Post by roydavis on Aug 25, 2008 9:38:13 GMT -5
Unfortunately in today's world, childhood friends remaining close throughout adulthood is a rarity. These past few years within the wrestling shows only strengthened our friendship. Mark was a perfectionist at production. From a couple boys pretending to be Ric Flair and the Horsemen inside the fellowship hall at his father's church (simulating matches, promos, and sneak attacks on Dusty), the past couple of years working with Indy shows allowed Mark to fulfill many childhood dreams. However no matter his role (sound-guy, commentating matches, or GM of CWA), Mark never lost sight of what made wrestling special to its fans-the talented wrestlers. He always wanted to assist in any fashion to allow those talents to shine. Irregardless of whether it was Scott Steiner, Jake Manning, or the newest rookie to the CWA's roster, Mark remained "giddy" when he had the opportunity to meet and interact with that individual just like a child meeting his hero. He never failed to mention what awesome talents that each individual wrestler had to give the business. After the Statesville shows, he and my family would meet at the local McDonalds to grab a bite to eat and just talk. Those conversations were dominated by reflecting on the awesome card that CWA provided its fans that night or some new move displayed by the likes of Team Macktion or Joey Silvia. Yesterday, I held my two weeping sons (Michael and Hunter) as we bid farewell to one of my oldest and closest friends at the grave site. Other than the local Indy wrestling scene, Mark's name within the wrestling business will not be recognized. I just hope that those that did have the pleasure to know Mark were truly touched by him. After the graveside services, the family and friends talked with one another. During this time we paid our condolences to Mark's older sisters. As one bend down to thank my oldest son, Michael, for coming and how much Mark would have appreciated his presence, I watched as she raised up and no longer was the composed sister that had just attempted to thank a young child. Instead, she was a weeping sister. Later, I asked my son what he said to Mark's sister at the grave site. He simply told me, "Daddy, I just told her Mark was my best friend". Then I truly knew the degree of impact Mark had on not only me but my family as a whole. What more could a person wish for in a legacy than having a child open his heart and declare them his best friend. May God Bless you All.
