Toggle sidebar

Celebration Of Life Yesterday (PSU and OSU related)

LionsAndBears

LionsAndBears

Well-known member
Oct 13, 2021
1,742
3,033
113
On 11/29 a coworker, friend and brother in Christ passed away from Cancer. Yesterday was his Viewing/Celebration Of Life. It was a fantastic showing of how loved and respected he was. There were no empty seats with many standing and another overflow room. The pastor shared his story and opened the floor for others to share. Immediately I felt pressed to say something but I was nervous. Many people shared and I knew it was now or never. Turns out I would be the last to share. Here's what I shared...

I've worked with Mark for 11 years at the jail. If you talk to me for any period of time you'll come to know very quickly that I love all things Penn State. Mark on the other hand, as we've all heard today, was a man who loved God, Family and yes Ohio State(his picture at the viewing was of him wearing a Buckeye jersey). Over the years we would have good natured banter about my love for Penn State and his for Ohio State. Everytime I saw him I would say...WE ARE and he would reply O-H. Except the last time we saw each other. This time when I hit him with a WE ARE, he replied PENN STATE. This was our last face to face interaction. So out of respect for the man that Mark was, I am going to do something I assure you I have never done before and will never do again.

At that moment I made the O-H with my hands and said O-H....the crowd loudly responded I-O. I then left the stage.

Well done Mark. See you again Sir!

EOW 11/29/22
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: STPGopherfan, psuno1, UncleRoyBiggins and 20 others
D

DaytonRickster

Well-known member
Oct 25, 2021
849
969
93
LionsAndBears said:
On 11/29 a coworker, friend and brother in Christ passed away from Cancer. Yesterday was his Viewing/Celebration Of Life. It was a fantastic showing of how loved and respected he was. There were no empty seats with many standing and another overflow room. The pastor shared his story and opened the floor for others to share. Immediately I felt pressed to say something but I was nervous. Many people shared and I knew it was now or never. Turns out I would be the last to share. Here's what I shared...

I've worked with Mark for 11 years at the jail. If you talk to me for any period of time you'll come to know very quickly that I love all things Penn State. Mark on the other hand, as we've all heard today, was a man who loved God, Family and yes Ohio State(his picture at the viewing was of him wearing a Buckeye jersey). Over the years we would have good natured banter about my love for Penn State and his for Ohio State. Everytime I saw him I would say...WE ARE and he would reply O-H. Except the last time we saw each other. This time when I hit him with a WE ARE, he replied PENN STATE. This was our last face to face interaction. So out of respect for the man that Mark was, I am going to do something I assure you I have never done before and will never do again.

At that moment I made the O-H with my hands and said O-H....the crowd loudly responded I-O. I then left the stage.

Well done Mark. See you again Sir!

EOW 11/29/22
Click to expand...
I have a similar story of a brother in Christ friend of mine in Ohio. He also passed after a battle with cancer. I was visiting him in his home the day before his passing (he was very close to passing). He was unable to speak but could acknowledge people's presence. I am involved with the music program @ church and his wife informed me that day Cliff wanted me to lead the attendees @ the church funeral in a specific song. Cliff and I shook on it and I said I was humbled and honored that he requested I do so. To honor my friend that day, I explained to the very large crowd in attendance about Cliff's request, and though I am a life long PSU fan, that day I was wearing a Grey suit and scarlet tie to honor Cliff's favorite team, OSU.
 
  • Like
  • Love
Reactions: nittanyfan333, OhioLion, Buckeye North of the Border and 4 others
LionsAndBears

LionsAndBears

Well-known member
Oct 13, 2021
1,742
3,033
113
DaytonRickster said:
I have a similar story of a brother in Christ friend of mine in Ohio. He also passed after a battle with cancer. I was visiting him in his home the day before his passing (he was very close to passing). He was unable to speak but could acknowledge people's presence. I am involved with the music program @ church and his wife informed me that day Cliff wanted me to lead the attendees @ the church funeral in a specific song. Cliff and I shook on it and I said I was humbled and honored that he requested I do so. To honor my friend that day, I explained to the very large crowd in attendance about Cliff's request, and though I am a life long PSU fan, that day I was wearing a Grey suit and scarlet tie to honor Cliff's favorite team, OSU.
Click to expand...

Awesome! My friend was originally from Ohio. His brother was a PWO WR for OSU. The viewing was in Lebanon County which made it even more special when the crowd all responded with I-O. I assume a majority of us were Penn Staters but Mark was such a good man that we were all just brothers and sisters that day. The older I get the more I see the things that really matter in this world.
 
  • Like
Reactions: FrontierLion, Mrdibbs, DaytonRickster and 3 others
D

DaytonRickster

Well-known member
Oct 25, 2021
849
969
93
LionsAndBears said:
Awesome! My friend was originally from Ohio. His brother was a PWO WR for OSU. The viewing was in Lebanon County which made it even more special when the crowd all responded with I-O. I assume a majority of us were Penn Staters but Mark was such a good man that we were all just brothers and sisters that day. The older I get the more I see the things that really matter in this world.
Click to expand...
Yes!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Get unlimited access today.

Pick the right plan for you.

Already a member? Login
Top Bottom