Throughout my life I've always been looking for a male role model that I could look up to. At first it was my father because what kid doesn't look up to their parents when they are young however after my parents got divorced My Father and I drifted apart. So my search for a role model began there, it transitioned to my cousin Matt because at the time Matt was basically kid like me in an older body and of course I would gravitate towards someone who was older but still acted like a goofball. Then it moved on to my brother while in middle school as I would jokingly say that he was my role model because he showed me what not to do in high school. (Love you Dave). Throughout highschool and college it would shift from cousin to cousin whether it would be Ray, Bobby, Jeff, Mike and so on. Never really settling on one person that felt right to me. Then it dawned on me as Mark was first diagnosed with cancer that it was staring me in the face all this time. How much of an idiot I was to never see it in when it was right there, Mark was and is my role model. He is the man that at a drop of a hat would help anyone he considered family, even a crazy Italian family that probably gave him a headache or two at times. He was always willing to listen and take time out of his day to explain things to you in a slow eloquent way so you would understand (even though it took me a few times to fully comprehend everything). So yes, Mark is my role model, I hope I will be half the man he was to all of us. I want to have the kindness in my heart to help a family member when they are struggling in a hard time. I want to have the patience to listen and understand someone when they come to you explaining the difficulties and stress they are dealing with. I want to be so knowledgeable about something that I can talk for hours after someone asks just one simple question. With Mark you sit down and ask him, for example, what is the best way to structure your Resume and an hour and a half later and he was still answering that one question. It makes me laugh just thinking about how my mom would tease him later on that we were only about to ask him a simple question so don't keep them on the phone all day. Especially when I was in college, I would call my mom so I could ask Mark a question and we, well mostly Mark, would talk for an hour and I would be too tired from all the information that was thrown at me to have a conversation with my Mom. I want to be like Mark in so many ways, because he was such a great man, husband and father. He had so many great qualities that I wish I had and I hope to gain in the future. Like darnit I want to know how he was able to be so intimidating without even trying, he just was to everybody who didn't know him closely. We are gathered here today to not mourn the loss of Mark, but to celebrate his life. Mark was such a special person in all of our lives, he was a gift to all of us. In life he gave us the gift of him just being himself and being a fantastic person to all of us. Even in death he also gave us all a gift, he gave us a goal to strive towards, he gave us a goal to be the best person we can be. I know that going forward no matter where I will be I will always try to make him proud, and be as good of a person as he was. Thank you all for being here, now let's go do what Mark would want...relax and drink!

The truly remarkable thing about Mark was how generous he was helping others.  He was always there to provide wisdom and guidance. Mark was also generous to those he accepted into his life.  When he married my sister, he not only gained a  wife and two stepsons, he also welcomed my mother into his life.  When that happened, he was entrusted with the care of a very precious loved one.  In this regard, Mark once again showed his remarkable generosity.  He treated her with love, kindness and respect.  We are genuinely indebted to him for that.  We will never forget you.  Love Ron, Jacqueline, Alex, and Julliette

Mark became my uncle 13 years ago.  Now, I am apart of a Large, Loud, Italian family, So I am sure that family events took awhile for Mark to get used too.  He was always quietly watching all our craziness waiting for a moment of quiet to make a clever remark. It is so hard to remember every moment or every conversation we ever had together (mostly due to the fact of my crazy hyper children who would constantly interrupt by causing havoc) but it is easy to remember how you felt around him:  calm, peaceful, supported, listened to, accepted, loved.  He brought many special things to our family which we hold close to our hearts.

Deanna, my cousin shared this:  one of my favorite memories of Mark was the Christmas dinners him and aunt denise hosted when they lived in mullica hill.  These evenings were filled with laughter, love and of course food.  Lots and Lots of food.Anyway, only Mark could get this Italian-American family, whose food and traditions are important and unwavering, to eat buffalo, antelope, and Kangaroo on Christmas.  He was a Brave, Brave Man.  This was also a favorite of mine.

Mark's love for his wife and children were inspiring and I hope everyone can be apart of that type of undying love in their lives.

My cousin Jules shared this:  whenever aunt denise and I had girls nights, uncle mark would come out from the office and check on us, crack a joke and then go back to his office to continue working hard.  I would always look back at aunt denise and she'd just be sitting there smiling and I'd think to myself I can only hope to have that same kind of loving relationship someday.

Over the past few weeks, I have spoken to many of my family members about Mark and their favorite thing about him and one theme resonated with us all: LOVE. The love he had for my aunt and the love she had for him.  A pure love that radiated from them filling whatever space they were in.  And also the love he had  for all their children which you can see helped them become the men they are today.

Mark is in paradise now with our savior, leaving us with a sadness in our lives but all I have to do is think of his smile, the family holidays spent together, or the way he loved our family to feel his presence and love.  So I challenge us all to live every moment to its fullest and fill everyday with LOVE.  This is the legacy that Mark's life left on us all.  From today on, let's all share his legacy with everyone we meet spreading hope, faith, and love just like he did.

Silently smiling, watching from afar,
observing, studying...
Never judging or presuming.
Dedicated, devoted, disciplined
Always there to offer a few wise words, pleasant conversation
or a caring opinion.
Believing in you, more than you believed in yourself.
That simple vote of confidence,
I can't tell you what its worth.
His ability to see your skills, your gifts.
Still lying beneath the surface.
Coaxing them out, slowly, and carefully.
Believing in you, willing you and pushing you to be the best you can be.
Instilling hard work, consistent work, careful work.
Still serious, meticulous.  Open generous, kind.
His loving spirit was easily seen, felt, heard.
In his pleasant company, and his gentle words...
In his little chuckle and knowing smirk.
Feeling a small sense of accomplishment by making him laugh.
Always teaching, yet sill learning.
Always communicating, yet still listening.
Never giving up...on anything until he had nothing left to give.
He fought the good fight,
fought for it all - 
His love, his sons, his life.
Until the fight was no longer in his hands.
The Good Lord rang the bell and gently removed his gloves...
He sank down into his corner,
Surrounded by his dear family and friends
who fought along side of him- praying, cheering urging him on until the very end.
Hearts are broken...
People are empty and lost without him.
But, he is still here - 
just whole again, healthy again and without fear. 
For 60 amazing years he graced us all with his presence -

Accomplishing so much, gaining so much, giving so much-

Of his mind, of his heart, of his home, of himself.

His greatness is felt everywhere-

In his tremendous love for his wife, in his great pride in his sons,

in his great love for this world.

Selfless, hopeful, positive.

His huge heart and gentle spirit surrounds us all...

Silently smiling, watching from afar.

Mark was a very rare man; a humble and gracious guy who never lorded his brains or success over the rest of us. Anyone in his presence knew he was an anchored guy, steady and sure, with graciousness to match. I watched him listen to foolishness without discarding anyone as a fool. I saw his calm repose when circumstances would dictate chaos. And I marveled at his strength while battling the illness that he did indeed beat. His legacy is found in the fact that the people who knew him best (his family) have the only the best things to say about him. A tear stained kiss goodbye is all I have to offer such a model man.                                    Rinda Mizelle

Denise, my heart goes out to you. Mark was one of the first people I met at Accenture and was one of my favorite people.  He was smart, determined, fair and empathetic - and just a joy to work with (I still remember my first performance review w Mark).  I learned so much from him.  All my best to you and your family.

Mark will always be apart of me and my life.  His wisdom and friendship is timeless on both heaven and earth.  His humor and smile is one of light and love, a gentle soul whose presence will be with all who knew him and loved him as he leaves a eternal impact on our lives and a permanent impression on our souls. 

I am blessed and grateful to have Mark as a part of me and my life.  His friendship and brotherhood is a gift that is hard to put into words although for those who know him, you understand this better than I can explain here. His council and advice is a small inner voice that many of us know and love with a hint of humor within asking us great questions and helping / guiding us to a better place while enabling to believe we did it all on our own.  

Mark is a gift of life and passion for life and love.  I know and believe his relationship with his soul mate Denise is one of a timeless nature and one that will endure until it is her time to join him in paradise or heaven on earth.  

His passion comes much to early for us all and a lose in his earthly form to humanity.  He is a light that will burn bright in the heavens and continue to guide us either that internal coach he always serves as or as the eternal force in our lives shaping and guiding us from beyond this world we call humanity.  

I love Mark as a friend and brother.  A man of courage and grounding.  A friend whom I trust unconditionally now and always.  

Mark may you find comfort and know that the impression and love you created for so many of us will be paid forward many times over in memory and in love with and for you!

Mark was a very special man.  He was not only intelligent, handsome, and wise but also had one of the kindest hearts.  Mark became my uncle almost 13 years ago and not a holiday, birthday party, or family celebration will go by where his presence will not be missed.  

I am apart of a Large, Loud, Italian family, so I am sure that family events took awhile for Mark to get used too.  He was always quietly watching all our craziness waiting for a moment of quiet to make a clever remark.  He brought many special things to our family which we hold close to our hearts.  His love for his wife and children were inspiring and I hope that everyone can be apart of that type of undying love.  Mark is in paradise with our savior now, leaving us with a sadness in our lives but all I have to do is think of his smile, the family holidays spent together, or the way he loved our family to feel his presence and love.

Dear Denise,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. May you be comforted by the outpouring of love surrounding you.
Kindest regards,

Dear Denise, I am so sorry for your loss. You and your family are in my prayers. May God give you peace. 
Warm Regards, Kathy Snead

Dear Denise,

It's impossible to say how saddened we were to learn of Mark's death. He was a treasured friend and I will miss him. I am grateful for the friendship we had for over 25 years and for the opportunity to spend time with both of you.  You were obviously the center of his world.

Our sincere condolences to you, Alex, Adam and David. 

Fondly,

Kent and Jo

Denise, my sincere condolences to you and your family on the loss of Mark.  So sorry you have to endure this kind of loss.  May all your heartfelt memories help you get through this very difficult time. I am here for you as are all your GBYWS family.  You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

Denise,
My sincere and heartfelt sympathy to you and your family.
I'm so very sorry you have this loss.
Kind Regards,
Lenore Sabala

Mark was a gentle man with a wonderfully witty sense of humor.    He will be deeply missed and remembered fondly.  Here is one of my memories of Mark that makes me smile.  I hope it does the same for you.  

***Mark and Aunt Denise hosted Christmas dinner every year when they lived in Mullica Hill.  These evenings were filled with laughter, love, and of course food.  Lots and lots of food.  Anyway, only Mark could get this Italian-American family, whose food and traditions are important and unwavering, to eat buffalo, antelope, and kangaroo on Christmas.   Brave, brave man.***

Remember the good times because there were many.
Love you all.

Denise, I was so saddened to hear of Mark's passing.  He certainly was a big influence in my professional life and someone I enjoyed knowing personally as well.  I have many fond memories of you and Mark from our days in Wilmington.  I am praying for you and your family during this difficult time.

Dear Denise and family, please accept our condolences upon the loss of Mark.
He was a great man, a good friend and neighbor.  He will be deeply missed and  we were truly blessed to have known him.  May God give you peace.
Love, Bob and Janice

There are few people we've had the good fortune to come across that embody the humble greatness and elegance that only comes from years of craft and contribution. Mark was such a man - his legacy continues to inspire.  Deepest sympathies, prayers and love to his family.

I am sorry to hear that Mark is deceased. I met him in Kansas City on a trading course where he was very good company. Sincere condolences.

Mark was such a gracious and kind man. I count myself blessed to have worked with him while he taught at VTI. Sending you all love, love, and more love from North Carolina.

Dearest Denise & all of Mark's family,
We are so heart broken and so very sorry for Mark's passing. There are no words. He was our best friend as you know and changed our lives in a very significant way when he hired Michael, site unseen, to Accenture. 
Over the years we have enjoyed such a special friendship with Mark and he will be terribly missed!
No one can imagine your pain and we would do anything to roll back the clock. We will honor Mark by remembering all the good times we shared and all the special things that made Mark, Mark. :)
Our sincerest condolences to you, Alex, David, Adam, Annie, Marvin, Barbara, Michelle & Michael and all of the extended family. 
We pray for peace and blessings to be with you as you go through this very sad time. We love you and we'll always love & cherish Mark! 
He was a great man!
Love Always,
Michael & Debbie Collins

OBITUARY

Mark Alan McDowell

September 17, 1956 – December 18, 2016

Serenity Funeral Home

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