Tribute Wall
Plant a tree in memory of Mark
An environmentally friendly option
3 tree(s) planted in memory of Mark Richards
Dawn, Mark, Quinn and Kip
and 2 others have purchased flowers for the family of Mark Richards. Send Flowers
Guaranteed hand delivery by a local florist
Loading...
M
Michele Hayes-martinez lit a candle
Thursday, September 5, 2024
//s3.amazonaws.com/skins.funeraltechweb.com/tribute-gestures/v2/candles/material_candle_green.jpg
My heart and prayers go out to Mark's beloved family and friends. I knew Mark as a young girl. He was the sweetest young man, with the biggest smile and heart. A big loss for our world but what a great legacy he has left full of memories and positive experiences and inspirational stories.
Always, Michele Hayes-martinez
S
Sue Griffen posted a condolence
Thursday, September 5, 2024
I am so very sorry to hear of Mark's passing. I had the privilege of knowing Mark through the NYSEF program. Mark coached my sons Ryan and Aaron and was an integral part in developing their love for skiing. I have never met a more kindhearted positive person. Mark was the type of person to find something positive in everyone and everything. I will never forget the day my son came home, beaming, because "Coach said I have great pole plants." I am unsure if my son even knew what pole plants were at the time but it didn't matter, coach said he was doing something great! May Mark's legacy live on in the many lives he touched.
My thoughts are with you Rhonda and Ben.
Sue Griffen
S
Sue Swain posted a condolence
Wednesday, September 4, 2024
To all the Richards family, my deepest sympathies to you. I remember Mark as an all-around nice guy. My heart goes out to you and I pray you find peace in the many great memories you have.
Sincerely,
Sue Swain
T
Thomas Millington posted a condolence
Tuesday, September 3, 2024
Rhonda and family,
I’m was at a loss when hearing of Mark’s passing. He was a friend and teammate during some of our best years. I was glad to have caught up last Oct at JCS on a great day that he orchestrated.
Rest in Peace, Mark.
D
Dawn Werner posted a condolence
Tuesday, September 3, 2024
Our family met Mark through the NYSEF ski program at Gore and he later asked me to coach with him.
On our first day working together, I asked about our goals. Without hesitation, Mark smiled and said, Just learn all the kid’s names today! He told me the most important thing he‘d learned about education was written across the board by his favorite professor. It said, Kids don’t care what you know, until they know that you care.
Mark was dedicated to exemplary leadership for all the kids he taught, and he inspired others to those standards. His enthusiasm on the slopes, from carving a clean turn to skiing the back bowls, was sure to make you smile.
Rhonda, Ben, Cassie and Finn, you were everything to Mark, and with deepest gratitude, thank you for sharing his time.
Mark, thank you for sharing your joy in ski racing and your extraordinary friendship. Godspeed.
With love and blessing to you all,
Dawn Werner
R
Robert Byrne posted a condolence
Tuesday, September 3, 2024
Q: What will you never forget about Mark?
A: I last saw Mark walking through the parking lot at Gore back in late March. He had his ski boots on and skis slung over his shoulder….and a broad smile on his face. We reminisced about our time in NYSEF, and he spoke with humility and humor. We parted ways as Mark headed to the lodge and me to the NYSEF building. He left me with a warm feeling in my heart and that’s how I will always remember him…..requiescat in pace, amicus meus
Rob Byrne
…
K
Katy Odell posted a condolence
Monday, September 2, 2024
Rhonda, Ben, and extended family:
We are so very sorry to hear about Mark. His commitment, service, and leadership on the JCS school board and to the North Creek community will always be remembered. He was a devoted husband and father. You are in our thoughts and we send our sympathies and love to all.
Katy Odell and Tom Henecker
Cape Coral, Florida
D
Dawn, Mark, Quinn and Kip purchased flowers
Monday, September 2, 2024
//d1uep5tseb3xou.cloudfront.net/content/images/thumbs/0009863.jpeg
Dawn, Mark, Quinn and Kip
purchased the Breath Of The Heavens and planted a memorial tree for the family of Mark Richards.
Send Flowers
To the greatest coach, teacher and friend ever. Your joyous spirit will stay with us always. Godspeed, Mark. Love, The Werner Family
Please wait
D
Dawn, Mark, Quinn and Kip planted a tree in memory of Mark Richards
Monday, September 2, 2024
//s3.amazonaws.com/skins.funeraltechweb.com/tribute-store/memorial-tree.jpg
To the greatest coach, teacher and friend ever. Your joyous spirit will stay with us always. Godspeed, Mark. Love, The Werner Family Join in honoring their life - plant a memorial tree
Please wait
C
Christopher Young uploaded photo(s)
Sunday, September 1, 2024
/public-file/821/Ultra/3bfb0e03-9482-4381-97a6-979c96ad403a.jpeg
I teach science at Wells and one day last year before spring break, Mark came to me asking for some advice about the solar eclipse. I was only too happy to help and after spring break he came back and thanked me up and down. He said the solar eclipse was the most beautiful thing he ever saw and I’m so happy that he got to see it. I am so privileged and thankful that I got to work with Mark at Wells for the last 20 years. He was an amazing colleague. He was also a great union president and I learned so much from him as we worked to negotiate our teachers contract with the district. Mark was extremely fair and always put the students first in all his decisions. He also worked hard to make sure the retirees were treated fairly too. If there is a picture in the dictionary for a man that has your back, it’s Mark’s photo.
We also had a special bond over sports and St. Lawrence University. Ben and I both graduated from SLU and my father worked there for 38 years as an economics professor. Mark’s favorite story, (and he would always light up when I told it) was the fact that my father started his career as a professor at Marshall University in West Virginia before coming to SLU. It was special to Mark because he loved the movie “We are Marshall” and he loved the fact that my father started working there the same year that the new football team was formed after the tragic loss of the old team in the plane crash. Mark and I also bonded over basketball because we both wanted to see LeBron James bring a title to Cleveland when he returned in 2015. During that year I had lunch with Mark everyday and we talked about LeBron almost everyday. We also talked a lot about Disney World because we both loved that too. Mark was a Celtics fan and I was so glad they won this year. It had been a long road for those boys and they really deserved it.
I’m really going to miss Mark, we had such good times at school talking sports, playing chess, playing volleyball, negotiating, and all the rest that goes along with being a teacher. Mark was one of the best and he was taken too soon, but we know where he is now, and he accomplished more in 57 years than most men do in 100.
My most sincere condolences to family and close friends,
Chris Young
S
Shelly and martin Andrews posted a condolence
Sunday, September 1, 2024
You were so humble and had so much love of people and life. My sister loved you so much. You had a beautiful life. You lived it so fully. We will miss your presence. Rhonda will more than anyone. Loved you.
R
Ray Tucker uploaded photo(s)
Sunday, September 1, 2024
/public-file/820/Ultra/Image_jpg.jpg
Dear Rhonda, Ben, Brian, Jack and extended Richards family,
I am so sorry to hear the news of Mark’s sudden passing. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. May you find comfort in the happy memories you’ve shared together with Mark.
I will always remember his wonderful smile and laugh, and the joyful sparkle in his eyes. We had so much fun together when we were growing up together (swimming, shooting BB guns, camping in the back yard, going to the lake, water skiing, watching SNL on Saturday nights, and sharing meals together). All happy memories I will cherish.
God bless you all.
Love,
Ray Tucker
PS - if you look closely at the picture you will see Mark is wearing a Disney tie.
B
Brenda Ordway posted a condolence
Saturday, August 31, 2024
Dear Rhonda and family,
We were saddened to read of Mark’s passing. Thinking of you and wishing you moments of peace and comfort during this difficult time.
Sincerely,
Dwight and Brenda Ordway
B
Bill and Susan Rawson posted a condolence
Saturday, August 31, 2024
Rhonda, Ben, Brian, Jack and their families,
Our deepest condolences to Mark's extended family and friends.
It was always a pleasure to see Mark and Rhonda on their walks through town and
say a quick "hi" to them.
We will miss your striving for the highest levels in both your community service and
family life. People of this class do not come along often enough.
Sue and Bill Rawson
P
Pat, Jon, Louis, Jon Erickson purchased flowers
Saturday, August 31, 2024
//d1uep5tseb3xou.cloudfront.net/content/images/thumbs/0006083.jpeg
Pat, Jon, Louis, Jon Erickson
purchased the Butterfly Garden and planted a memorial tree for the family of Mark Richards.
Send Flowers
With lovePat, Jon, Louis, Jon Erickson
Please wait
P
Pat, Jon, Louis, Jon Erickson planted a tree in memory of Mark Richards
Saturday, August 31, 2024
//s3.amazonaws.com/skins.funeraltechweb.com/tribute-store/memorial-tree.jpg
With lovePat, Jon, Louis, Jon Erickson Join in honoring their life - plant a memorial tree
Please wait
D
Debby leigh posted a condolence
Friday, August 30, 2024
Mark will be missed not only by his family, but, by many friends as well. I'm so very sorry to hear of his passing. To Rhonda, Brian, and each of your families prayers are being shared for all of you. Sincerely, Debby Leigh
A
Anonymous purchased flowers
Friday, August 30, 2024
//d1uep5tseb3xou.cloudfront.net/content/images/thumbs/0009897_soft-and-sweet-memories.jpeg
From your Friends and Fellow Coaches at NYSEF
Please wait
D
Darlene Urbonowicz posted a condolence
Friday, August 30, 2024
My heart goes out to you Rhonda and Ben. Every time I met Mark, he was always the kindest man, whether it was at school, a board meeting, or a school event for our kids. Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.
D
Donna Borchsenius posted a condolence
Friday, August 30, 2024
My thoughts and prayers are with the family.
R
Reisha and Frank Thissell posted a condolence
Thursday, August 29, 2024
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.
M
Matthew Deibler posted a condolence
Thursday, August 29, 2024
My deepest condolences for the loss of Mark. I was privileged to teach at Wells Central School for 11 years with Mark. Some of my fondest memories are riding down Route 8 to school with him on June mornings during Regents Week. He was a good friend and excellent teacher!
K
Kristan Harvey posted a condolence
Thursday, August 29, 2024
I’m so so sorry! My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Kristan Harvey
J
Judy Monroe posted a condolence
Thursday, August 29, 2024
Rhonda and Family,
So sorry for your loss. Mark was a great man and has left you all way to soon. My thoughts and prayers ate with you all.
Judy Monroe
R
Robin Auger posted a condolence
Thursday, August 29, 2024
How can this be?
This absence.
This emptiness
That can't be filled.
Remembering everything.
Everything good.
Because that's what you were...
Good.
Remembering everything.
Everything honest and true.
Because that was you, too.
And now we will press on.
Slow, painful steps.
Hopefully someday
Our hearts will lighten
As we seek to honor your legacy of
Commitment to
Love,
Kindness and
Integrity.
I love you, Mark. Until we meet again...
~Robin
B
Brian Desrochers posted a condolence
Thursday, August 29, 2024
Q: What 3 words best describe Mark and why?
A: Passionate, dedicated, caring.
Mrs. Richards, Ben and family. I owe so much of who I am today to the lessons learned form Mr. Richards. Whether it was putting in the extra effort when no one was watching to be a better athlete. To enjoying the moment as we won his first sectional title. To the constant show of respect both his opponents and us athletes. Thank you Mr. Richards, I'm a better person because of you.
T
Tom O’Connell uploaded photo(s)
Thursday, August 29, 2024
/public-file/819/Ultra/Image_jpg.jpg
Passing
Siting in a street side cafe
When received news of your passing
Remembering your traits and qualities
Warm personality, friendliness
Leadership, responsibility
Care and safety of your kids
And you were big and tall
A strong elegant powerful skier
You led those racers all over those mountains
They loved and respected you
Didn’t ever have to coax them out of weekend beds
They couldn’t wait to hit the slopes with you
To them, you were their ski coach hero
Thank you Mark M. Richards
You helped make them the men they became
We are forever grateful to you
Mary Anne, Tom, Megan, Mike, Kevin O’Connell
M
Maria Glode posted a symbolic gesture
Thursday, August 29, 2024
//s3.amazonaws.com/skins.funeraltechweb.com/tribute-gestures/v2/prayerhands.png
Our community is so saddened by Marks loss. He was one of the kindest men I have had the privilege of knowing. My heart breaks for Rhonda, Ben and all of his friends and family! Sending sincere love to you all.
J
Jean & Fred Comstock posted a condolence
Thursday, August 29, 2024
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time.
Jean & Fred Comstock
R
Robb (Bob) Laber posted a condolence
Thursday, August 29, 2024
Deepest condolences to all that knew and loved him ...
B
Barbara King Posted Aug 29, 2024 at 2:40 PM
I worked with Mark at WCS, and we shared recess duty for 10 years for the K-3rd grade. Being able to go outside when the weather was nice was great, but we dreaded winter and and prayed for a short winter so we could be back outside. Mark was a wonderful teacher and a great friend and I will miss him a great deal.
G
George Nash posted a condolence
Thursday, August 29, 2024
Q: What will you never forget about Mark?
A: Our sincerest condolences to all of Mark's family and many friends. Mark was our daughter's first ski coach at NYSEF/Gore. Mark's passion for coaching athletes to be the best they could be was apparent from the first time we met. Over his career Mark positively impacted the lives of many young athletes. He was loved by them all.
When I shared the news of Mark's passing with my daughter Nicole, what she wrote back says more who Mark is, than I could hope to capture her.
From Nicole: He was the nicest man, and always believed in me!:( This made me cry
His words and spirit lives on through whose lives he touched
A Memorial Tree was planted for Mark Richards
Thursday, August 29, 2024
//s3.amazonaws.com/skins.funeraltechweb.com/tribute-store/memorial-tree.jpg
We are deeply sorry for your loss ~ the staff at Alexander-Baker Funeral Home Join in honoring their life - plant a memorial tree
Please wait
M
Margot Anderson posted a condolence
Thursday, August 29, 2024
Rhonda, Ben and Family, please accept our sincere condolences upon your loss. Mark made a strong, positive imprint upon our family, especially our 3 kids in the NYSEF program at Gore Mtn. He always led with kindness and intelligence, and his smile could light up the room. I know he will continue to smile upon you as you carry Mark’s legacy forward.
When I saw that it hailed in North Creek on the day he died, (a rare occurrence in August), I immediately thought “well of course it did because Heaven probably greeted Mark with several beautiful inches of fresh powder to ski & as some of that snow fell to earth it changed to hail.”
We will keep you all and Mark in our prayers & hope that happy memories of him will sustain you in the days ahead.
Margot & Carl Anderson & Family
S
Steve Stofelano, Jr. posted a condolence
Thursday, August 29, 2024
Rest in Peace Mark!
Steve Stofelano,Jr.
T
Tim Pehl posted a condolence
Thursday, August 29, 2024
Rhonda, Ben and Family,
To quote "it takes a village to raise a child". Mark was a big part of that village. Mark helped instill many life skills my son and daughter have today. Get up early, get to the mountain and be ready to train. Of course he also made it fun! Patti and I were so sad to hear of Mark's passing and please know that you and your family are in our prayers and thoughts.
Tim and Patti Pehl
I
Isabel Simola posted a condolence
Thursday, August 29, 2024
Q: What will you never forget about Mark?
A: I’m honestly speechless and I don’t know where to start. Mr.Richards was one of the best humans I’ve ever met. He was full of life, humor, and most of all love. I’ve known him for over 18 years and every single time I’d see him. He would smile, lighted up, and run to me with open arms. He made my school years less boring and always had an open door when I needed it. Mr.Richards was one of those teachers that you could always count on. Anytime I needed to talk to someone he was there, all the times I’d skip class to sit in the gym with him, the times I’d skip lunch to sit with him, and all the times I’d be “making up” a gym class to just talk to him about life. It’s heart wrenching to know I’ll never be able to do that again. The love I know he had for me and my family is unmatched. His kind words and wisdom will forever sit in my head and my heart. I’m so unbelievably happy I was able to watch him retire and collect his flowers along with all the kind words people shared amongst him. He knew he meant a lot to me and that’s the best feeling. Knowing I did enough and visited enough to make him know that he was loved by many. I’ll forever cherish that last hug, conversation, and talk. May you forever rest in peace Mark and may your family heal properly. Much love- Isabel Simola
R
The family of Mark M. Richards uploaded a photo
Wednesday, August 28, 2024
/tribute-images/5453/Ultra/Mark-Richards.jpg
Please wait
The Funeral Home is registered with the New York State Department of Health as Alexander-Baker Funeral Home
Family Owned and Operated