To share your memories with us, please e-mail us or return to Mark's home page and complete the form to submit a memory. You can also mail your memories to his mother at P.O. Box 1001, Vancouver, WA 98666. These pages are very much under construction and we will be adding more information and photographs so please visit often. Again, thank you for visiting.
Mark and I had been friends for as long as I can remember. Since being Lincoln Loggers to Shumway Trojans, on to Hudson's Bay Eagles, and lastly as Clark College Penguins together, I can proudly call Mark a friend and someone who could always put a smile on my face, and bring a smile easily to those around him.
To put together all of my memories of Mark and all that we shared could easily fill this book. Therefore, I would rather tell you how I remember Mark.
Mark Bowman (later who liked to be called Marcus) was an easygoing person who God had given many natural gifts. Among those included music, drama, listening, and sharing. Mark was one of those people who was always there to listen to you; regardless if he had other commitments at the time or not. Mark enjoyed sharing; he liked sharing about his past relationships, current relationships (especially if they were going well), and always shared his value and gift of a sense of humor. He loved to laugh and loved to make others laugh! This was apparent each time we were together. Mark's warming smile could brighten up a 'down' day, and I remember Mark as always giving a smile wherever and whenever he could.
The last time I spoke with and saw Mark was this last Christmas when Meghan, him and I went to the Montage in Portland. The Montage is a place where they wrap up your 'left-over' food in different shapes, such as a crane, a seahorse, etc. Mark had told me to order the macaroni and cheese and then together we got an oyster shooter (which the Montage is known for). That evening we laughed and talked for numerous hours! It was truly a good time.
Mark Bowman will not be forgotten easily from the minds of those who loved him and knew him well. He was intelligent, attractive, and an all-around generous and caring individual. From Heaven above, I can see him giving us all a warm smile, in support that our day will be filled with laughter and sunshine.
Memorial letter by: Angela B.
The last time I saw Marcus, the two of us spent the evening sitting on the floor of my apartment drinking flat soda and eating left over pasta out of a tinfoil swan. We had planned to cook together that evening and Mark had brought some fancy rice in a bag, but it was late when I got off work, and I had forgotten to defrost the chicken. When Angie arrived, the three of us got into my car and headed to the Montage, (a trendy restaurant in Portland where you are seated with other diners, and served by waiters and waitresses with multiple body piercings) it was a beautiful winter evening and I remember Mark entertaining Angie and I with stories while we stood outside waiting for our table. We were eventually seated next to two women and a man. Mark was quick to start up a conversation, and soon had the entire table ordering oyster shooters, and had somehow even charmed me into tasting his cajun frog legs.
Mark and I met our sophomore year of high school. We sat next to each other in Honors English. I bonded with Mark quickly. I enjoyed his sense of humor and laid back attitude. He was quick to draw me out of my shell and was one of the few people who was able to see past my partially shaven head and tie-dyed long johns.
I remember one morning we were sitting in class listening to Mrs. Wright read, when I noticed an ant on my desk. I have never been fond of insects and was not pleased when I noticed another ant crawling down the side of my chair. With in a matter of minutes Marcus and his two cohorts (Mark and Kevin A.) had convinced me these ants were falling from the ceiling and had not only infested my desk and chair, but my hair as well. This provided the three of them with much comic relief when I shook my head furiously and announced to Mrs. Wright that an exterminator was needed.
Mark and I also took drama classes together at Bay. He had a real passion for theater, and it showed in his work. That is the only time I can remember seeing Mark so serious about what he was doing. I remember many times during our high school English career when we would sit together in the hallway, 10 minutes before class, trying to cram together a five-page paper we had been given four weeks to work on. But theater was different for Marcus, it was very important to him. It was a time for his spirit to really come alive. He had a real talent, and was never afraid to take the risk of showing his emotions on stage. I admired him for that.
Marcus and I also spent time together at Clark College. He had an astronomy class at the same time that Steve J. and I were taking a science course. Steve and my classroom was in the science wing. The room had tall windows up towards the ceiling, and I can remember Marcus walking by outside and jumping up to show his face in each of the windows. The three of us would try and meet in the evenings at break, or after class, to talk and just discuss the basics of what was happening in our lives. Many times we would end up heading for the Shari's by the Expo Center to eat ice cream and drink coffee. I would usually end up taking Marcus home in my Volkswagen Bug. He would always have to duck his head, and would laugh about having to sit with his knees practically touching his chest. I can remember a couple of times when we spent hours in the parking lot, just talking. Marcus had a way of making people feel very comfortable around him.
When Mark was living at the Crestwood Apartments I would sometimes stop by on a break from classes and visit him. Sometimes he would play music for me, other times we would attempt to cook in his tiny kitchen, or on special occasions he would spend time amusing me with his impression of Al Bundy from the TV show, Married with Children.
No matter where Mark was living, or who he was living or involved with, he always had time for his friends. He was always there to listen when I needed to talk, or just needed a friendly smile. Mark gave the most wonderful hugs. It was like he was sending positive energy straight into my heart.
After I left Clark there would be long periods of time between seeing each other, but Marcus and I were the type of friends who could just pick up where we left off, even if six months had gone by. I loved Mark, he was and still is, a very special person. His laughter and kind spirit will always be embraced in my mind.
Meghan D.
I remember Marcus when we were in Herr Lietner's German class together with our mutual friend Dale K. We always sat next to each other and became involved in the German Club when Frau Holvig traveled from Dusseldorf, Germany to spend a semester with us. It was around this same time when Marcus decided to crash the senior party as a junior. We (Dale and I) were traveling on SR-500 on the way to the airport when we realized that the car next to us had Marcus in it. We pulled off the road and heard of his adventures the night before. What a guy! He had guts!
We spent much time playing bass in both the orchestra at Hudson's Bay and Clark College. We became good friends and found that we had much in common. He was a man of vision, with countless dreams and aspirations. He made me feel that those dreams that I had could also be achieved. No dream was too big for him. It was nice to see Marcus join the Act III team at Vancouver Plaza where I worked with him as projectionist. He quickly learned how to manage his time between the 10 projectors and was a character to be admired.
I remember July 4th, 1994, when we all spent the evening gazing at the stars from the theatre parking lot. There must have been at least 20 of us there that night. Marcus and I also worked at HP together. The more that I go through and think of the time we spent together, the more I realize that we had so much time spent together. The last I saw Marcus was back in March of 1995. He was very generous in volunteering for a project that I was attempting to accomplish. It was called VISION and, in at least my eyes, it made Marcus a star. He was a motivated individual with a heart of gold. I was only contacted just last night (04/10) of the situation. I immediately e-mailed Dale in Savannah, GA and we set a date for a private wake. Just a few hours ago we held a toast to a great man and his achievements. Dale toasted in Savannah at 11 pm Eastern as my friend Ryan and I celebrated here at 8 pm. Marcus will not soon be forgotten.
. . . .As I told Dale last night, he is one of the only men I ever knew that was truly genuine...and honest person with no false motives...ever.
Anton
Marcus and I used to play pool together. We always had such fun, just talking with a light-hearted, easy banter and making up stories about the lives of the strangers the lives of the people around us. Whenever someone would wander up from the bar and interrupt our games and ask one of us out, we would pretend to be together-We'd just put on the wildest "characters" we could believeable assume and then we'd just roll with laughter when the unsuspecting "suitor" would wander away in total confusion. Marcus and I had a lot in common,with both of us having been a part of the modeling and acting worlds-We'd talk about the plays we'd done, and the shoots we'd been part of, and all the strange things that happened during them. At one time, we had hoped to do a photo shoot together..I miss him. He was a wonderful talker, and a great listener-and I am glad to have counted him as one of my friends.
Trish
I remember Marcus' faux-shyness most. He would often sort of blush when you first spoke with him, smile sheepishly, gather his thoughts, then launch formidably into a wry observation or witty remark. Just then you'd recognize his warm sense of humor and his intelligence. He tried to be coy, but his smile would always give him away.
I have fond memories of talking with Marcus. He always cheered me up, always made me laugh. I knew him just enough to know I liked him, and though our paths didn't cross much, when they did I counted him another good soul I had met.
--Michael A.
To my dear friend Marcus:
My first feelings about your departure were that of disbelief, then sorrow. We didn't have much time to just sit and talk. We were all so busy with our individual endeavors and pursuits.
I refuse to believe that the music and laughter have been silenced forever. My memories and thoughts of you will always bring a smile to my face, laughter to my soul, and put a song in my heart.
I will always cherish the short time I had to get to know you. You have touched my life in such a positive way and you have made me realize just how precious life is. The reasons for wanting you here are all selfish. I know GOD will enjoy your company and a good laugh.
Rest peacefully my friend.
Thank-you for the opportunity to be your friend.
Danielle
I had the luck to work with Marcus at Hewlett Packard. I always Remember him goofing around making everyone laugh and just having me in stitches. When I learned of his death, from someone at work, I was really saddened to think this highly talented individual will never grace us again with his presence.
His death touched me in more ways than one can imagine, it certainly made me consider alternatives in my life and the need to discuss problems and not hide them within myself .
Michael
Mark and I worked together at Act III’s Vancouver 10-Plex. And as all of you other fellow former employee’s that worked with us can remember, the job wasn’t always an easy one.
During an average weekend shift, one could expect to distribute hundreds of tubs of ‘buttered’ popcorn and sodas to cranky customers complaining of the outrageous prices. In addition, there was always a theater auditorium to be cleaned.
I recall checking the schedule of when I was to work and being relieved to notice that Mark had gotten the same shift. He always made the day go by. He’d fill the monotonous days with hilarious one-liners, imitations of ‘clueless’ customers and upon occasion, a series of back flips through the center of the lobby. He’s on the edge, the kook!
I’m sad that Mark has passed on. I’m thankful that I had an opportunity to know him. He’s taught me that nothing in life is too serious that it can’t be accompanied by fun and friends. I can more easily understand the lighter side of things. My life is a better one, as a result.
Ben
I know of no one who ever met Mark who didn't love him. He was truly a wonderful person and his smile will always be with us. There are those in this world that will be missed more than others when they're gone. Mark was one of those.
Wade and Bryn
Throughout the years, I have always considered Mark a friend whose intelligence, honesty and sense of humor I have admired. From my early childhood through our years at Clark College, I thoroughly enjoyed growing up with him; I feel grateful to have been given the opportunity to know him. He will be greatly missed and always remembered.
Kenneth
I remember in drama class when Mark had a broken leg he sat in a chair and said "Oh, Angie, my leg hurts do you think you could give me a back rub?" I said "Of course but it will cost you." He laughed. Also there is this video the class made for me when I was very sick. Mark was wearing my wig.
He was always concerned that everybody was happy and if we were not we would be by the end of the day. Mark is missed and loved very much.
Angie K.
3/30/99
Dearest Mark,
There isn't a day that goes by that I don't think about you. I miss you with all my heart. If ever there was a person that inspired me, it was you, with your gentle kind heart, never harsh or cruel words passed your lips.
I will never forget our good times, going to Saturday Market, buying your leather jacket, going to the movies... your birthday party at Marshall Pool. And the night you looked so handsome, our Junior Prom.. then again I made sure to tell you how handsome you were every time I saw you.. and you knew it too =) I used to come to Safeway just to visit you at work, I knew you would always have a smile for me.
I think about all our good memories, and I am at a loss of why you left us. I will never forget our long late night talks on the stairs of the Crestwood Club Apartments... we didn't know it at the time, but we both got apartments just a few doors from each other. All of my memories too many to name are all fond and happy memories. That is all you ever gave anyone was happiness. I will never forget the day I brought my newborn son over to meet you.. your joyous reply was, "Hey, Mom my prom date went and had a baby." Oh you always made me laugh. The last time I saw you we exchanged phone numbers and to this day I still have your number on my fridge.
Mark, I have a little girl you never met. Her name is Madeline, and she is now a year old. I wish so much she could have met the person that brought so many wonderful memories to my life. But in my heart I know you are looking down from heaven and saying, "Good job, Molly, your babies are beautiful" as you always did. I still don't know why you went away, but I feel you in my heart and know that you're not very far. I miss you and I will always love you.
Molly