Mark Richard Przedwojewski

April 17, 2009 Mark and several other canoeists, mostly in Kruger boats, launched from Belle Isle in Detroit on the Ultimate Hugh Heward trip, to cross the lower peninsula to Illinois. Their paddle strokes took them down to Lake Erie, up the Huron River, across Portage Creek, down the Grand River and Lake Michigan to Chicago. Here is Mark looking like Joe Cool, as friendly a leader as one could ever find. Always positive and encouraging. I am grateful for what he gave in spirit and example.

Over 20 years ago I met Mark when he was living in a resort cabin next to mine in northern Wisconsin where he was doing a wilderness immersion school where he would go out in the woods with the hatchet and a blanket in the winter for days. He ended up renovating my cabin for me On one visit, I was admiring his boat, which opened up an enthusiastic conversation about Verlen. A couple of years later, after deciding it was time for an expedition boat, I called Verlen. A guy answered, so I...

I remember that day as if it was yesterday, I met Mark at Verlen’s shop one day looking at a Kruger. Mark and I began discussing building boats together and soon my wife and I were moving from Illinois to Irons Michigan to be a part of this great endeavor. Over the years we had many adventures together. You shared your love of boats, and I shared my love of bikes. Our times together were always filled with joy, especially around a big camp fire! But life also had a way of showing up, and I...

Yesterday was your birthday. Like all the years passed, you were on my mind. Your friendship was one that no matter the time that had passed, we could pick up where we left off. You always held a special place in my heart. I am so sad for your baby girl and your family, that their time with you was cut short. You were a special creation that touched so many hearts. Blessed to be your friend.

It has been a while since we saw each other, but a rush of memories have flooded my mind since your passing Mark.
You, Tony, Mike and myself had more fun than we should have working together at Sparrow in our younger days. It’s been a long time, but it seems like yesterday we were all together doing as little as possible to still stay employed. Ha. When I think of you all I can see is that smile. God be with you my friend and the rest of the Przed clan - my second family growing up in...

We who love messing about in boats have lost a friend. Mark was one of many but more than most. Think of him when water calls.

Mark built my beautiful orange Sea Wind in 2004. My paddling partner, my husband Jim, died whilst paddling in 2003. I purchased the Sea Wind so I could continue adventuring on my own. Mark’s care and concern through the design, construction, and delivery of the boat demonstrated his loving character. He had not yet made an orange boat and wanted to get it right - and it turned out perfectly. Paddling that boat helped me deal with my grief and I will always be grateful to Mark. To his family...

My thoughts and prayers go out to the friends and family