Dearest Mark!  We first met in the mid-80's when he and his friend appeared, with ghostly painted faces and shocks of crazy spiked hair, on the porch of my friend, Cindy Hobbs', annual Halloween soiree on Queen Anne hill.  Although I could not see his face through the thick Halloween makeup, the sparkling eyes belied a rare captivating & mercurial wit.  While I was a maternity RN in Seattle, I valued Mark's dedication to helping save premature infants using his biomedical training.  When I was an amateur fused glass craftsman, I was enamored of his talent and creativity in the art of glass blowing.  When he gave me a copy of "A River Runs Through It", I learned of his passion for fly fishing and I reciprocated with one of my most prized mementos – my grandfather's fly fishing tie pin.  I was delighted to experience his flair for cooking when we visited his dear friends on Decatur Island one summer.  In 1995, after I moved to San Francisco, Mark would make a point of getting in touch whenever he had a showing of his glasswork in the Bay area.  The last time I saw him was on April 9, 2013, in San Mateo, when we shared dinner and scintillating conversation while he was on a brief layover from Las Vegas to Seattle.  His gentle manner and acerbic wit were as honed as ever and there was no hint of foreshadowing of what was to come.  I was shocked to learn, this last December, when I tried to contact him while passing through Seattle on my way from Bellingham to San Francisco, that he had passed away just two short months after our last meeting. I cannot fathom what could have taken such a gentle and wry soul from this world so prematurely. What a huge and cavernous loss. I cannot imagine a world without Mark. My condolences go out to Mark's family and friends. He was a unique and rare individual, a dear and sensitive friend.  I would welcome contact with friends and family who were also touched by his creative and caring presence in their lives, in order to share our collective memories. Be forever at peace, Mark.  
With my deepest sympathies, 
Kris Bleything 
P.O. Box 6351
San Mateo, CA 94403.

Andy and Margot, As is true of many here at Deep Canyon, we just learned of Mark's passing and send our sincerest sympathy. We always enjoyed the short visits with Mark when he visited you here at DC. And I, Judy, remember the year he shared his beautiful blown glass at the March Arts and Craft show here. We visited a bit at last years show when he brought you two to DC that Sunday morning...he was so concerned about you both...obviously a very caring a loving son.  We are so very sorry for your loss and hope fond memories of 
all the good times with him will bring
you peace.

Andy and Margot,

I just found out about this today. I can't find words to express how sorry I am for your loss. Mark was such a creative spirit and a wonderful son. He lives on in his artwork.

Rochelle Blair

Mark o Mark how we miss you, there not a day that goes by that i dont think of the great projects we worked on together...The days are getting shorter and the time with out you longer, but i will never forget looking for you in pioneer  Square..
Keep a eye on us here, and forever keep us safe till we meet again
Pb

Mark, you left suddenly and your memory will live with us forever.  You were a humble gentleman we loved and enjoyed for too short a time. There was nothing you couldn't do and did it with a generous heart.  Your humor, oh my god, steady and oh so spontaneous.  
We considered you as one of our closest friends. Jess will always remember his sailors breakfasts with you, sitting on the green board watching the alley go by, always ready to thank dog people for their generous dog poop deposit in our dumpster.
You could fix anything at the co-op and we are so sad we will no longer have your wisdom and knowledge to depend on.
Your artistic talent and museum quality work on our vintage building will live on for many years. As will all the special names you dearly gifted us with.
We miss you so much! 
Fondly,
The Louster and The Jester

M2 HAIKU

Glassy moon in sky
Shattered in pond by raindrops
Now: recollection

We thought of Mark as a Renaissance man.  He was a brilliant artist, an amazing cook and a beloved friend. 

Mark created beautiful pieces of art. He was able to express himself in different mediums, in glass, metal, plastic, paper and other materials he created, for projects both large and small. He was constantly challenging himself and as an artist he was unafraid to take risks.  His works were beautiful to the eye and moved the soul.  His pieces in our home will be a wonderful reminder of Mark.

Mark was as creative in the kitchen as he was in the art studio.  His preparation of seared ahi tuna was our family favorite, and we looked forward to it during the holidays.  He had an innate sense of what flavors of foods and spices in combination would make a scrumptious dish.

When our children were young, Mark was often the “go to person” for school projects.  Whether it was math, science, literature or art, Mark had all the answers.  One assignment in particular was a physics project in which he helped our son build a water wheel from a bike tire to produce a form of energy.  Thanks to Mark, our son got an “A”, and a better understanding of difficult concepts of physics.  To our kids, Mark was Einstein. 

Most importantly, Mark was a wonderful friend.  We all considered him a member of our family.  Mark had a clever sense of humor, a quick wit and it was just fun to be in his presence.  He was also kind and gentle, and a person who would do anything for you.  We are better people for having known him.  He will be missed.

Daniel L. Hannula
Rush, Hannula, Harkins & Kyler, LLP
4701 South 19th Street, Suite 300
Tacoma, WA  98405

Mark left beautiful little glass surprises in the Barbara Frietchie gardens when I was his neighbor on The Hill. I enjoyed his energy, generosity and kindness. I was saddened when I read about his untimely passing last night. Mark, welcome to your next adventure. I know you will grab it with full throttle! Many people will miss you.

Mark: 
You walked this earth wooing beauty out of thin air. Everything you touched - paper, metal, glass, canvas, willow - was transformed by your incomparable vision and high spirits. We will always miss your sweetness, saucy wit and generosity (and that hair!). You took life by the throat, yet coaxed the birds out of the sky with your gentleness, as well as the "bird mansion" (so much more than a birdhouse) that you built. 
Love from all your friends...
Miss you sweetheart, 
Sexy Boot

Mark and i worked on many projects together over the years..what a talented man!
We always knew we were well ahead of the design curve and enjoyed new ideas...and projects 
May you rest in peace.. and know i will miss your kindness !!
PB

OBITUARY

Mark Andrew Monson

March 9, 1957 – June 16, 2013

Sunset Hills Memorial Park & Funeral Home

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