Mark Andrew Ratliff

RATLIFF, Mark A. 29, was born Feb. 2, 1982, in St. Petersburg, died March 22, 2011. Mark Andrew Ratliff attended the University of South Florida in 2002, receiving a Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering in 2005. He enrolled in May 2005 in the USF graduate school of Architecture. Mark was to be part of the USF graduation ceremony on May 6 earning his Masters Degree in Architecture. Mark dreamed of building a better world. Growing up in Tampa, Mark was captivated by the desire to create. In his bedroom he created an entire world, filled with a brigade of Lego troops that answered to his every command. As he matured, Mark wanted to create real buildings and help shape the world through architecture. He was driven by the belief that architecture can restore the bonds of community. Mark wrote in his thesis: "From the beginning of life, community, which can be considered an extension of the concept of the family, is a driving force in the well-being of the development of the young and the pursuit of happiness." He was passionate about cooking, architecture, art and history. He was a talented artist, a good friend and a loyal and devoted son. He is survived by his mother, Mary Ann Ratliff, loving family members and countless friends. Our heartfelt thanks go to Shannon Bassett and Tim McRae for being such an important part of Mark's supportive community. A celebration of Mark's life will be held at St. Paul's Catholic Church on March 26, 2011 at 2 pm. Mark's family will receive friends and would be honored to have you share your wonderful memories of him from 12-2 pm at St. Paul's Catholic Church. Flowers will be accepted or donations can be made to National Public Radio or the National Resources Defense Council, or the USF College of Architecture. www.gonzalezfuneral.com