Mark Michael Whelan

To Mark, to those we love don't go away. They walk beside us every day, unseen, unheard but always near us, Still loved, Still missed and very dear, will miss your smiling face, and your always up to something eyes. Linda Vallerga (Placerville, California)

The man and his music will be remembered, His kindness and willingness to all will be remembered. His courage and strenghts will be remembered. His name will never be forgotten

He was always nice to the new kids on the block (Purpl Turtlz). Inspired me to sing and jam! Here today and gone tomorrow. RIP Mark

SHRED JANUARY 2006


He gave me a long look

As if memorizing my face

I knew deep in my heart

No one would ever take his place

His big blue eyes were staring into mine

I felt something pass between us

A moment frozen in time



I did not yet know

The secret he kept inside

And when I learned the reason

I broke down, I grieved, I cried

For he'd tried so hard to spare us all

His many, many friends

He did not want us to know just yet

That his time on Earth would soon end






He tried to hide his condition

With a cast, crutches and cane

And when we learned the awful truth

We were stunned, we were shattered,

We felt maimed

How could we be so blind?

Not to see he was wasting away

But since he was always smiling

We thought that all was okay



Now I see for he has taught me

It's all a part of some plan

Something will take each one of us

Every child, every woman, every man

You shoulder your burden

You do not waste time

With “why me”, “it's not fair” or complaints

Each day we are given is a precious gift

To be lived, to be cherished, to embrace





My friend has shown me his way to live

With his spirit, his purity and his grace

Bourne by the love of family and friends

He will fight the good fight

Then we will help him to stand

And he will go slowly but softly

Into the Light

He was a really cool guy and a good musician. He will be missed R.I.P. Mark

He was a great guy willing to share what he had. A friend to us all and the Pur'p'l Tur't'lz will all miss him. Fun to jam with. RIP

When I first met Mark, he was in the band Full Effect. Through the years of being friends, we organized another band, Stunt Road. Music was always the main tie holding our friendship together, along with many years of close friendship extending to many mutual friends, road trips, events, & just good fun. What a great guy to hang with! Never got to see Wild Steed after he moved up north, but I'm sure it was great fun. We'll all miss you buddy! Love, Kenny & Heathor