A TRIBUTE TO MARK

December 28, 2008

 

Published in the New York Times on 12/21/2008:

ESTILL–Mark. On Tuesday, December 16th, 2008, the world lost an incredible man in Mark Thomas Estill, 54. His new rock star wife, Beth, held his hand and his gaze in his house in Moncure, North Carolina as he passed away. He had been diagnosed with lung cancer four weeks prior. Mark, of course, never smoked. His brothers Jim, Glen and Lyle are planning the next “Brothers Weekend” (a concept which Mark had created), in his honor. His mother Ann and his father Don joined us all, and they miss him very much. It comes as no surprise to the legions of nieces and nephews he loved and brought to multiple hockey games that the Hurricanes beat the Canadiens later that evening, and no doubt Mark would see that as “Beautiful”. The family is having a private affair, but we cordially invite the community to paint the town Hurricane Red on December 28th at Mark’s biodiesel plant on the edge of town. Mark hated flowers, and the family would appreciate those so inclined to donate in his name to Girls Rock North Carolina, a foundation whose goal is to empower young women through music (www.girlsrocknc.org) and the Abundance Foundation, which is focused on local food, renewable energy, and community (theabundancefoundation. org).

 

A GRAY DAY

 

The sky was gray the day Mark died.   In fact, the majority of the days between December 16 and December 28th were gray.  Conventional wisdom says that gray days are to be expected in winter, but there were some who felt as if the weather was helping us mourn our departed  friend.

For the tribute, Lyle's father-in-law brought his large tent and set it up at Piedmont Biofuels.  Many well wishers arrived from far and near, at least two of whom drove down from Canada for the service.  The Reverend Gary Phillips took the stage with a short ceremony which brought tears to many of our eyes.  A large flock of vultures circled high in the gray sky as people took the stage in turns to offer tribute to Mark with stories, poems and prayers. 

 

A FEW OF THE MANY 

   

Among the many people attending Mark's Tribute were Randy, the mayor, and his wife Lesley, Mary Beth, Dana, Bob and Camille.  Mary Beth and Dana were using their hands to simulate the circling motion of the vultures overhead.

 

CHERISH THOSE YOU LOVE

  

When tragedy strikes, we are reminded to cherish those we love.  Mary Beth and Caleb illustrate this point handily in these two photos.  Click on the pictures to view a larger file.

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