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BORN
1921
DIED
2019
Mark Briggs Obituary
May 1, 1921 - Oct. 28, 2019
San José
Mark Briggs, a long time and much loved art teacher at San José and Leland High Schools, has died October 28, after a short illness. His family and many of his former students who became long time friends will remember with appreciation his enthusiastic support of their adventures in life. Mark's wife Phyllis died in 2007; he is survived by daughters Alys and Marcia. No memorial is planned as family and friends have joined him for birthday and other celebrations during his last years, which he greatly enjoyed. In lieu of flowers, Mark would have liked the idea of a tribute in his name to a food bank.
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Memories and Condolences
for Mark Briggs
Sponsored by San Jose Mercury News.
November 12, 2019
So sorry to hear of Mr. Briggs passing. I have so many fond memories of him. I was so excited when I was asked to join Bulldog Studio and spent many fun filled hours learning and creating. He always had a smile and was a great inspiration.
Trish Turner Conyers
Class of 1966
The Briggs at home after retirement.
Ronald Root
November 5, 2019
Mark hosting a party for his students and Ron Root (student teacher).
Ronald Root
November 5, 2019
Ronald Root
November 5, 2019
Mark was taken at 98, but he always gave 100% to all that knew him. He was a disciplined teacher, mentor and fatherly inspiration to many young lives. We have lost a truly classic gentleman.
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Dennis Moran
November 3, 2019
Mark Briggs was an incredible teacher. He was talented and had good command of materials. He had a great awareness of events and needs in the community and would connect creative, talented people to serve those needs. He involved us in the Northern California Cartoon and Humor Association, giving us the opportunity to expand our artistic repertoire to share with our students. He was an exemplary art teacher. He found guest speakers for presentations in his classroom to broaden his students' learnings. Mark Briggs left a legacy in SJUSD and beyond.
Mary Moran
November 3, 2019
To quote Mark, "Art isn't a subject, it is a way of life." Mark also dressed as an iconic artist with his beret, a many pocketed vest full of brushes and pens. He used the art of Mondrian as a basis for a 'forever' art lesson in the principles and elements of design. He encouraged budding artists with excellent advice. He networked people tirelessly, knowing their interests, talents and abilities. Mark filled his home with students' art work, saved clippings of their successes, kept file drawers of their correspondence. His lovely wife wrote poetry while Mark illustrated it. Together they raised two daughters who have made positive contributions to community and society in numerous ways. I am forever grateful for Mark's mentoring when I joined SJUSD at Bret Harte as a first year art teacher when he was Department chair at Leland. Mark Briggs will be forever remembered and missed.
November 1, 2019
Mark always took a interest in me and my art.
He is and will always be my art teacher.
Rest in peace MR.BRIGGS. Gene Impey class of 56'
M. Lennon
November 1, 2019
Such a wonderful teacher. Had the privilege of knowing him when he taught at Leland, I was teaching at Bret Harte . He once helped me hand roll campaign t-shirts for a local politician. Mr. Briggs was a selfless guiding force for so many in our community.
Jacqueline Harmo Butler
November 1, 2019
Mark was the first person to believe in and encourage my artistic talents. Back in high school I had a part time job and so was unable to accept a part in a play so the drama teacher kicked me out of the class. Thfen Mark invited me to join a very special art class called "Bulldog Studio". There were just 3 students, 2 goys and me. Mark encouraged our individual art projects as we listened to jazz music (mostly Dave Brubeck). Through the years he never stopped supporting my artistic projects. He was my special angel and always will be.
Roger Amaro , San Jose high school class of1962
November 1, 2019
For the family of mr. Briggs , sorry to hear that he has passed away,
He was one of the best teacher,s that San Jose high school had, a great personality always with smile,and always in a good mood,he will be greatly missed,
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