Hello everyone. If you are all together, that means I am gone.

The one and only positive thing about dying this way is that it gives you time to reflect and say what you want and need to say to those who have meant so much to you. Many people don’t have that opportunity, and I feel grateful that I do.

To my work colleagues and friends, thank you for the many years of both professional and personal support you have given me. I couldn’t have done those 30 years without you. My relationships with you were invaluable to me. They made me a better engineer, a better leader, and a better person. And the happy hours weren’t too shabby either!

To my personal friends, you are not just friends, but my extended family. I can’t tell you how much it means to me and Wendi to have this amazing circle of friends that we have in all of you. I am so grateful for the many years of having you as family. I take great comfort in knowing that Wendi’s girlfriends will be there to support her as she moves forward without me. To all my brothers, I can’t begin to describe the great times we all had. I have cherished every minute. But I still wonder which one of you cheaters will take over my fantasy team.

To my extended family in Gig Harbor and Berlin, fate was kind and brought us together in a hybrid, Brady Bunch kind of way. Thank you all for welcoming Wendi, Josh and me into your family. We had so many wonderful times together, and I love you all for that. Mary, you have been a constant inspiration to me. I thoroughly enjoyed our conversations on Orcas Island, and I learned so many things from your wisdom and insight. I love you very much.

To my parents, Warren and Vera, I love you both dearly. Thank you for choosing me to be your son.

To my beautiful baby boy Joshua, I am so incredibly proud of the man you have become. You are an amazing person, father, husband and son. I couldn’t have even imagined you would become a better man than you are right now. Please continue to do what you are doing, son, take care of your family, your mom and yourself.

To Caitlyn, I am so happy you are part of our family. Your ability to light up the room, and honestly, just make the world a better place is second to none. I love you for that.

To my sweet Stella, my one regret is that I won’t be here to watch you grow up. With the love and support of your Mom, Dad, Nanna, Papa and Grandma you will grow into a beautiful, intelligent and determined young woman ready to take the world by storm. I know without a doubt that you will “Do Good” as your great grandfather would say.

To my wife and best friend of 44 years, although we have said our goodbyes, I just want to express the appreciation and admiration I have had for you these last few years. You were caregiver, nurse, and even Dr. Wendi. You educated yourself on everything, kept all the doctors on the same page and took meticulous care of me. I couldn’t have had a better advocate. I love you very, very much. And one more thing – don’t ever forget your Grateful List because the sun will come out tomorrow.

I love you all, and I am so very grateful to have had the opportunity to know each and every one of you. Thank you for being a part of this amazing life I have had.

Well, folks, that’s all I’ve got. It’s been a hell of a life. I want to leave you with two requests:
– Be kind to each other
– And as my father-in-law always said – “Do Good”.

Mark