Mark Elliott Barnett

I knew Mark for -- a long time. And I remember many things, like the countless happy hours playing Trivial Pursuit at the weekly lunchtime games, where he was one of the original players.

Another thing that's always stuck with me was something he told me once while sitting in his office. He said that whenever he got a bill in the mail, he paid it THE SAME DAY, a holdover, I suppose, of his (and Kathy's) not-so-prosperous childhood. That was a new one to me.

But the thing I remember that most summarizes who Mark was is his relationship with a certain person at SLAC who was not so easy to get along with. That's because this person had very high standards, and had had many bad experiences with Computer Center people. Thus, he had developed a rather strong distaste for anyone associated with the CC. Nevertheless, Mark took the time, effort, and care to develop a mutually respectful relationship with this gentleman, and was I think the only CC employee to do so. And the two of them ultimately developed a friendship. That was Mark.

All of which makes this banner which Mark had in his office particularly ironic. I believe it was

OHOWIHATE
OHIOSTATE

(an outgrowth of the rivalry between his grad school Michigan and Ohio State). I don't think Mark ever hated anyone.

Katherine,
Mark and I know one another for close to thirty years and had our little Michigan vs. Ohio State rivalry all that time. I looked forward to the game and our pre and post game calls and the teasing as to who would have to keep the plastic rose. My world is less complete now as is for anyone who knew Mark.

I know what I feel pales in comparison to you’re feelings, but I want you to know that he touched my life too and our relationship was very special to me. I’ll miss my friend.

Mark was both a madcap Puck and a warm and caring friend. I will miss him, and I send my warmest thoughts to you, Kathy. hugs/Mary

What a story teller! He was amazing. Oh how he would make me laugh!! When he worked here at SLAC he was always ready to help solve whatever problem I had. He was always "thinking"... We love you Mark!

When I first heard Mark was dead I was stunned. I couldn't think. I
couldn't feel. I was at my computer so in a while I started skimming
my collection of quotations. Many of them reminded me of Mark, or were
something I learned from him, or planned to send to him. Finally I cried.

Today I decided to share some of them with you guys:

Among those whom I like or admire, I can find no common
denominator, but among those whom I love, I can: all of them make me
laugh.

--W. H. Auden

(Mark made me laugh.)

I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will
forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made
them feel.

--Maya Angelou

(I won't forget him and how he made me feel.)

It may look like a crisis, but it's only the end
of an illusion.

--Lindsay Collier

(He did his best to help me grow.)

Occasionally, one gets hit softly on the head by a stray brick which
has been launched from some other region.'

--Clea (from Lawrence Durrell's Alexandria Quartet)

(He often surprised and delighted me with something from that 'other
region.')

We must live for the few who know and appreciate us, who judge and
absolve us, and for whom we have the same affection and indulgence.

--Sarah Bernhardt

(He both knew and appreciated me, and allowed me to know and
appreciate him. Incredible gifts....)

Exit, pursued by a bear.

--William Shakespeare, Stage direction in "The Winter's Tale"

(He left too soon for me. I'm glad I knew him. He was a doozie.)

bye, Mark,
--ginger

When I was a student seeking help from the SLAC Computer Center, Mark was the 'consultant' that I would hope to find on shift since he would either know or get back to me with research about my problem. He would always accompany his answers with an explanation so that I gained a bigger picture. So he set the standard for me of how a computing professional treated people. I'll always remember Mark and give thanks to him with these thoughts.

Dear Kathy,

It was such a gift to have been a co-worker of Mark's. He was kind and funny and best of all he took us to your home so that I was able to get to know his wonderful wife and son.

There are no unpleasant memories of this "great guy" who gave of himself more than anyone I know.

We pray that God will lift you and your family up during this difficult time.

You are in our thoughts and prayers, always.

Ree and Gary Dufresne

I remember Mark for both his great sense of humor and his quiet dedication to making SLAC a good place to work. He was very devoted to helping our users. He also used to provide things like jelly bellys for the addicted.

All of us at SLAC were so blessed to have Mark in our lives. What a hoot! In addition to that wry sense of humor, he was smart and kind and just all around wonderful. I can't think of a co-worker who was more universally loved and respected. He will be sorely missed.

Aunt Katherine,
You are so lucky to have gotten to spend 45 years with your best friend. That is a beautiful thing. Live with your memories and never forget that he will always be with you.
Lots of Love to you all.
Randy & Teri Giles

KATHY, WE ARE THINKING OF YOU. WE WERE SO FORTUNATE TO HAVE YOU AND MARK MOVE NEXT DOOR IN PASO ROBLES. MISSED YOU SO MUCH SINCE WE MOVED TO IDAHO. OUR KIDS HAVE LOVED YOU BOTH LIKE GRAND PARENTS. ESPECIALLY THE "LITTLE GUYS" LOVE YOU LOTS, AL & NANCY ROZA

I was very saddened to learn of Mark's passing. He was always a good friend and co-worker whose reliable judgment and tactful comments were a memorable lesson to me. My thoughts are with you, Katherine.

Mark and Katherine came to visit us(Myrna and Ramon) in Yune of 'o7 and Ramon and his Bluegrass Band put toghether a living room concert
for them..Mark asked for one encore
"Blackberry Blossom". We will have
His SMILES to remember!
We love you Katherine,
Ramon and Myrna Valdez

Always thinking of you Kathy. B....

Mark will be missed by all his friends at the local TOPS Club in Paso Robles. Our best to you Kathy and your family.