Memorial for Mark Mitchell
It hurts my heart to share another tragic loss within the Class of ‘92. Mark Mitchell passed away this past Friday just a little after 12pm. He was home with his parents, surrounded by love.
I reconnected with Mark in 2017 while reaching out to classmates for our 25th reunion. We then hung out many times over the last several years, spending countless hours discussing life, friendship, and graciousness. As such, this memorial is especially personal to me.
Mark stood out among our classmates for many reasons. He was an unequivocal leader who aspired for greatness. During our high school years, Mark approached life with the tenacity & ferocity of one who had something to prove. The officiality by which Mark carried himself in the halls of Loyola would periodically mislead some to think he was faculty. It’s fair to say that Mark carried himself like an adult and yearned to be regarded as such.
He went on to become the Editor-in-Chief of both the yearbook (faculty head: Don Sprague) and school newspaper. He was also head of the service organization Insignis (faculty head: Daniel Coombs). These multiple leadership endeavors put Mark squarely in front of most activities at Loyola. He also had the unforgettable experience of joining Don Sprague and others on the Classics Tour (to Greece and other nearby countries, I believe).
As it happens, Mark’s idiosyncrasies were also front-and-center. In fact, he and I spoke often about this. As time passed, Mark became rather reflective. I feel Mark would be comfortable with me sharing such sentiments. My impressions were that Mark, in retrospect, wished he had struck a different chord during high school.
I don’t share this to bring up negativity. On the contrary, I think it’s appropriate to share that, as an adult, Mark was a full-hearted, fiercely loyal, incredibly kind, and deeply loving – one who would move heaven and earth for those with whom enjoyed a genuine friendship. He took his no-bullshit style from high school and transformed that into no-bullshit kindness, friendship, and sincerity. I thoroughly enjoyed my times with Mark. Our conversations were always authentic and contemplative. We spent countless hours discussing life in the most meaningful ways.
He truly was a man for others. He gave significant time to causes and participated on boards, such as the Archangel Trust here in Chicago. He was also active at OLPH as a volunteer CCD teacher, among other things.
Mark fell in love with an amazing woman who changed his life forever. Julie and her sweet son were the center of Mark’s universe for the few years they had together. Tragically, Julie passed away shortly before our 25th reunion. Her memory and the impact she had on Mark’s heart never faded, however.
When it comes to the large Mitchell family, Mark was exceptionally proud. He often spoke of his many talented and spirited cousins, including our very own Philip King. It was clear that Mark’s family provided a foundational core to his sense of identity. He was proud to be a Mitchell and was quick to praise & celebrate the many extensions of his family. And a worthy memorial about Mark must include his love for Notre Dame – a part of his journey that meant so much to him.
My heart aches for his dear mom, dad, and sister who are truly hurting right now. Honestly, I still can’t believe I’m writing this and that Mark is not here. I called Mark a couple times over the last few weeks and happened to get his voicemail. I had no idea he was on this kind of trajectory. The details of his passing have not yet been shared. As always, I kindly ask that you let that be for now.
Rest in peace, dear friend.
I reconnected with Mark in 2017 while reaching out to classmates for our 25th reunion. We then hung out many times over the last several years, spending countless hours discussing life, friendship, and graciousness. As such, this memorial is especially personal to me.
Mark stood out among our classmates for many reasons. He was an unequivocal leader who aspired for greatness. During our high school years, Mark approached life with the tenacity & ferocity of one who had something to prove. The officiality by which Mark carried himself in the halls of Loyola would periodically mislead some to think he was faculty. It’s fair to say that Mark carried himself like an adult and yearned to be regarded as such.
He went on to become the Editor-in-Chief of both the yearbook (faculty head: Don Sprague) and school newspaper. He was also head of the service organization Insignis (faculty head: Daniel Coombs). These multiple leadership endeavors put Mark squarely in front of most activities at Loyola. He also had the unforgettable experience of joining Don Sprague and others on the Classics Tour (to Greece and other nearby countries, I believe).
As it happens, Mark’s idiosyncrasies were also front-and-center. In fact, he and I spoke often about this. As time passed, Mark became rather reflective. I feel Mark would be comfortable with me sharing such sentiments. My impressions were that Mark, in retrospect, wished he had struck a different chord during high school.
I don’t share this to bring up negativity. On the contrary, I think it’s appropriate to share that, as an adult, Mark was a full-hearted, fiercely loyal, incredibly kind, and deeply loving – one who would move heaven and earth for those with whom enjoyed a genuine friendship. He took his no-bullshit style from high school and transformed that into no-bullshit kindness, friendship, and sincerity. I thoroughly enjoyed my times with Mark. Our conversations were always authentic and contemplative. We spent countless hours discussing life in the most meaningful ways.
He truly was a man for others. He gave significant time to causes and participated on boards, such as the Archangel Trust here in Chicago. He was also active at OLPH as a volunteer CCD teacher, among other things.
Mark fell in love with an amazing woman who changed his life forever. Julie and her sweet son were the center of Mark’s universe for the few years they had together. Tragically, Julie passed away shortly before our 25th reunion. Her memory and the impact she had on Mark’s heart never faded, however.
When it comes to the large Mitchell family, Mark was exceptionally proud. He often spoke of his many talented and spirited cousins, including our very own Philip King. It was clear that Mark’s family provided a foundational core to his sense of identity. He was proud to be a Mitchell and was quick to praise & celebrate the many extensions of his family. And a worthy memorial about Mark must include his love for Notre Dame – a part of his journey that meant so much to him.
My heart aches for his dear mom, dad, and sister who are truly hurting right now. Honestly, I still can’t believe I’m writing this and that Mark is not here. I called Mark a couple times over the last few weeks and happened to get his voicemail. I had no idea he was on this kind of trajectory. The details of his passing have not yet been shared. As always, I kindly ask that you let that be for now.
Rest in peace, dear friend.
