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Mark Linthicum Obituary

LINTHICUM, Mark On December 24, 2004, MARK "HARP" LINTHICUM, beloved son of the late Robert and Frances Linthicum, loving brother of Robert T. and Bonnie Linthicum, cherished uncle of Ryan Linthicum, and loving companion of Kim Rohr; also survived by many loving cousins and friends. Services private. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are encouraged to be made to the Mark Harp Memorial Fund, c/o Patricia Mitchell, P.O. Box 50206, Baltimore, MD 21211. Arrangements by Lemmon Funeral Home.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Baltimore Sun on Dec. 29, 2004.

Memories and Condolences
for Mark Linthicum

46 Entries

Dave Zidek

January 13, 2006

I made a post right around Xmas and the censors must've deemed it "inappropriate". Mark has been hanging around apparently - probably just to let us know he is watching out for us. My wife and I were talking about our health and I said "I sure hope I don't go like Mark did." and BANG! This loud noise came from the general location where his old red Peavey bass is resting in my bedroom. There was nothing else in the area to make the noise. We both shook our heads and agreed it must've been Mark chiming in his 2 cents. Xmas 2004 was a total fog for me and every Christmas from here on out will always bring back memories good and bad. That last day Mark was so happy to be alive and he was making all these plans for the future. What a loss for us all. Anyway - we miss you Mark.

Donna Diode

January 12, 2006

The holidays were not the same and felt weird, thinking what occured last year. It was definitely a "Blue Christmas" w/o you. I was wondering if you were going to pull a Jacob Marley, pick a favorite Scrooge-friend and make an appearance. This is probaby the longest running Guest Book in history. Deservedly so. It's evident by all the entries how much everyone misses you, Harp. XXOO 4ever.

Liz

December 26, 2005

Mark died a year ago, and the one thing that keeps coming back to me, in perfect form, above everything else, is the actual sound of his laughter.

Besides leaving a fully stocked trust fund, it is the best thing a friend can leave another after they go. It is also the one thing I know that will never go away.

I find when I ask myself, "What would Markie do?" and I do what I think he would say, I end up having a whole lotta fun.

Kim, let's get together this year and make Mark laugh in our heads.

David Wilcox

December 26, 2005

I assume the words written by my alter-ego were deemed inappropriate- censored in other words! You saw them from wherever you keep tabs on all of us, so we are cool.A year passes and we grow a bit. I carry on the musical quest. God rest ye merry gentle man. L.U.V., Dave

Bonnie Linthicum

December 25, 2005

Merry Christmas Markie....

The Linthicum's gathered in Frederick and a good time was had by all. But there was someone missing and you were on our minds. Ryan and I shared our sadness on the drive up.

I hope you are keeping an eye on all those you love and smiling.

Steptoe Magnificent

December 25, 2005

A year has past without you. 365 since you were alive. I try to visualize a brighter day.I try to carry on with our mission. Sometimes I wish- we could just go fishin'.We've got a gig at the old Sidebar. I wish we could get loaded in my car.Everyday. I am missing U.

Mike Milstein

December 25, 2005

I can't believe it's been a year since we lost you. Sometimes it feels like forever, others like it was yesterday. But time was like that with you. If we went four years between meetings, you seemed to be able to pick up right where our earlier conversation left off.

So, I doubt you're up there looking down at us. You probably have something much more interesting and creative going on. But I just wanted to let you know that I miss you, my friend. The world just isn't the same without you -- Squeegee

kim

December 24, 2005

Merry Christmas Mark!

The street is a madhouse as usual and the "FRAGILE" Lamp is lit in your honor.

~k

Donna "Diode" Bowen

November 22, 2005

Last week, Bill (Def Mate') brought home a new DEVO cd/dvd with alot of cool live performances, even the band performing as DOVE. Watching it, we couldn't help but say man, Harp would haved loved this. Neither one of us could say anything else because we knew tears would follow. I keep your picture taped to my computer at work. We miss you more than words can say. Saw you in dream a while back. I said, "I thought you were dead." You just laughed your famous laugh and said, "Naw, not really." How true. Your spirit is alive & well.

Leslie Miller

October 15, 2005

I wrote you a poem a few weeks ago, when New Orleans flooded, and I was sad and thinking of all that has been lost in my own life.

I had a birthday party with a fancy cake and wished you were there with me.

xxoo

----

how to lose

first you drown.

submerged

by force of shock

shock of force.

you can almost touch

a breath with your hand.

now you thrash toward it

splashless kicks to surface

but you drown.

now go limp.

the near-infinite sea

is the color of deep

the smell of dark

the taste of black.

now wallow.

you and the ocean dogs

bay and howl and whimper

as the tides shift.

you and the ocean dogs.

they say that grief is reduced

by half each year

that fresh death

goes half stale

then half again.

Ten years of halves

of halves

of halves

and you can still reach down

and touch it

still break it open

with a nail,

still crawl back inside it

grief as comfort

as old friend.

when he becomes

a phantom limb

dangling by your side

silent and painless

you will sink less

by half and half again.

but when another goes

the drowning will be deeper

the moaning will undulate

like the voice of ghosts

and you and the ocean dogs

will gnaw at every old wound.

you and the ocean dogs

will sit.

stay.

Bonnie Linthicum

October 14, 2005

Hey Little Brother:

I know you are keeping watch over all of us and you're enjoying the "penny toss". I'm getting quite a collection. I hope you spent yesterday with all of our loved ones there. You are in my thoughts daily and I hope one day soon you will be set free to travel in the wind. I remember my promise to you.

david wilcox

October 14, 2005

Well brother, it's almost halloween again! Last years Halloween gig at The MOJO has been immortalized on a cd that we give away. Alice still breaks out laughing just thinking about you in the costume she made for Alex, that you wore!! FERRETMAN!! It was a classic moment! I have had a coupla more dreams in which you made an appearance, albeit brief. Love, Steptoe

kim

October 13, 2005

happy birthday moonman!

i hope there's plenty of white cake with white frosting wherever you are.

Liz

September 27, 2005

I find myself every so often asking,

"What would Marky do?"

Kim Rohr

June 27, 2005

hey moonman...it's been 6 months and 3 days. i miss you more than i ever thought possible. i haven't eaten one stalk of broccoli and the smell of peanut butter reduces me to tears.

i see the moon

and the moon sees me.

god bless the moon....

forever, k

Leslie Miller

April 15, 2005

I had a dream last night that Mark was at a concert where some band had just finished playing. The lead singer had decided to put on a Dead Milkmen CD between sets, and that's when I figured I'd go home. I can't stay up late anymore.

Mark followed me out to my car, and he was having a cigarette. We talked awhile, and I told him how much I'd missed him.

Then I hugged him and started to cry. I saw our hugging reflection in the window of a car, alight from a street lamp. It was just me, alone, hugging the air.

I thanked Mark for coming to visit me, asked him to please come back. He said he would, and he walked back down the sidewalk alone, toward the venue, disappearing a little more with every step away.

STEPTOE MAGNIFICENT

April 14, 2005

WE HAD PLANS-GRAND PLANS-THAT LAST GIG AT THE BRASS MONKEY- WE THOUGHT WE WERE JUST ABOUT THERE-THE WHOLE WORLD ON OUR PLATES(NEXT TO A CHECKERS BURGER)(HAD TO STOP FOR ONE BEFORE BAND PRACTICE- A RITUAL-)! WELL, YOU HAVE JUST GONE ON BEFORE ME- GET THE GIGS- CALL UP HENDRIX AND A COUPLA OTHERS- I'LL BE THERE ONE FINE DAY- WAIT FOR ME- I'VE STILL GOT SOME WORK TO DO HERE-WHEREVER I GO ,YOU WILL BE THERE-INSIDE ME- ALL AROUND ME- GUIDING ME- TELLING ME NOT TO GIVE UP- AND I WON'T- NOT TIL THAT LAST RING OF FEEDBACK FADES TO GREY- LOVE YA BROTHER! STEPTOE T.

Angela Crepeau

February 18, 2005

Oh Mark,I miss you!!1 I hope you know what an impact you had on me,Finding redeeming bits of comedy when all seemed hopeless. I was just listening to our old recordings the other day and it occured to me that it has been years since we talked, I looked you up on line only to find you passed on the same day as my mother, Yes I have cryed more for you then her you punk!

I met Mark in 1996 when I came to do the show "Flow My Tears The Policeman Said" That is how I met Mark, Soon I joined his band and we had one hell of a time before I took Off to Portland, I got Mark to come check out the scene hoping he would come & take on the west coast with me, but Baltimore was his calling & soon we lost contact, Damn.

See, Mark was the friend that you didnt feel obligated to keep in contact with because you could call him after years had gone by and you would pick up right where you left off, as if no time had gone by at all.There is never as much time as we think.

THE MARK HARP FAN CLUB

I will be dedicating a page to him on my web site, any fun pics, story's or recordings will be added as I compile it, I have some stuff that even Mark didnt get to see. Anyway please e-mail me even if its just to share your thoughts,for we all helped live out his story.

I give my love to you Mark

sally gillespie

January 27, 2005

I hired Mark to work with me at For the Record (baltimore Street) in very early 80's. I thought I'd seen it all til I met Mark. What a riot. I think he was in his Null Set/ Cabal phase. He was very much a lover of the obscure and bizarre. We both went on to work at Record and Tape Collectors (Cold Spring Lane). Our paths crossed often through the 80's and he always made life a little more zany and fun. Sadly, we had been in touch (through a group of the old record store gang) and were planning a reunion. This was as recent as November end. If, indeed, we have a reunion he'll certainly be with us in spirit. He'll be greatly missed.

cooper conrad

January 11, 2005

this is a copy of an email I wrote to marks sister bonnie, i am posting it on her suggestion...

Hi bonnie,

I just read your poem, along with the article mark wrote on his b-day. I

know we haven't kept intouch , except through my mom, but I still remember

talking and smoking with you at susan's wedding, and thinking that there

were some "cool" people in my moms family after all. I also remember the

first time i met mark. I remember we were down in Baltimore, maybe your

house?? anyway I was probably eleven or so, just getting into my own

musical tastes and understanding the power of rock and roll. well i walk

into the room and everyone else disappered, and there was mark. I now

realize he was into new wave punk rock, but at the time i had never seen,

let alone met anyone like him. He was dressed in all black, which was really cool cuz it was a "family" event, he had alot of red hair and a gotee, and he was huge, alot like the pictures I 've seen on the internet 'cept without the black outfit. When i found out he was a guitar player in a band, man i followed him around all afternoon. At the end of the dinner he gave me a copy of Cabals' album, i thought it was so cool, that i was cool and that mark was definetly the coolest. I still have that album somewhere , i think in the

attic above the garage at my folks, but anyway that was it. I am not sure if we met again, if we did i cant remeber, but that day i will always remember as not only an introduction to the "rocknroll lifestyle", but also as a day when i grew a little, gained some knowledge and some independence. I am glad mark always stayed with music, although some of his art strains the definintion of music, because that is how i have always thought of mark. It insipires me to know that people can feel so passionately about creating art that they do it, in the face of all the oppposition from society, family and even themselves for better or for worse, he must have loved sounds because it takes a deep love to stay committed to something for a lifetime. I hope i love my wife as much, i believe i do. well this has been quite an email, and the baby is making her own songs from her crib. I hope my mom and dad can go to the wake with you, it sounds like a fun adventure and a scene i am sure mark would have thought amusing. love cooper

Bonnie

January 10, 2005

Good night my little brother,

Your time on earth is through

You’ll be smiling shortly

‘Cause they’re waiting there for you.

Hurry up Dear Markie,

There isn't time to wait.

Our 'Sandwich Man' and loving Mom

Are standing at the gate.

You’ll find that new horizon

That you’ve been searching for.

Five dollars in your pocket

Will open every door.

We said all that was needed,

Love was shown in many ways.

Your smile and sense of humor

I’ll remember all my days.

Sleep tight my little brother

With the Angels up above.

Know now the appreciation

That all showed with their love.

Your guest book proves without a doubt,

How much you were respected.

And states the loving memories

Of the lives that you affected.

Mark Harp, 36, the King of Peru

We’ll always keep in mind.

I know that you’ll be smiling down

On those you left behind.

No grumbling now, the truth is out,

You were appreciated.

Your music will live on and on

For free, just as you stated.

The stage awaits you Markie

So play and sing real proud.

Just like you did right here on earth...

Well, maybe not as loud.

Goodbye my little brother,

In peace you will fly high,

From the East coast to the West coast

And up into the sky.

Show all you see your ‘Pride and Joy’

And smile right from the start.

Just know that you will always be

Forever in my heart.

Donna Diode Bowen

January 9, 2005

I met Harpo in late 1979 through his Odd Phone line, and through that I met many other important people in my life including my husband, Bill (def Mate'). Instant friendships were formed and maintained over the years. Mark even became good friends with our son Denny and did some recording with him. We always tried to support Mark by coming to shows, etc. I will never forget his dislike of cooked carrots; he said they tasted like the inside of a vacuum cleaner! We will never forget our lovable friend.

Ricky Manis

January 8, 2005

I am saddened by Mark's death, as I am sure are many other people. he will be missed and never forgotten. Mark is surely in a paradise of his own wild creation- plenty of Clark bars, Kool cigarretes and swinging music.

RIP Big Man.

Ricky Manis and Amy Rovere

Dick Hanson (Hertz)

January 8, 2005

Mark was my Friend, bandmate, comedy partner, roomate, soulmate, for 23 years. We had a bond that transcended verbal communication. We could say all with a look. I can't begin to describe all that we did together, nor can I express my sadness in words. A look will have to suffice. I'm lookin' at ya, Corky.

Dick/Larry/Mr. Sparkle

Liz

January 5, 2005

Marky was a good friend when we all were young...and still so when we got older.

Those days with the pinball games in the apartment were as much fun as you can get. A bunch of young punch drunk funny people followed him. When he hit on the music scene, it was dizzying. I remember when he opened for the Ramones and the crowd went nuts for his band. Or sitting on the stoop wearing those brightly colored wigs, orange and black, smiling at the fans of the newly minted World Champion O's

heading down to the harbor.....the train tunnel dog....Launch The Head of Arnold Palmer!...

Or when we got broken into, and how weird it was. That hot Baltimore sun keeping us and the roaches outta the kitchen and us at the borrowed pinball games. Devo, Dobbs, Null Set, Tent, all of a time....The Brickmobile...The Bookmobile Song, yes, he could make a song outta anything....But mainly listening to music, hours of it, gleaned from all over and newly created,all the time. Casio keyboard version of Telstar...laughing our butts off...

His mind never wandered, it zoomed. I remember years ago wondering what he would come up with next. When I lent him a book on HTML the web was never the same. He had something like 48 email addresses at one point just because he could do it.

I once challenged him, knowing he knew he was smart, to come up with a joke for any word I came up with. He did it, even for the word "rivet", he was that good.

He read more than most and knew more arcana, esp. in the music biz, than anyone I have ever known.

And of course, he played guitar, too.

He made life as good as he could and we

all have lost one of the few original minds.

At Lori & Marcy's Annual Rooftop Party - 1987

Lori Heddinger

January 3, 2005

I am deeply saddened by the news of Harpo's passing. I met Mark in 1982 and I was instantly smittened. His childlike enthusiasm toward music, food, Pee Wee Herman and the Church of the Sub-Genius was infectious. I remember his giving me a ride home from work at Harborplace in the old station wagon with the spraypainted image of Bob and the bowling trophy hood ornament and I thought he was the coolest thing on four balding tires. Going to his apartment on 25th St. was like entering a funhouse. But Harpo was so much more than a red headed manchild. He was a talented musician and everyone jumped at the chance to play with him, especially in his many versions of the Plastic Harpo Band. Even I was pulled up on stage to sing a terrible rendition of "I'm Henry the VII" with Dick Hertz. It frightens me to know that video tape is floating around somewhere.

My husband Ira and I moved away in 1992 and I hadn't seen him since. The last time was at a party in his family's house out Eastern Ave. Mark was seated in front of his new DAT playing recently recorded songs for all of the guests. He looked like a musical guru and I'd never seen him happier. Rest in peace Bigman.

Ira Kessler

January 3, 2005

I just heard of this sad news today.I left Baltimore back in 1992 and had not seen Mark since then.I have happy memories of playing with him in several versions of the Plastic Harpo Band and working with him on the Larry Vega show at both the 8X10 and the Galaxy Ballroom.

I remember being at a party at his house and he was just playing all theses tapes of songs he had recorded and I was just amazed at his creativity and passion , but also how much fun he was having.

Mark was always supportive of my work and it meant a lot because I respected him, not only as a musician, but as a good person.

He definetly was a Baltimore institution and he will be missed.

I still wish I had my copy of "Five Dollars"....Ira

Bruce Woodey

January 2, 2005

Mark, I'm simply grateful to have gotten to know you at all, even for such a short time. I'll miss you forever, Big Man.

Meredith Zidek

January 1, 2005

Mark, I will never forget shopping at Ames, whispered gossip about "P.E." and "Pat," hurrying to clean the trodden-upon fruit cookie out of Susan's rug before she came home... I would make coffee for you anytime, by the way. No one else has ever asked me to pledge to stay "FFL," (friends for life, a title I'll always cherish), and I'm glad we did that; I consider myself the lucky one in that deal.

Janet Rice

January 1, 2005

I love you cousin Marky....i will miss you...take care of my godmother and you dad for me. Also tell my mom and dad how much i miss them....you will always be in my heart.....my kids miss you too..

Mike Lane

December 31, 2004

I hadn't seen Mark since I moved to

Minneapolis in '92, but we emailed now and then...we played together as the Beatoes and Casio Cowboys a few times, and did a couple of Globetrotters things...I remember his sharp wit, his marvelous musicality, and his giant creative spark.Goodbye,Mark.

downtown outdoor concert,1991 or so

December 31, 2004

Charleigh Chadwick

December 30, 2004

Thanks for everything Mark. Your creativity and honest rapport will be sorely missed.

Diane Zidek

December 30, 2004

one of my favorite song lyrics from Mark was always 'searching for a new horizon' and now it's real. go enjoy that new horizon Mark, thanks for making me question convention 100% of the time, what a gift that has been

Larry Levy

December 30, 2004

When Mark first walked out on the stage at the Cafe Tattoo, bass in hand, his first gig with The Diamondheads, I was witness to the birth of a band. Mark's energy and musicianship gave life to a surf band searching for identity. Mark gave them identity and completion and helped them become a great band. I know because I was a comrade in arms, sharing the same stage. We continued on the same surf adventure for years and they were wonderful times. Mark was an inspiration to me because he lived the rock and roll life without pretense; grit, sweat, and years of carrying the Baltimore music torch and for that I thank you, my friend!

Dave Zidek

December 30, 2004

Peru has lost a king, and I have lost a friend. There is an empty space in my heart but my life has been enriched beyond measure by Mark's friendship and his music. Long live the king. Kunigunda forever.

Leslie F. Miller

December 30, 2004

Yesterday, my daughter asked me if she could have some "sausage with cheese, please, chicken knees." I couldn't stop crying. We've been saying that since she was old enough to talk! And though we will continue to follow every conversation about cheese with "please, chicken knees," it won't be the same knowing you aren't around.

Big Man, I will miss you so much. I am thankful that I told you often how much you meant to me. I am grateful that you mean so much.

If there is a good place beyond this mess of life, you are there.

I love you.

Mark Harp 2004

December 30, 2004

Katyana

December 30, 2004

My deepest condolences to Mark's loved ones. He was a hero to me as a kid, and remained so even after I grew up. Mark was a real inspiration with an amazing well of creative power. I am grateful to have known him, and mourn to have lost him.

Kim Rohr

December 30, 2004

Good night Mark...I love you.

Michael Anft

December 29, 2004

Wowing the crowd with weird Beatles covers at the Intertribal Pow-wow, "waking up" the Sowebohemia fest with a.m. feedback, playing in muu-muus at the Action Theatre benefit at St. John's, giddily "performing" spontaneous, dadaist "globetrotters" in his basement, watching him mock-intimidate people with his newly-shaved head at Pimlico--every moment with Mark became a memory. And there's no better legacy than that. May the Big Man--and the multitudes he contained--forever rest in peace.

Jane & John Powell

December 29, 2004

Mark,

We loved you and will miss you. Thanks for loving Kim..we will take good care of her for you.

Kim Rohr

December 29, 2004

He was my North, my South, my East and West,

My working week and my Sunday rest,

My noon, my midnight, my talk, my song;

I thought that love would last for ever; I was wrong.

-W. H. Auden

Mike "Squeegee" Milstein

December 29, 2004

Mark was a friend, a bandmate, a teacher, an advocate, a visionary, a creative marvel. He will live on through the music he left us, but I will miss him dearly.

Bonnie Linthicum

December 29, 2004

Brother Mark: I am so glad we had our visit on Wednesday. We said all that needed to be said. I will remember that day forever. I always knew you were around somewhere. Now you are teaching the angels how to play their harps. You will live on through your music and everyone who loved you.

Sandra O'Rear

December 29, 2004

I was sorry to hear about Mark, I did not know him all that well. I would talk to him and Kim when we passed on the street. I am a neighbor of 34th Street. (725). Mark will be surely missed. He was a true spirit of the Xmas Cheer.I enjoy looking at his website every year. I am very sorry for your loss.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you now and always.

Sandy,Ashley & Timmy O'Rear

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