Mark was a gifted person, and taken to soon from us. I remember one Christmas he told the story of Christmas in the Trenches and it deeply touched me.
When I think of what must have been Mark's last conversation, I think of the of what Gandalf said about death in LOTR--
MARK
I didn’t think it would end this way
GANDALF
(gently)
End? No, the journey doesn't end here.
Death is just another path, one that we all
must take. The grey rain curtain of this world rolls
back and all turns to silver glass .
and then you see it . . .
MARK
What, Gandalf? See what?
GANDALF
White shores ... And beyond . . . A far green
country under a swift sunrise.
MARK
(quiet)
Well, that isn't so bad.
GANDALF
(gently)
No . . . No, it isn't.
Mark has sailed from the Grey Havens, but we will remember him always.