MARK ALAN DERTHICK

We were housemates in grad school, and had many adventures. Mark was softspoken: he kept his outrage on the inside. When we smuggled his birthday cake with a candle into his hospital room, he used his oxygen cannula to make the flame as large and bright as his soul. I have many stories about Mark which I treasure, but one thing about him is that he knew how to keep a secret, and in his memory, so will I.

I knew Mark in the early 1990's - we were both in Austin working on an AI system called Cyc at MCC. He was a super nice, super smart guy working on very interesting projects. I learned a lot from him and missed him when he left our group. He was incredible bike rider too - riding from his home in Central Austin all the way to North Austin where work was.

Mark and I were classmates, friends and neighbors at Wash U back in 1979-83. We were involved in a variety of things together. He was brilliant, soft-spoken, and kind. He approached his CF in a matter-of-fact manner that I remember as so incredibly courageous for somebody so young. I've thought of him on and off over the years and, knowing that he was at CMU, always when I was around Pittsburgh. I'm saddened to hear that he's gone, but am very happy to know that he had a life of love and impact, that defied the odds we understood to be true in those early days of our youth.

What a great guy who will be missed. A husband and friend to my best friend, Mimi, and loved and respected by those who spent any time with him! More courageous through many health fights with CF (more than I can imagine) but never lost his interest in and passion for life!