In Memoriam: Mark Parsons

[Rob Beckers]

Yesterday I received the sad news that Mark Parsons (http://www.greenpowertalk.org/member.php?u=163) passed away on Friday, October 3rd, at the age of 49 years after having battled cancer for some time. More information about Mark and the memorial service can be found here (http://www.batterfuneralhome.com/schedule.asp?id=1147).

Mark was the quintessential do-it-yourself'er: If he had an idea, he would realize it. Always using an ingenious new way and readily available materials. The many postings on this forum attest to this; his coil-type paddle wheel water pump, various wind turbines, ram pump, and propeller water turbine. When I last met Mark in July at his off-grid cottage he was in poor shape due to chemotherapy, yet, we talked about all the plans he had, the things he was going to build, once he had conquered his cancer. His passion for green power was an extension of his professional life. Mark founded and ran a successful company in industrial automation. Besides his accomplishments Mark was also just a through-and-through nice guy. Always ready to help. Always friendly.

Our thoughts are with his family. Mark, we will miss you!

-RoB-

548

[Joe Blake]

The world will be much impoverished by his leaving it.

Joe

[Ric Murphy]

Rob,
Thanks for posting this news. I last seen Mark this past summer as well and he certainly didn't look well that day either. I noticed over the last few weeks he had not visited this forum which was so unusual. I wondered how he was doing but was afraid to ask. I first met Mark as a teenager....our wives worked together at a local factory. Even back then he was an electrical wizard (and a super nice guy!!). Over time we lost touch with each other until about 3 years ago when our paths crossed unexpectedly. It was quite coincidental that we were both getting into RE at the time so we had lot's of things to talk about and stayed in touch regularly. He had a very brilliant mind on a multitude of subjects. There just didn't seem to be anything he didn't know a hell of a lot about. Earlier this year we got together at his factory one Sunday (that was always his RE project day) and I was amazed at the complex manufacturing machinery they create for companies all over the world. Mark was also the one who brought this invaluable forum to my attention. I've been a regular visitor (and occasional poster) ever since!
Rest in peace dear friend.
Ric

[Paul Bailey]

My sincere condolences go to Mark's wife and family. I can relate to Marks visionary ideas and drive towards Energy independance. We had shared lots of ideas.,But Mark put them into motion. Although Mark and I had never met I considered him a friend. Thanks for the memories and God Bless.

Paul

[Mario De Castris]

Thanks Rob for bringing this sad news to our attention. I certainly enjoyed the visit I had with Mark and his wife during our 2005 International Renewable Energy Day. His ideas were truly those of a visionary with a purpose. His postings were interesting and informative. Our sincere condolences to his family. He will be missed.

Mario & Brenda

[Jeff Birkle]

I am deeply saddened by the news for Mark's passing.

The Green community is at a deep lose.

I have been away from Greenpower the last few months, but I had logged on today, to talk to Mark and see how his Propeller Water Turbine was working, since we both have Water projects on the go.

We had conversed on multiple occasions and discussed meeting and seeing each others Projects at his place then at mine. We planned to do this this fall, since his cottage is only an hour away from my cabin.



May His Spirit blow in the winds and His Soul float down a river.



Jeff

[Ralph Day]

Our deepest condolences to Mo and family. Mark will be missed here on the forum, but this will not touch the loss that his family, friends and close associates will feel.

Mark always amazed me with his varied interests, skills and abilities. What he imagined/envisioned, he could build and make work! If you look back on his posts and replies to other people's threads, you'll find reasoned arguments with never any condescention, if someone was new and inexperienced he would make them feel welcome and worthy of their contribution. That speaks volumes of Mark's character.

His participation in the International RE Tour was appreciated by all of us (I'm speaking for all of us). With more time, i'm sure his and Mo's cabin would have become a Mecca for us Renewable Energy types.

Peace be with you always Mark.

Ralph
Janet
Marco (he really liked Mark and Mo's itty bitty Yorkie)