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Mark Burud Obituary
DAVIDSON -- Mr. Burud, 42, of Davidson, NC died unexpectedly at home on August 25, 2008. He is survived by his parents, Robert and Kay Burud of Frisco, TX, his wife of 20 years, Gretchen, and his beloved children Alec and Grace.
Mark was born November 3, 1965, in Detroit Lakes, MN. He graduated from Ferris State University in Big Rapids, MI in 1988 and began a nineteen-year career with Target Stores that same year. He retired from Target in February 2007, proud of the fine Gastonia, NC store he ran for many years and the wonderful friends he made along the way.
Mark refused to be defined by his illness, and in the process served as an inspiration to hundreds of people fighting cancer. Diagnosed in 1988 with a rare form of sarcoma, Mark aggressively pursued the very best medical care, first at the University of Chicago and then at Duke University. Unafraid to challenge conventional medical treatment, he demanded that physicians treat him as a person, rather than a diagnosis. They responded with creative and innovative treatments that allowed Mark to enjoy the highest quality of life, all the while living alongside his disease. The family would like to extend its heartfelt appreciation to Drs. Joseph Moore and John Harrelson of Duke University for their tireless fight to save Mark, and to Kristen Tracy for her unwavering support of his family.
Above all Mark was a wonderful father, and cherished his children, Alec and Gracie above all else. He leaves behind a legacy of tremendous love for his family and bravery beyond measure. In addition to his wife and children, Mark is survived by his sister, Paula Ellis (Steve) of Bothell, WA and his brother, Ross Burud (Jaimie) of Garland, TX in addition to many nieces and nephews.
Services will be held at 11 am on Friday, August 29th, at First Presbyterian Church, 200 West Trade Street, Charlotte, NC. The family will receive visitors after the service in the Fellowship Hall of the church. Donations in Mark's memory may be made to the Duke Comprehensive Cancer Center to help others face cancer with Mark's courage. Harry & Bryant Company is serving the family.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Jennifer Parker Klein
August 29, 2008
Dear Gretchen, Gracie, and Alec,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. May God comfort you all through this trying time.
Pamela Harris
August 29, 2008
To Mark's Family,
I would like you to know that you are in my family's thoughts and prayers. Mark was a definate inspiration in my life. He had a wonderful dry sense of humor and made the time that we worked at Target fly by. May the Heavenly Father bless your family in this trying time.
Judy Pittman
August 29, 2008
Dear Gretchen, Gracie, & Alec,
May you take comfort in knowing that Mark is no longer in pain. He is in God's care now.
Mark's strength was unbelievable during his sickness. Whenever I would see him, he would always smile say hello and ask how I was. Mark's love for his family and friends always overshadowed his sickness.
Mark will always be watching over all of you with a smile on his face.
Gina Lowe
August 28, 2008
I am so sorry about your loss. I worked with Mark for eight years at target in Gastonia. Mark was my first boss and one of my mentors.He was always there to encourage and challenge me to do better.I will always remember Mark most for his courage,compassion and positive attitude. Mark was an inspiration to me when my father was diagnosed with lung cancer almost three years ago.Mark was always there to listen and always told me to hold my head up and never give up hope.He was much more than a boss or mentor he was an inspiration to all that knew him.
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Angie Ferris
August 28, 2008
Dear Family,
As many of us are, I am still in complete shock of the loss of Mark. I send my prayers and condolences. I know your family is strong and will have many fond memories to cherish forever. I enjoyed the many pictures of his wife and kids in his office and the fun stories. He loved his family beyond words and cared for his Target family too. I will never forget Mark Burud.
Sharon Hammill Dalton
August 28, 2008
Gretchen, I am so sorry to hear of Mark's death. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you and your children. Just yesterday I was think of calling to see how things were going for you. Every time I have surgery I think of Mark and how strong he was. I just had surgery so I dont' know if I can make his funeral. I will give you a call later and we can talk. Just know I love you and if I can do anything for you, please let me know.
Debbie Muench
August 28, 2008
Dear Gretchen, Gracie and Alec -
Jennifer and I are so very sorry to hear of Mark's passing. I have always been impressed by the strength and positive attitude that each of you showed despite the difficulites you most obviously have been up against. Your family closeness was apparent in everything you did. Please know that you are in our prayers and that you can call on us for whatever we can possibly do for you.
In His Love,
debbie muench
Rebecca Chaffin
August 27, 2008
Gretchen, Alec and Grace,
I am so saddened by the loss of your loving husband and father. I only met Mark once, but have been inspired over the years by the bravery with which he faced his illness and the thoughtful decisions he made to best live his life. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Anne & Charles Kraus
August 27, 2008
Our hearts, thoughts and prayers are with you all.
matthew mcgee
August 27, 2008
Dear, Gretchen and family my prayers are with you Mark was my manger at the tyvola store , I was his operater , he was always kind to me I will miss him
Love Matthew McGee
Jeffrey, Cathy, Christopher, & Linsey Hearn
August 27, 2008
Gretchen,
We were deeply sadden to hear of Mark's passing. You and your children are in our thoughts and prayers. Please don't hesitate to call if you need anything, (404-788-1838). God Bless.
With Deepest Sympathy,
Dolores Richards
August 27, 2008
To the Burud Family,
I met Mark when he began working at the Target Store on Tyvola Road (T-386). Mark was a wonderful, wonderful person, he never let anything get him down. He was a positive person, full of life.
He alway greeted me with a smile and would say: "Hello Dolores", and when the employees started calling me Ms D, he finally changed to call me the same, "Hi Ms D". Once I had to have surgery and he gave me some words of comfort and whenever I was sick and in the hospital and would come back to work, he always showed concern for my health.
When we moved to T-1087 and he would come by the store, he would come by my work station and speak to me.
I've retired now, but I always thought of him from time to time.
May God continue to bless you and your family,
Dolores Richards
Peter Key
August 27, 2008
Before I ever met Mark I knew he was a person to be admired and respected through his reputation and regard others held him in. I remember my first meeting with him while setting up the Matthews Target. My memory is of him wearing a ball cap. I didn't even recognize him having only seen him with a head full of hair before treatment. My disorientation at seeing him quickly dissolved into admiration for his strength, and will power, while working through his illness. He showed no effects whatsoever. Several years later I had the great fortune to work for him. Our relationship was never one of supervisor/employee. He was always a friend and mentor. He taught me how to deal with strong peer and team member personalities in a way that keeps friendships and working relationships intact. He was always the consummate peacemaker. I will always carry his memory with me and continue to use, and share, the things he taught me. A part of Mark will live on through all the people he worked with and the imprint he left on each of their lives.
Robyn Roof
August 27, 2008
Gretchen,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time.
Johnathon Lannerd
August 27, 2008
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Ross spoke so highly of Mark and I just wanted to let you know that we are all thinking of you.
JIM AND CATHERINE BURCHFIELD
August 27, 2008
GRETCHEN,GRACIE & ALEC
MARK WAS MUCH MORE THAN A MANAGER FOR TARGET IN GASTONIA. HE WAS A WONDERFUL PERSON AND FRIEND. HE WILL BE MISSED MORE THAN WORDS CAN SAY.
Kristi Longley
August 27, 2008
Mark was an inspiration to my late husband who passed away at age 27 from the very same cancer Mark had. Mark and Gretchen were wonderful people that took us under their wings to provide support and show us how wonderful Duke is. Mark will be missed greatly and my heart breaks for Gretchen and the kids.
Candace Splawn
August 27, 2008
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your children. I worked with Mark at Target, he wasn't just a manager, he was also a friend. Mark will be greatly missed.
Cathy Leist (Waddell)
August 27, 2008
Dear Dear Gretchen, Alec and Grace -
I know you only through your father and grandfather, Roger Gilcrest, as I worked for him for years. But, I feel as though I have known you for those many years. I am so very very sorry for your loss. God Bless all of you. Prayers are with you always.
Dori Rice
August 27, 2008
Dear Gretchen, Gracie, and Alec,
We are so sorry and are thinking of you every day. Please know that we are here for you and will do anything you need to help you through this tragedy.
Dori, Chloe, Anna, and Eric Rice
Ashley Broder
August 27, 2008
Gretchen and Family,
No words can express how deeply saddened I am to hear of Mark's passing. Although I had only met him a few times, I could instantly tell that he was such a compassionate person and that he loved you and your children very much. He always had the drive to beat his cancer and to keep going no matter what. I want you to know that you will be in my thoughts and prayers and that I am here for you if you need anything.
rebecca pearson
August 27, 2008
Hi just wanted to say how sorry I am Mark passed. I was the reciever at Target when Mark retired. He was a great man and he even took time to call me on my last day at Target 3 months after he left. he shared his story with me to help ease my concerns when I had a health scare. He gave me time off when my uncle passed with cancer. We will win this battle one day .Mark always let me and the team fundraise even when we were not supposed to.
susan king
August 27, 2008
Mark, you always told me never by defined by your illness. You were my coworker and my friend.Thank you for helping me through my long road to recovery. You will always be in my Heart. Love you, susan king T0387
Bonnie Smith
August 26, 2008
Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you. I can only imagine what a difficult time this is for you. I am so sorry. Bonnie
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