Today, after 59 years of love and laughter Marcus passed away at home, surrounded by the most amazing wife on the planet, Peggy, Wes, Alena, Mandy, Julie and Paul. As much as I've feared this day, it was peaceful as my dad was sent off to the cosmos to the tune of 'When the Music's Over' by The Doors, how fitting. The music is not over, it's just taken a different shape; one you'll see in the sunrises, one you'll hear in your favorite song, one you'll smell every spring, and one you'll see when you look in the mirror.
The benefits served as more than that in my dad's opinion and we will not be having a funeral. They bum us out anyway. We will hold a celebration of my dad's life sometime in the next few months, but as of now no date or place has been set. It'll likely be at the canyon this summer.
Our family wishes to express our appreciation and gratitude for all that you have done.
Here are a few photos I never got the chance to post from the Grand Canyon benefit.
We never die, we just change form.
Love,
Mandy
38 comments:
What a few days it has been. Marcus changed form in front of our eyes. Surrounded by the loving arms and hearts of family. It was an honor to be here.
As he said "time and space are partially open."
Love to all, even those I haven't met yet. I look forward to it.
xoxo,
Alena
We love you all, as we loved Marcus. Such a legacy he leaves in all of you. Such a testamonial you are, of who he was. What an impact he has made on this world! Sweet, sweet memories. . .
Paul and Tam
Dearest ones,
I can only send more love your way and as Marcus showed us there can never be too much love. You know Peggy I am hugging you....
Sue
Marcus affected me deeply. I think of him when I watch the sun rise.
My thoughts are with all of you tonight. We're alone on a hill, by a lake in Arkansas and have no way to call.
Denny just said, "Marcus is one of the most decent people I've ever known."
We love you.
Sharon and Denny
So Now: I ride -solo- through the backroads
So Now: I order buffalo wings and can't call you - to tell you how good they were
So Now: I raise a beer - but it's to your memory
So Now: I download the "Live" version of "When the Music's Over" and your not here to listen to it with me
So Now: The sun rises - and I can't share it with you
So Now: I catch a salmon - and I can't send you the picture
So Now: I miss your MoJo
So Now: I miss you so
FROM MARY:
As I sit here drinking a Heineken, in memory of Mark, with my husband, I find it hard to believe that Charlie will still be Charlie without Mark. That the Fuhrmans will still be who they are without him in their life. Then I remember Mark, and remember his smile and his laugh and I think of how I will see this everday when I am with Charlie or see Harry, Peter, Julie, Kurt and Emily. I know I will always see Mark's laugh in somone and remember he is always with each and every one of you. To Peggy, Mandy and Wes, Mark will always have a special place in my heart....He lives on through all of you. You hold a special gift, you have Mark in your heart.
Love, Mary.
Our thoughts,prayers and love go out to you all. God bless Marcus for the inspiration he was to so many. God bless you all...
Anne and Larry Blankenship.
Was in Webster City at the empty pink house earlier this afternoon and everywhere I looked I could see and feel Marcus. When I read Mandy's message, I understood why I could feel his presence so strongly there today. MANY many wonderful memories there in "our" pink palace:) Marcus impacted so many lives and I feel blessed and honored that my kids and I were just a few of those. You are in our hearts tonight. Much love to you all.
LeeAnn Weaver
My heart is with you all..
his legacy of his love of life
will live on forever...
his fetching smile..
his infectious laugh..
his memory..
lives on in all of you..
I love you and miss you, Marcus.
That you've gone to a place of peace and no pain, for that, I am grateful. I feel so, so sad, but like Marcus said: "I'm about to embark on a strange journey." We can't live unless we also die.
Thank you for showing me how to get out of my head and into a world made of curiosity and wonders.
Peg, Wes, Mandy, Alena, Jules, Paul..I am glad you were all together when he died. I hear peace fell over him.
Wow...it really is amazing, this bright light - you all have loved so well.
I'll see you on Saturday. I'll bring gloves to work hard on Sunday, Monday, Tuesday...
love,
Patty
Wow,
What a long, strange trip it has been. Pegasus, Manders and Wes,
I love you so much. Please come to see us sometime. I want to thank you Peggy for being such an incredible partner for my brother, we all know it isn't easy marrying in to La familia Fuhrman. Seis hermonos?????????? You joined our family with love and grace and the gifts of patience and kindness you shared as you perservered on this final big hike with Marcus have been awe-inspiring. Mandy, Marcus' smile and his huge heart shine through you and I think he gave you a bit of his theater bug. Wes, you share Marcus' gentle but strong spirit.
We are all better through knowing him and journeying on this last year together. I feel sad for anyone that chose to miss this experience.
Sometime this week Steve, Lars and I will journey to Ashland to see some world class Shakespeare in Marcus' honor. Or as Peter and I discussed earlier, we will be going to see a play, Mark gets to see Shakespeare.
I imagine Marcus and Dad walking together when Marcus gets to meet William.
Love you all,
Emmy
Peggy, Wes & Mandy
We are so sorry for the loss of your beloved husband & Dad. Marcus...what a guy! So many talents in one human being. His writings on this blog over the past year have served as an inspiration to me & for all who have read them. I am proud to have had Marcus as a friend and am a better person for having known him. My tribute to him will be take some of his spirit for life & inject it into my own. 59 years was not enough but Marcus got more than a lifetime of living done in that time. Let your wonderful memories of him sustain you in this time of sorrow.
Love, Gregg-O
Sharon and I were camping in Arkansas when we heard the news. I can never figure out what to say at a time like this. I took out my guitar and Sharon and I sang this song.
Denny
Snowin on Raton Lyrics
Artist: Townes Van Zandt
by Townes Van Zandt
When the wind don't blow in Amarillo
and the moon along the Gunnison don't rise
shall I cast my dreams upon your love, babe
and lie beneath the laughter of your eyes
Snowin' on Raton
come morning I'll be through them hills and gone
Mother thinks the road is long and lonely
little brother thinks the road is straight and fine
little darling thinks the road is soft and lovely
I'm thankful that old road’s a friend of mine
Bid the years good-bye you cannot still them
you cannot turn the circles of the sun
you cannot count the miles until you feel them
and you cannot hold a lover that is gone
Tomorrow the mountains will be sleeping
Silent ‘neath a blanket green and blue
I shall hear the silence they are keeping
I'll bring all their promises to you
So now he’s sitting on the other side of the sunrise. The influences he had are larger than life. I find reassurance that there is a place where the memories will be replayed and the prayers received- some place that transcends the clouds and sits inside the warmth of the sun. There’s hardly anything more stunning and peaceful than the love and laughter he taught us to find in all things around us and in our own minds and hearts.
With many prayers and all my sympathy,
LD
Those we love can never be more than a thought apart, For as long as there is memory, they'll live on in our hearts.
I am wearing the WCCT Romeo and Juliet show shirt(Feb 2000) today as a warm reminder of how Marcus touched the lives of our family. Our sypmathy for the time of change in your all your lives.
Donna, Dan, Mark, Lee, Grant and Jan
From “I’m Free”
I could not stay another day
To laugh, to love, to work, to play
Tasks left undone must stay that way
I’ve found that peace that comes at the close of day.
If my parting has left a void
Then fill it with remembered joy
A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss
Ah yes ... these things I too will miss.
Be not burdened with times of sorrow
I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow.
My life’s been full, I savored much
Good friends, good times, a loved one’s touch.
Perhaps my time seemed all too brief
Don’t lengthen it now with undue grief.
Lift up your heart and share with me
That I’m with God ... my soul is free.
Until we meet agin my friend .....
REV CURT =..)>
Dearest Julie, Peggy and family, There really are no good words right now to make you feel better,except maybe those of Marcus himself which were always so wonderful. I know that you are grieving, but I pray that soon you will be able to celebrate the incredible person Marcus is and continue to share his stories. You have been amazing sharing your journey with us and it has been a gift. I really only know Julie and have met Peggy once (Oso Flaco Lake hike years ago), but I know from this space what an incredible family that you are. I hold you in my heart and in my prayers. Love,Elaine
Dearest Julie, Peggy and family, There really are no good words right now to make you feel better,except maybe those of Marcus himself which were always so wonderful. I know that you are grieving, but I pray that soon you will be able to celebrate the incredible person Marcus is and continue to share his stories. You have been amazing sharing your journey with us and it has been a gift. I really only know Julie and have met Peggy once (Oso Flaco Lake hike years ago), but I know from this space what an incredible family that you are. I hold you in my heart and in my prayers. Love,Elaine
All the words in the world could not explain how much Marcus inspired me. Just as such words could never provide the comfort that I wish to give to you all.
From a student whose appreciation for everything Marcus was, and is, as deep as the pages upon pages of books we read and as vast as the cowboy poets' praries, I offer my sincerest love.
It was an honor to know such a man.
Love,
Melanie
Dearest Fuhrmans, how my heart aches for all of you. You are all in our hearts and prayers. What an amazing life Marcus has lived. We are so touched by his life.
Before I received the news, I was teaching poetry to my 8th grade class. A student had written a poem about how life is a gift and we should cherish every day. I couldn't help but think of all the Fuhrman acronyms YOLO and EDAG and all the others. How appropriate. Marcus would have smiled I hope.
We love you!!
The Rommels
Oh, my gosh... I'm so sorry to hear about this!! I wasn't there for the last... what... 9 months, so I didn't see the change, I'm glad I didn't, though. It would have made me too sad. Mr. Fuhrman was a great man, and I know that everyone is going to miss him immensely. Best Wishes to Mrs. Fuhrman, we love you!!!
~ Meagan Jardine ~
Dear Peggy, Mandy, Wes, and Alena,
Words cannot express how sorry I was to hear about Mark. I am his cousin and I hadn't seen him since we got out of high school although all the Fuhrmans are often in my thoughts. Thank you for sharing his final journey with us. Through the photos and Mark's writing I was able to feel that I knew him in his adult years. What a wonderful person he was and what a gift he left in his legacy to his students and his family. To all the Fuhrmans, Harry, Peter, Julie, Charlie, Kurt and Emmy, I want you to know how much I am thinking of you. It is so difficult to lose a sibling and Mark was so special to you all. To Aunt Marianne I am so sorry for your loss. Mark will live on in the wonderful memories you all share.
Love to all of you. Cousin Pam
Alec, I didn't mean to leave you out of the above blog. Read it with your name in there too. You are also in my
thoughts. Love, cousin Pam
I love you all and feel the pain deeply, as I sit here this morning watching the sun rise over Vegas, and knowing I cannot share it with my friend Marcus. Wes and Alena, you left here last night feeling rather sad, and I wished to take the pain from you, but could not.Marcus made a tremendous impact on my life and the memories and words that he shared with me, and the laughs he brought me, will always remain with me. My heart goes out to all of you and I am hugging you. Marcus was just a great and kind person to know,Normie
Mandy, Wes, Peggy...I just want you to know that I feel very honored to have known Marcus. I came face-to-face with him only five times but he made a bigger impact on me in that short number than most people that I see on a daily basis. I love all of you and look forward to preserving your dad's/husband's memory by watching you grow and continue on in your lives.
Love, Nic Nic
Peggy, Mandy and Wes,
Our love for your family has grown over the years, starting at Moqui Lodge and then extending on into Grand Canyon High School, and will continue. It was a privilege to know such an amazing man, as a teacher and as a role model. He will forever live through what he as taught to many not only from a textbook but about life in general. Thank you for the wonderful memories and the inspiration. Our love and prayers go out to all.
Travis, Crystal and Lane Booth
For my dearest Marcus,
I know you are there in space bringing the warmth of your smile and the energy you are creating all around us as we try to make sense of your leaving. You taught us well, Marcus. Even in your last days with us you tried to reassure us that your walk up that one way stairwell was for you alone and that we couldn't go though we did believe. We held you as you left us and we sang your songs to soothe our hurts but your lifetime of memories will keep you always in my heart. I will always remember you as my friend as well as my brother. That sunrise will come each morning and I'll see you in it though I won't be able to hear your voice any longer. I'll also see you each time I'm with Mandy or Wes. You and Peggy made two amazing children who carry you on in this life. Mandy's zest for drama and laughter, Wesley's love of all things scientific and fish-ic will bring you back to me, as will their beautiful smiles and loving personalities. You would have loved seeing Paul Louis working on that last project at your house as he tried ever so hard to ease his pain at losing his longest and closest friend-brother. As I sit here wearing your Page High School sweatshirt I feel you arms around me and I'll love you always and forever,
Your big sis-tah,
Julie
I'll miss you, Marcus, though its been so long since we've seen or spoken. I'll miss knowing that my peaceful role model out West is still there, living and loving his life and his family.
Love to all the Fuhrmans,
Mike Ose
I’m very sorry to hear of Marcus’ passing.
You guys have been in my thoughts for months. I’ve followed your struggles and challenges via the blog and have reveled in the love and community spirit that flows through each entry and comments -- powerful medicine!
The Moqui I shared with you guys in 1981 seems so distant now. But that was indeed a special time for me, and I am grateful for the support and encouragement Marcus and Peg gave a mixed-up twentysomething from San Diego.
I remember many nights hanging out in your silver travel trailer and one trip to Lake Powell in particular. We needed a barbecue and Moqui was more than happy to lend it to us (unbeknownst to the maintenance staff at the time).
I came close to dying that trip ... a little too much wine and some crazy idea of taking a midnight dip alone in the lake on a near pitch-black night. Had I pushed off into the water, it’s conceivable I might have gotten disoriented and, well, drowned. But though chest-high in the water something told me not to take that dive ...
I lost track of you guys after returning to San Diego until a chance encounter on New Year’s Eve on Higuera Street in downtown San Luis Obispo. I always chalked that up to the spirit of Moqui.
I hunted down Marcus a couple of years ago while doing some research for an article on old Moqui. I reminisced with him on the phone for about an hour while Peg was visiting friends at Phantom. When I hung up the phone, I felt a bit high.
I got that same Marcus jolt each time I read a new blog entry during the past year. I really dug that hipster-stream-of-consciousness prose of his; it reminded me of the way he spoke.
When I read of Marcus’ passing, for some reason, a quote from a 1980 movie popped into my head. “Where the Buffalo Roam” is a ridiculous story about the life of Hunter S. Thompson. The quote reminds me of Marcus Fuhrman though -- one of the coolest guys I’ve ever crossed paths with -- even though it refers to Thompson’s ubiquitous lawyer, Carl Lazlo:
“You couldn’t invent someone like Carl Lazlo. He was a ... he was one of a kind. He was a mutant. A real heavyweight water buffalo-type ... who could chew his way through a concrete wall and spit out the other side covered with lime and chalk, and look good in doing it.”
Like Lazlo, Marcus Fuhrman certainly stomped on the terra. He was a force of nature.
My thoughts continue to be with you all ...
Jay Thompson
Morro Bay, Calif.
I was saddened to hear of Marcus' passing. I never met him but felt that I knew him through you. You were always such a cheerleader for the children in Eagle, so I am sure that you did the same for Marcus. Knowing you, you will make the best of what comes along even if it is not easy. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Mary Jo Jones
Mr. Fuhrman was my FAVORITE teacher I've ever had. He was my English 9 & 10 teacher at FDSH. It brings tears to my eyes knowing that Mr. Fuhrman isn't here anymore, but brings joy to my heart knowing that he is in a better place. He will be GREATLY missed and loved always!! You ROCK Mr. Fuhrman!!!
Wow! I was recently wondering whatever happened to Mr. Furhman... one of my favorite teachers back in high school.
As much as he frustrated me sometimes, while having to re-write my essays, stories & whatever crazy idea he had for Advanced Comp. He made me a better writer & made me learn to believe in myself.
I loved his classes, we would listen to old music & then have to write about what it meant to us & how it represented us! I loved his class & couldn't wait for the experiences everyday!
He was a wonderful person & will be deeply missed!!
Mr. Fuhrman touched the lives of so many. I was lucky enough to have taken his Creative Writing class at FDSH. To this day I find myself often thinking about him and the things that he's taught him, and I know that these memories will stay with me for the rest of my life.
My thoughts and prayers are with you, his family and friends.
Jessica S
The class is filing down the hall in confusion over the intended destination. Mr. Fuhrman and I are speaking of my brother, who he had as a student 5 years earlier and is now living in Los Angeles.
We exit the doors of the high school. There is one of those wicked looking overcasts you can only get a just view of on the sweeping planes of the midwest. As soon as we step out into the lawn, it begins to rain. Mr Fuhrman says, "Now close your eyes." We follow suit, and let our faces welcome the raindrops one-by-one.
We file back in; and Mr. Fuhrman says, "Now write about it."
What a first day of class!!!
I had Marcus for advanced composition class nearly a decade ago, at Fort Dodge Senior High.
His teaching still influences my writing to this day!
Safe Travels Mr. Fuhrman!
With Love,
A.J. Platt
Chicago, IL.
Mandy, Peggy, and Wes:
We just found out about Marcus a few days ago from some WCHS girls. My grandma had been keeping us updated through Ellen (gotta love those grandmas!), but hadn't received any news lately. I'm terribly sorry for your loss. I was able to catch up on this past year after Leeann Weaver gave me Marcus' blog. It sounds like this was a wonderful, yet challenging year for your family. I would love to re-connect sometime. Please take care and keep in touch.
Love,
Brooke (Nichols) Vaske
Mandy (and Family)
I am sorry to hear the news of your father. Although quit awhile ago and only meeting him a few times, I remember him as being a very fun loving person. I could tell he meant a great deal to you and your family. My thoughts are with you and your family and I hope you are able to be at peace.
Jason Wells
It is amazing how much gratitude doesn't get expressed while we can. Mr. Fuhrman was a wonderful mentor. He allowed me the freedom to expand my love of photography. I was a freelance photographer for the FDSH yearbooks for 97 & 98. I really appreciated his guidance and patience.
My thoughts to his friends and family.
Bb
Dearest Peggy,
I just recently heard through a long-distance grapevine that Marcus was ill and decided to Google his name for more information. I was terribly sorry to read that he had passed. Reading the blog has been a wonderful experience--he lived his life with humor, grace, and love. No one who new him would have expected less.
My heart is with you and I know you have always been strong.
Take care,
Dana
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