always said, "He bleeds blue and gold" [our fraternity colors]. Mark possessed a rare patience, genuine warmth, and true wisdom--all wrapped in infectious charm! As someone who has been thoroughly out of touch with friends and fraternity brothers from those days, this brings so much back to me. What a terrible loss for humanity; there can never be enough people like Mark Toole in this world. Clearly, however, he followed his calling and touched many lives in his short time with us. Deepest sympathies to Sara, Kevin, and the rest of the family.

I went to DePauw University with Mark and we were in the same Delta Upsilon pledge class. Mark was a natural leader with a magnanimous personality who cared deeply for his family and friends. Our sophomore year, Mark and I went to Minnesota for January winter term. There, we tracked deer herds and wolf packs as part of ongoing winter ecology research project. Every morning, we would ski or snowshoe out in below freezing temperatures over feet of snow to collect data on deer and wolf movements and feeding patterns. Our guides told us they rarely if ever saw any of the wolves from the local packs. One morning, Mark and were part of a group traveling in the wildlife center van to a remote study site. Suddenly, a deer jumped from the woods at the side of the road and quickly galloped into the woods on the opposite side. This was not unusual. However, behind it came a large grey wolf in pursuit. The driver stopped and we watched the wolf leap gracefully to the other side. This was a special day, and I’ll always remember how excited Mark was to have seen it. Unfortunately Mark and I did not keep in touch following college, but he left an indelible impression on me from not only the winter term trip but as a fraternity brother and friend. His door was always open. To his family, my deepest condolences for this loss. 

Dr. Toole taught not only my first semester, but also the very first class session I had at HPU. He walked into the room, starting talking as soon as his foot crossed the threshold about a carrot, a potato, and coffee and they way the survive in their environment. Over the course of my religion major, I had two other opportunities to take classes with Dr. Toole, even co-teaching a session on Engaged Buddhism as part of an honors contract for the honors college program. At an academic and vocational level, Dr. Toole was foundational in my growth and learning. I learned from him how to listen to voices outside of my tradition and heritage. I learned to think about religion and what it means, how it functions in our lives. I gained (as he would say) a 'toolbelt' in interpreting the motivations and practices of people, no matter their religious traditions. I learned to think about the Buddhist teaching of 'interbeing' (following Thick Nhat Hanh) and what it might mean to take this seriously, for Buddhists. 

But at a more personal level, I got to know Dr. Toole and have conversations with him about life, ministry (including his own time as a pastor), and what it means to be a human being. I got to think about how to live life in a way that acknowledges the beauty of others. I learned from him via a book (The World is Made of Stories by David R. Loy) about the power of story. Dr. Toole, always with a glint in his eyes, brought joy and humor and curiosity into every moment and helped me grow as a human being, as a scholar, and as a future minister. He had a passion for connection and I always felt heard. At his celebration of life service, they played an instrumental version of "Walk" by the Foo Fighters (a nod to his time as a lead singer for a rock band) which has the line: "Learning to walk again/ I believe I've waited long enough/ Where do I begin?" Thank you, Dr. Toole, for inviting me to begin, to walk again, and always to be curious and attentive to the world. 


I only had Mr. Toole as a professor for half a semester, but I can confidently say that he was my favorite professor by a long shot. unlike other professors, he wouldn’t just lecture about boring topics. He would take us on a journey, telling a story that he has personally experienced throughout his lifetime. I have never been so intrigued in a class, especially for it to be religion. I was even planning on taking one of his classes again next semester. my heart goes out to his family and friends, because he was such an amazing person.

Dr. Toole was the best Professor a student could ever have. The amount of care that he put into his work is astounding. We could the feel love that he had for not only the topic in which he was talking about but for each of his students that were in the class. 

I was a freshman at HPU and I knew I needed a religion class and I found a class called “Sacred Experiences” and I signed up for it. That was the best decision I could have made. I was sitting in the class as we created our own religion as we looked at all the sacred places around the globe and studied various religions. 

Dr. Toole on the first day walked in and called us scholars. He told us that we were all on the same level as he was. He had massive amounts of respect for each of his students. 

When I found out about his passing, I was hurt. Then I saw all the students posting and reposting the picture of him. The love that the students have for him on this campus and elsewhere is something that is out of this world! 

I will always love Dr. Toole! 

I am deeply saddened by the news of Mark. I knew him at Union church where he gave outstanding sermons. I recall one called “Go Big.” On Palm Sunday one year he stood at the front of the church and, without a written note or a Bible in hand, related the events of the Passion Week seen through the eyes of a disciple.  Mark taught our Bible class for a year or more. I remember his diagram showing how as “we reach out to God, God is reaching out to us. Mark gave my mother her last Communion before she died. He did so kneeling at her bed. He showed such kindness and mercy. Lastly,, Mark led a church group to Israel in ‘98 or ‘99. He was full of enthusiasm and spirit. We took a side trip to Jordan and went to Petra. In Petra most of us followed the main road. Not Mark, he wanted to scale the sandstone cliffs. We all worried about him, but he came back happily and safe. Mark will live in my memory as long as I live,

I knew Mark at DePauw. I recall that he had a resonant, mellifluous voice. It gave him an ability to hold people's attention. If he was in your group project, you wanted Mark leading the presentation because his voice was readymade for being in front. Peace be with you, Mark, and to your loved ones. 

It was visible how much he loved my cousins (his daughters) and for that I’m forever grateful.

So sorry to hear. The brief time we knew you and your family made us smile. 

Our deepest sympathy to the whole Toole family with the feeling of "peace" in their hearts.

Mark was such a sweetheart of a guy.  We have so many wonderful and fond memories of him.  When he was  a teenager he and a friend came to repair our fence and as they were working were already memorizing rap music and singing out loud hysterically.

There was also the Mark that gave beautiful inspirational and meaningful sermons here in Hinsdale, Il. including words filled with wisdom beyond his years.

Our memories and pictures of 11 yr old Mark dancing with mom Patricia at our wedding were priceless.  He was such a unique person and will always have a special place in our hearts.
May he rest in forever peace.  

Love,
George & Sharon Sine

  
     









Like many, Mark & I’s paths crossed at High Point University, where he was a professor of mine. I had just entered what was at the time the largest, and most challenging, change of my life, and Mark was the signpost that guided me in the direction of what I was to do next. I begun to view him as a mentor, and we would meet from time to time after our class sessions ended. I had a hard time applying Marks teachings & advice at this point, and in hindsight, feel I took up more space than he had the capacity for. I had hoped to be able to apologize for that. We never got the chance to meet again after January/February, and I had hoped to see again in the near future and discuss how our lives were until that point. I hope he is now free from any suffering. His absence will truly be felt. 

I had the pleasure of working with Mark for many years at HPU as he was the director of the Honors Program and I was "his right hand" in the Registrar's Office(as he always said to me). He was one of my favorites, by far.  Always kind, always appreciative, always patient. 

I extend my sincerest condolences to his family. 

I have never heard a more beautiful speaking voice than Mark’s.  It had depth: he could hit lower notes that seemed to resonate in your chest.  But it also had this almost buttery smoothness in the middle register.  And he knew how to take it to higher tones for effect.  All of it accented and punctuated by his laughter.

But it wasn’t just the sound of Mark’s voice; it was the warmth of connection that came from being in conversation with him.  He listened, he heard, he communicated so openly and honestly with those who came to be his friends, myself included.

Although our lives overlapped for only a few years, they were very important ones for us both.  We were at-home dad brothers.  Mara and Kara were slightly younger than my two kids, but there were times when the six of us would get together for a play date.  More often, it would be the eight of us, with Margit and Mary joining the fun.

There were also the times when it was just Mark and myself (we called them “Man-Dates”) where we could share in the joy and great good fortune of being able to be as involved in our children’s young lives as we were.  But we also shared in the difficulties that any parent experiences, but also those particular to being an at-home dad, especially the occasional feeling of oddball isolation.   

And our children were beneficiaries of our friendship.  Because, with Mark Toole as my at-home dad friend and brother, I knew I was not alone.  And, knowing that, I was a better father.

I am so deeply saddened by the loss of my friend.  I regret that we will never be able to create the twin-bill that we dreamed of: our two dad bands, Mark’s Toadfrogs and my Mossgatherers sharing one stage.  But I will always hold dear our friendship.  

And I will never forget the sound of his voice.


I am so incredibly sorry for your loss. Prof. Toole was the best teacher I ever had! At HPU we were required to take a religion class - on a whim I signed up for East Asian Religion just to  check off that requirement. I still remember that first lecture - we talked about what even is religion?? He made us answer him and proceeded to make one up on the spot "Markerism" that fit all of our criteria.  I have never experienced a more thought provoking lecture. I loved that class so much, I signed up for more and more of his classes. Before I knew it, I had a religion minor LOL. One of the most formative experiences of my life was our trip to India. We "Followed the Path of the Buddha" with Prof. Toole as our guide. It was truly the trip of a lifetime. Please know that my thoughts are with your family during this sad time. With sympathy, from a HPU alum in Massachusetts. 

I am very sorry for your loss. Mark was my “pledge grandfather“ and one of the reasons why I joined DU. I can picture sitting in his third-floor quad room with Mark and Chris Vowells late one evening making decisions about rush my sophomore year. And I can still remember parts of his genuine brotherhood speech during rush.

My dad died when I was 21 so my heart goes out to Maura and Kara for losing their dad at a young age. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

I was stunned and saddened when I was forwarded Mark's obituary.  It felt like gut punch, despite the fact I hadn't seen or talked to Mark in years.  The funny thing is, when I think back to college and early post college years, he's intertwined in so many of my memories.  I can't ever forget the Little 500 Marky Mark performance - I will forever think of him when I hear the song Good Vibrations.  There were a multitude of formals and sorority/fraternity parties and there was the time I threw up in his car - the electric blue Camero.  I'm not sure Mark every really forgave me for that but I know I haven't had a screwdriver since because of it.  And of course there was the mission trip to Honduras - a trip and experience that has stayed with me and forever will.  Our construction team built a school...or tried to.  It's likely not standing.  Mark always kept us laughing.  One of the funniest memories was going skinny dipping.  The group had not been aware that Mark had hidden our clothes making the return to beach with a full moon interesting.  Post college, Mark and his dad helped me get my scuba license, we hit a few Cubs games and took in a few shows at Ravinia.  I believe Gordon Lightfoot was the last one show we saw.  I lost touch with Mark a few years after college, but his names comes up often when I recount stories to friends and my kids.  I did not know Mark struggled with addiction.  I lost my uncle to addiction and have another friend who is suffering from it.  It is a terrible disease and my heart goes out to Mark's family as they begin to try to heal. While Mark's life was cut short, I can tell you he made a bit impact on my life and I will forever be grateful for knowing him and think of him with a smile on my face.  Sending the Toole family prayers and hugs. 

 Mark and I were close friends in high school. Memories of my teen-years are ingrained with him. We spent countless hours together navigating our teen angst. 

Mark was easy to love. 

I am sad to know that the disease of addiction took him from his kids, family, friends, students and this world. 

My deepest condolences,
Deb Carlson Foster

We mourn the passing of our beloved colleague and dear friend, Mark Toole.  Mark brightened our daily work with his wisdom and warmth, with his humor and hijinks (especially the hijinks).  How difficult it is to say goodbye to someone alongside whom we have worked and lived—day after day, week after week, year after year.  We shared important life milestones and silly mundane minutia.  There is a profound absence on the second floor of David Hayworth Hall.  We miss our friend.  

But we look forward to the celebration of life in April where we can share more memories—for we all know that wherever Mark was, many great stories follow.  

In honor of Mark’s devotion to teaching, a collective donation is being made in his name to the Guilford Education Alliance.   

Our sincerest condolences,
HPU’s Department of Religion and Philosophy 
HPU’s Library Staff


I took several classes with Dr. Toole, he hooked me right from day one in his Intro to Buddhism course. The thing that always hooked me was the story/pep-talk he would give everyone about a girl under pressure at school and in this story the girls mom would boil carrots, an egg, and ground coffee. If you’re one of his students you know exactly how that story ends and no matter how many times he told that story I was enamored and fell in love with how he taught. He was the best professor I have ever had the privilege of learning from and talking too. Even when I did not have his class that semester I still made an effort to go and talk to him at his office and we enjoyed playing catch-up with our daily lives. 

As a teacher, he really helped push me to be a better version of myself and it is of my opinion that it was his teaching that made me the A graduate student I am today. I still follow a lot of teachings he gave in his class because no matter how people pushed back or asked hard questions, he always had a sound answer and he spoke as if he believed everything he said it. He is a genuinely authentic person and I hope I can one day emulate that, and I try everyday to be like him. He is an incredible teacher and human and I am glad to have spent so much time with him during my undergraduate years at university.

Dr Toole was my favorite professor in college. I signed up for his Sacred Experiences class just because I was “forced” by the school to take a religion class. The first time I walked into his classroom I had zero expectations and even asked myself why did I had to take those kind of  classes. But for my surprise, after couple classes, I was able to tell that Dr. Toole  was a special person. 

He taught his class through his experiences and stories. For me, his class was like traveling around the world. With his knowledge, he made me question my beliefs and myself many times. He also taught me that the only way of getting rid of ignorance, was by gaining  knowledge and by experiencing life. 

-The first time I saw a Japanese mug was because he used to take one to class, now I have many of them. 
-In my 15 years of education I have only read one book for a class, and it was for his. 
-I even try to contact him couple week ago so he could recommend me a Buddhist book! 

Overall, he had a strong impact on my life. And if he gets to read this wherever he is, I would like him to know that.

For Dr. Toole’s family: I’m sorry for your loss. You can be proud of him. He was great.


I had professor Toole at HPU in 2010 for 2 courses and he was one of my favorites because he was so interesting and taught with such passion. I was just getting into Buddism at the time and he was happy to take some time outside of class and talk with me about it. He showed me some books that were very influential to my life. My life is definitely different for knowing him and I am grateful our paths crossed. A very very special, one of a kind person

Dr. Toole was and will continue to be one of the most impactful and special people I have ever met. I had the privilege and blessing to travel with him to Southeast Asia on a High Point Maymester, and to this day I am still reflecting on the memories and knowledge gained. Dr. Toole was a truly kind and genuine soul, with the deepest well of wisdom. Over a semester in the classroom and month-long trip across the world, myself and the other students came to know him as not only an educator and mentor, but as a friend as well. He left us all with a lasting eagerness to learn and ask questions about everything around us, to continue to explore the world, live everyday to the fullest and above all, be good to one another. My deepest condolences are with his family and friends. 

Dr. Toole, I hope to cross paths with you in every life time. Until we meet again.

I was so excited to be enrolled in Dr. Toole’s Intro to Buddhism class this semester. A friend of mine told me about his class last Spring but I had to wait until this Spring to take his class. Right from the start, I loved the class! As the weeks went by I would tell my friends about all the cool stories, beliefs and practices he taught. 

Dr. Toole was funny, kind, knowledgeable, and passionate about seeing his students succeed. These are only just a few words used to describe him.  I also thought it was sweet how much he talked about his daughters. I hope they know how truly loved they are because all of his students could definitely feel it. 

I was excited for what was to come during his class after spring break and feel sad to not have the opportunity to learn from him any longer, hear more of his interesting stories and laugh at the funny things he said. However, I am very grateful for what he taught me and the time I did have with him as a student who was a part of his unique and wonderful class. I do not doubt that during Dr. Toole’s time in our realm, he threw out many positive karmic seeds, so I hope he is enjoying a very positive rebirth. 

My heart goes out to his family and friends during this very difficult and sad time.❤️

Dr. Toole was an amazing teacher who really worked in his purpose. He was an incredibly warm person who made all of his students feel welcome. I took his class during a particularly dark time in my life and his class was definitely one of the bright spots in my week. Condolences to his family and friends sending peaceful thoughts as you endure this tough season. 

I could never think of Mark without seeing that bright, friendly smile. He always shared a smile with others. I can't recall him ever uttering a bad word about anyone, but instead was consistently positive and kind.  He was a great friend to us, and he was one of several who helped to make our time in Denver seem a lot more like we had family right there. ... While we have sorrow in our hearts at this loss, Mark's joyous smile will forever remain for of all who knew him. 
Love,
The Clarks

I only had him as a professor for half of a semester, but wow I will always remember him. Massive kind heart

During my time at High Point University I had the absolute privilege of being Mark’s student, multiple times! He had such an incredible way of teaching and making what could be very complex, accessible, even to those of us who weren’t always the brightest in the bunch. His laughter and consistent jokes about practicing Pasta-farianism always brought our class to laughter and smiles. He taught me to look within myself, to be curious, to be kind and compassionate, and to embrace new things. I know I am not alone when I say how blessed I was to have had him in my life; both as a teacher and as a wonderful friend. To Mark’s family: I am so incredibly sorry for this immeasurable loss. I hope you are able to keep peace and joy in your hearts; and thank you, so very much, for sharing him with all of us. - Mike Sellitti Jr

Dr. Toole was an amazing professor. I always looked forward to his class and he brought such a special energy where ever he would go. He was always there to talk and support his students no matter what. I will forever be  thankful to have met such an impactful professor. Sending love and prayers to his family🤍

Many fond memories hanging with Mark throughout high school.  One in particular that comes to mind was how Mark would get us all to sing in the car either to the oldies station or classic rock. One song sticks out from Billy Joel, “For the Longest Time”. Mark was adamant he had the deepest voice and would sing the deep “for the longest” part rewinding the tape deck over and over. Sorry we lost touch in college my friend!  You are in the Best of Hands now. 

Your friend,
Chris Hull

I had the great fortune to attend York HS with Mark in ElMhurst, IL.  While we were not close friends, I knew him well enough to know he was a remarkable person, friend,brother and son.  I envied his close family from afar and found myself wondering throughout my life what path he chose, what lives he went on to make brighter.

While I am deeply saddened to learn he has left our World, I am only slightly surprised by his numerous accomplishments in life.  I did imagine him helping others, growing his own beautiful family while remaining close to the one who raised him.

I extend my deepest sympathies to all his friends and family.

I deeply mourn the extinguished flame of such a present soul. Toole bequeathed to me the confidence to express self love and explore my perception of reality. My life is fundamentally altered since he entered my life. Though, I know he's not truly gone.  I'll still see him in the way rain flows down hill in wu Wei. I'll hear him in the orchestra of nature,  and I will feel him when I bring light to others.  Cause that's what he was to me.  A light bringer to offer guidance in the dim shadow of our ephemeral pit stop in this life!

I remember one of the York HS football games where we played Chicago Vocational. Their marching band took the field, with an absolutely amazing display of dance/music.
Mark and I were standing against the fence near the bottom of the bleachers when the Dukes band marched out… in a straight line.
Mark leaned over and said (completely deadpan), “Here comes our big move.” On cue the line split in two and continued to march in separate directions.
It was honestly one of the most spontaneous and funny moments of my four years. I never forgot it. In fact, I recently shared that story with a CVHS Alumni. 
I am so sorry for the hole his loss will leave in the hearts of all he touched.

I had the privilege to be in his class for 2 semesters. His class was one i always looked forward to. I loved hearing him come into class with his usual "good morning scholars". He treated each and every one of us with kindness and love. I would've loved to learn more from him but looking back on it, he taught me more then I recognized.  not only did he teach me in class, but he also taught me how to be a better person outside class in the real world. Im forever thankful I had him as my professor. Thank you for everything. You will be forever missed.

I have him right now as a professor at high point university. He really was one of the best guys I have ever met. You can talk to him about anything and he would always be there for you. He will always have a special place in my heart. I am praying for him and his family.

My favorite Professor at HPU. He was an amazing and interesting man! I loved having him this semester and am honored I got to learn from him. Such an incredible man! 

Mark was one of my best friends in high school. We ran track together and had such good times. Mark had a great sense of humor and was very intelligent and creative. I will miss him but he will live on in my memories.

Dr. Toole was my very first professor on my first day of college and remains responsible for some of the most positive experiences I’ve had in college. His passion for his job and care for every person he met made an amazing impact and he will truly be missed.

Dr. Toole leaves behind such an incredible impact on each of his students. I was lucky enough to be one of those students in a 2019 “Maymester” at HPU where he greeted our class every day with a smile and the phrase “good morning Buddhist scholars”. He showed so much passion and excitement for our class during our studies and ahead of our trip to Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam. Our travels were filled with so many interesting and important discussions, new outlooks, new friendships and a lot of laughter with Dr. Toole at the helm. 
It’s such a privilege to say that I crossed paths with such an amazing person and professor, who brought such a light to the lives of so many. I’m so grateful to be one of his scholars. All of my love to his family and friends!

Dr. Toole was the best professor I ever had by miles. I can’t even express how helpful and wonderful he was to all of us. Thank you for such a memorable trip to Asia. You’ll be so missed 💗

I was blessed with the opportunity to accompany Dr. Toole to East Asia, a memory I will cherish for the rest of my life. Dr. Toole made me excited about things I had never even considered learning about. He made me love learning for the sake of learning. I will always remember how he always had time to talk about anything and always inspired me to think deeply and differently. I will treasure my memories of Dr. Toole and will be forever grateful that I got a chance to learn from him. 

Dr. Toole was truly someone you'd feel like you had run into yesterday, years later. He was one of the best professors I ever had and was a personal friend. I will truly miss him but know he is resting in peace.

My deepest sympathy to the Toole and Miller families.  Some of my fondest memories were SYF trips and overnights, as well as Easter Breakfasts at church.  Movie and gamenights rotating at all of our houses.  Mark will be missed.

I am so deeply saddened to have learned about this today. Dr. Toole was one of my professors my freshman year at HPU, and as much as I dreaded taking a religion and philosophy course, he made the course so much more engaging than I could have ever imagined. He’s undeniably brilliant and his personality stuck with me in my memory long after that one class I was fortunate enough to have with him. Sending love to his family and friends. -Lyndsey Clos 

This is so saddening to hear. I was a student of Dr. Toole and he is the sole reason I am so open minded to different religions, philosophies, ways of life mindsets. He and his classes, attitudes and mindset has shaped me into who I became once I graduated. 

Thinking of him and his family. This world lost a mighty amazing soul. 

I feel poorer to learn Mark has left my world, though both of us may have always said “for now”. To say that Mark genuinely welcomed me into his presence in all the quiet, everyday Lindley Park moments might be to give him one of my highest compliments. He believed there was room at the table for most every story and exploration. 
That we shared Chicago roots and Bears fandom made things all the easier. Mark invited me to be a guest speaker for his honors students at a time when I was venturing out into a new career and his welcome encouraged me. He also showed me that curiosity in spiritual matters allowed for exploration of wider wilderness than I had hoped for and calmed me during incredibly difficult seasons of ideological deconstruction.
We are complex beings and I’ve always longed to find kin of sorts. It was easy to recognize Mark as kin in rare and important ways. I feel grief in his passing and great gratitude for his presence in my life in past days and, perhaps, in future adventures now unknowable.

I was surprised to read this obituary. I enjoyed talking with Mark at Covenant and was privileged to have been in one of his classes while he was there. He was very energetic and spirited in his delivery which kept your attention. 

I’m sorry to hear of his diagnosis. My father was a recovered alcoholic and a heavy smoker. Lung cancer took him away. 

I know you and the girls will truly miss him and I know how difficult it is when someone so dear leaves us behind. I will hold you all in the light. 

Annie Oakley

OBITUARY

Mark Alan Toole

18 December, 1970 – 10 March, 2023

Hanes Lineberry Funeral Home

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