Mark E. Lindquist

1956 - 2014

Mark Eric Lindquist, 57, died May 20th after a two year battle with brain cancer. Born in Hartford July 17, 1956 to the late Carl Eric Lindquist and Gunvor Erickson Lindquist, Mark spent 12 years growing up in West Hartford, and moved with his family to Palo Alto, CA; Allentown, PA; Miami, FL; and then to Avon, CT graduating from Avon High School in 1974. In 1978 he earned his BA degree in Philosophy and History at Lenoir Rhyne College in Hickory, NC and moved back to Avon in 1980, where he reconnected with and married Alison Murdock in 1984. In 1987 they built their house and moved to New Hartford. Their daughter Karla Lindquist was born in 1988. Honoring his Swedish heritage, in 1985 he established Viking Woodwork, and as a carpenter/craftsman worked throughout Connecticut building and remodeling homes, furniture and cabinetry and establishing life-long friendships in "the trades". He specialized in timber frames and craftsman-style furniture. A true Renaissance man, Mark's interests varied. He enjoyed reading and discussing books of many genres, including historical fiction and nonfiction, biographies, fantasy and science fiction, and sports history. He loved the outdoors and enjoyed hiking, snowshoeing, camping and the Cape Cod beaches. He played baseball, softball and basketball. An avid Red Sox fan, Mark also rooted for the Boston Celtics, UConn Huskies (men and women), and the San Francisco Giants. He was passionate about music, particularly blues, reggae, and rock; he taught himself to play electric guitar and enjoyed jamming along with the stereo. Wherever Mark was, there was always music. Mark was active in town organizations, including the New Hartford Land Trust and the Farmington River Coordinating Committee. He coached boys and girls in recreational league baseball, softball and basketball. He was an involved, educated and responsible citizen and activist; he supported progressive causes and never failed to vote when given the chance. Family, community and neighborhood were extremely important to Mark. He cherished his many relationships and he demonstrated his appreciation and love in many ways. His consideration was returned in spades; he was so thankful for all the love and support shown to him during his illness He leaves a loving family that will greatly miss him: his wife, Alison Murdock, his daughter, Karla Lindquist; brother, Bill Lindquist,& wife Cherie, nieces Katrina Pisani, her husband Damon and their children Makena & Kai, Greta Merlino & husband Joe, and Rebekah Lindquist; sister-in law Pam Polderman & husband Johnny and niece Amy; sister-in-law Dori Murdock and nephew Jason; Father-in law Bud France; Step-siblings in-law; Stuart, Jennifer and John France, nephews Matt, Chris & Mike France and Ken Ciaburri, and nieces Katie and Cindy France; several uncles, aunts, and cousins, and his beloved Newfoundland dog Ortiz. A celebration of Mark's life will be held Sunday, June 8 at 12:00PM at Berkshire Hall, Brodie Park, New Hartford. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to one of Mark's favorite charities: Greenpeace; Southern Poverty Law Center; Vietnam/Iraq Veterans Against War.