Remembering Mark: Funds for Cremation Needed

My names Brandon I’m marks friend and old roommate I am organizing this fundraiser to help pay for the cost of Mark‘s cremation.

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Mark Irwin: a man who was a loving owner to his dog, a key member of many theatre's across the country, and an embodiment of Ralph Waldo Emerson’s ideal of self-reliance.

Mark lived a long and storied life. There are many who knew him as a psychiatric nurse. Others knew him as a classically trained actor. By the end, however, there were very few who knew him as a friend. After outliving many of his closest companions, Mark was incredibly selective of the company he kept. He almost seemed to find a sort of strength in his solitude, but when someone did earn his trust, he would eagerly share his stories and experiences with indescribable joy.

Some of Mark’s favorite memories were his performances in both parts of Shakespeare’s “Henry IV” as Hal, and his performance as the eponymous character in “Henry V”. He could also speak at length about his time as a nurse on the Big Island in Hawaii and was incredibly proud of the rapport he shared with his patients. Mark had just finished a production of August Strindberg’s “Pariah” as Mr X - a role he considered one of the most challenging he ever performed. For his efforts, El Reno’s Centre Theatre of the arts was selected as an alternate to perform at the Southwest Theatre Conference.

Unfortunately, Mark’s solitude left him with very little by way of friend or finance.  On March 29th, he took a walk in the park where he was later found - having passed from heart complications.  

The sudden nature of his death did not afford him the opportunity to set aside resources to aid in the cost of final arrangements. Mark left no next of kin or named beneficiaries, however, he does leave behind an intimate circle of friends who wish to help honor his life and ensure a dignified method of handling his remains.

We are seeking to raise funds that will help us properly fulfill Mark’s wishes to be cremated. Modest estimates for the most basic services of this kind can range from $800-$1200, excluding local fees and transportation costs.

In addition to being able to facilitate Mark’s final arrangements, we are hopeful that we can raise enough funds to arrange a memorial in his honor. Each of us who leave this world deserve to remembered, and we want to ensure that Mark’s memory is given the respect that a life as large as his deserves.