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Mark McAfee Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Mark McAfee
‘Terry O’Brien
May 10, 2021
Valerie and I still enjoy the wonderful memories of Mark, a grand husband, a wiener dog and jazz aficionado, with a cheerful disposition, an inquisitive mind, and a kind person. He was authentic, funny, warm with the wisdom to have loved as grand a partner as Betsy.
Terry OBrien
May 8, 2019
It is hard to believe it has been so long since Mark left us and entered Paradise, a place of jazz, wiener dogs, laughter, cheer, authenticity, joy and his anticipation of our joining him-but not too soon. We are grateful for his making our lives richer, and blessed to have known him.
Steph Shelton
June 9, 2010
Betsy, I am so sorry to hear about what happened to Mark! Some of my greatest memories serving tables include waiting on you two on the patio and of course Mark's birthday at the Dakota... You two were the sweetest couple, It didn't feel like a job waiting on you two with all the fun and the good jokes, but also because you both treated me with respect, told me great stories, as well as some interesting conversations about important issues at times... You two really enjoyed being together, that was obvious. I am so sorry for your loss and hope that you can get through this difficult time. Treat yourself well, that's what Mark would want for you(Betsy), and the rest of his family.
Peace, Steph Shelton
Tom Beer
May 26, 2010
Dear Betsy,
I don't know if we've met. Mark was hired by AFSCME when I retired in 2001, and I subsequently had the opportunity to work with him while lobbying for the union on projects. I last saw him at Rolf and Lisa Hage's home last winter. He was a serious trade unionist and his life's work was a wonderful testimony to the values of the labor movement. Rita and I regret we were not able to attend Mark's memorials as we were away for some time. May the many thoughtful and loving comments from Mark's friends and colleagues help sustain you.
Respectfully,
Tom Beer
Courage Center
May 21, 2010
On behalf of the staff at Courage Center, please accept our condolences on the loss of Mark. Our thoughts are with you during this difficult time.
Yvette Young
May 20, 2010
To the Family of Mark McAfee:
Mark was a great man and leader. I first met Mark when I came to work at AFSCME. When I came on board with the lost timers, Mark was so welcoming. He made me feel right at home. I last saw him at the AFSCME Convention earlier this year and just days before that we bumped into one another at the gas station. I'm deeply sadden to hear of his passing. My prayer for Mark's family is that God give each of you peace during this difficult time.
Blessings
Linda Williams
May 17, 2010
Sue and Family:
Having never met, Mark, I sure know him now; after reading through the guest book. Such admiration and appreciation! What a loving man! Sounds like he knew no stranger! I hate I never met him.
Accept my condolences on an immeasurable loss.
May 13, 2010
Dear Betsy, my thoughts are with you, your family, and your friends. I'm so sorry to hear of Mark's passing. Was always a joy to see you both, hope to see you soon.
With deepest sympathy,
Andrea Myers (Dakota Jazz Club)
Patti Handevidt-Wachal
May 13, 2010
Betsy,
I just heard today of Mark's passing. I am so sorry to hear about this. He always seemed to have a good time at our class reunions. He was such a nice guy.
My sympathy to you.
Jason
May 13, 2010
Mark was a great guy to work with. You could really tell how passionate he was about every aspect of his life and how much he loved Betsy. You will be missed.
May 13, 2010
To our dear Friends and Family,
I have been reading and re-reading your kind and loving words about Mark and want you all to know how grateful I am to each of you. It gives me great comfort and pride to know how many lives he touched.
Mark was indeed a person of great integrity with a profound sense of justice. He was a compassionate man who cared deeply about people who were left behind in our society and who simply needed to have someone speak for them and extend a welcoming hand to help lift them up.
I know that Mark's vision for a better world lives on in each of us.
He is my sweet love and I miss him terribly.
--Betsy
John Marty
May 12, 2010
Betsy:
Mark was such a kind, caring person. His legacy from his work at MN Farmers Union and AFSCME, and his volunteer work at Jobs Now, is a better life for working people. I enjoyed the chance to work with him, and will truly miss him.
Matt Nelson
May 12, 2010
Betsy and family
The celebration of Mark's life yesterday was very uplifting. It was very similar to my wife's who passed away in 1999. Like my wife Jennie it is true the good die young. Mark was such a good guy, never said anything bad about anyone and always had a smile on his face. He is missed in our office every day.
Rose Schreier Welton
May 12, 2010
Dear Betsy: I am so sorry to read of the passing of your husband, Mark. I often think of you and Laura and our times at St. Kate's with fondness. May God give you strength during this diffcult time. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Jean Merkelo
May 11, 2010
Dear Betsy and Family,
There are no words to express the shock and pain upon hearing this news. You two were made for each other, and I am convinced one of the joys of Life is to be united with our soulmates. I think of you both and all the many great conversations about music, life, politics, wine, beer, dogs, and I feel blessed that I was meant to know each of you. The Dakota was truly a nexus. You both are some of the finest and most loving people I have known, and this is obvious to anyone lucky enough to be in your presence.
My thoughts, love, and prayers are with you.
Kris Jacobs
May 11, 2010
I worked closely with Mark McAfee in his role as a board member of JOBS NOW Coalition for ten years, eight of them as our Board Chair. Mark led us by his example of service, compassion and above all, excellence.
Mark put people at ease. He cared and he wasn't afraid to show it. While mourning his passing, we celebrate and thank God for the many gifts he shared so freely.
Mark often invoked his wife Betsy's wisdom and advice in his stewardship of JOBS NOW, especially that we remember always and above all, to listen to each other. Thank you, brother.
Kenneth Krefting
May 11, 2010
Dear Betsy and family, We met Mark &Betsy through his Mom & Dad we
worked with Alice for a number. Mark was such a fine man,he was a
credit to his family and country.We are very happy that we had the
opportunity to have known him.
Pete Holste
May 11, 2010
Sympathies to Mark's family on behalf of his dad's former students.
Niel Ritchie
May 11, 2010
Dear Betsy and family,
Mark was perhaps the most kind and gentle person ever to engage in the rough and tumble of Minnesota politics. I knew him through his work with the Jobs Now Coalition board and shared his passion for farmers, critters and rural life. Anyone who was fortunate enough to meet Mark was better for it. I know I was. My thoughts are with you all.
With deepest sympathies,
Niel Ritchie, Minneapolis
Ray Bohn
May 11, 2010
Mark was a great guy ... tremendous person ... I will miss his smiling face and good humor at the capitol. May your memories sustain you in your loss.
Patricia Dobier
May 11, 2010
Betsy, Family & Friends, I had the opportunity to meet Mark only once yet I know of his kindness through my dear friend Pearl Coleman. I know Pearl will greet and love him on his journey. Her sons and I want to express our sadness for your loss. We will be with you in our prayers. We know of your grief and sadness and can hardly believe the feelings of loss for you and the AFSCME family. May the peace which passeth all understanding be with you always.
May 11, 2010
Mark's spirit of lovingkindness shall remain within all of us who had the privilege of knowing him. I cherish the opportunities I had to work closely with him on the Board of JOBS NOW Coalition. His good works live on, in each of us who are committed to the betterment of the lives of workers and families all over Minnesota.
Thanks, Mark, for everything.
Donna Cannon
Katie Farber
May 11, 2010
What a great guy and a tremendous loss. My sympathy to his wife and family. He could always make the reasonable approach to legislative interaction seem attractive without discouraging activism--I was at the Capitol with him a few weeks ago, and I will cherish that experience.
Terry O'Brien
May 11, 2010
The world is a better, happier, wiser place because of Mark.
He contributed far beyond his too few years. He was a successful lobbyist because he was knowledgeable, had integrity and treated everyone with respect. I pray he is successfully "working" St. Peter on our behalf now.
We are grateful for his insatiable curiosity, his wit, his ability to make everyone feel important, interesting, close and at ease. We enjoyed his hospitality and sometimes frivolity and admired his compassion for those less fortunate, his tolerance of those less insightful and his ability to ultimately educate. We appreciate his passion for jazz, good food, the DFL, dachshunds, crazy hats (and his willingness to be photographed in them), adult beverages and nature. We are thankful for his willingness to credit others for his successful efforts, his sharing his talents, his warmth, his smile, and his zest for life.
There was nothing phony about Mark. I particularly treasured his authenticity. Thank God- what you saw is what you got.
He leaves us many grand and warm memories; he enriched our lives. We honor his commitment to community, to family to friends; we understand his admiration of and devotion to his partner and love, Betsy. We are blessed to have known him.
God Bless Mark, Betsy and his family.
Sandra Curtis
May 10, 2010
Dear Betsy and family: It always amazes me how small the world is when paths cross... Values and commitment bring people together and I am sure Mark would wish for us all to continue to strive for those things he helped so many of us realize.
sue london
May 10, 2010
Dear Betsy and Family, May the compassion of family and friends surround and embrace you. My thoughts and prayers are with you. With my Deepest Sympathy.
Marlys Gitelson
May 10, 2010
My dear sweet friend. I will miss you so much! My sympathy to the family.
Marlys Gitelson
May 10, 2010
My dear sweet friend. I will miss you so much! My sympathy to all of the family.
Mark Stone
May 10, 2010
Got to know Mac in my freshman Case Hall dorm - he lived in the room right next door - at St. Cloud State College, '71 - '72. Mac was one of the smartest, funniest, most thoughtful guys I met there. Never forget ya, buddy!
Carl Michel
May 10, 2010
I'll raise a pint to you old friend.
Willie Snyder
May 10, 2010
Mark was an approachable, capable and compassionate resource and mentor who damped the nerves of citizen-lobbyists with his warmth, sense of humor and belief in those of us who simply told our stories. Faced with a dilemna at the State Capitol, Mark always knew who to talk to, who to have do the talking, and what to say when and where. He would back up this advice with great faith in the member-messengers. Mark welcomed us with his handshake, and sent us forward with his warm smile! AFSCME Council 5 (and little Local 707) will remember Mark and carry his spirit into our struggles and victories!
Linda Williams
May 10, 2010
Betsy and family:
I can hardly believe that Mark is gone. I had talked to him early in the week about pension stuff. I had not heard about his accident. He talked about the cell phone use. We talked for close to an hour. Besides the usual stuff, we talked about our families. I wish I had told him how much he influenced my life. He was a great guy and I will miss him.
Shawn Adsitt
May 10, 2010
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends. Mark was such a great guy. He will surely be missed.
Clifford Poehler
May 10, 2010
Dear Betsy and Family members of Mark's: He exhibited what is best in all of us.He was wise, kind, patient, and progressive. His contribution to the working class will endure for generations in the legislation he toiled on and got passed that promote and protect Minnesotans of all ages, callings and backrounds.He will be missed.
John Noonan
May 10, 2010
I was very lucky to be able to work with Mark a few times through AFSCME. He was a great person and will be missed. I am very sorry for your families.
Patrick Guernsey
May 10, 2010
We will Miss Brother McAffee very much. He was always a big help to our members.
Patrick J Guernsey
For the Members
Of AFSCME Local 552
Hennepin County Probation/Parole Officers
Jen Guertin
May 10, 2010
To Betsy and the family,
THANK YOU so much for sharing Mark with us. He was a great friend and a wonderful mentor to me. He was always to make me smile and encourage me when I needed it. He will be sorely missed.
Jody Jacobs
May 10, 2010
With Sympathy,
Amanda Prince
May 10, 2010
Mark introduced me to the political world in Minnesota. He made what was a intimidating and daunting world excessible, warm, and fun. I will miss him greatly.
Dan Bettendorf
May 10, 2010
Betsy,
I am sorry to hear about Mark, my thoughts are with you.
Laurie Johnson
May 10, 2010
Betsy, my thoughts and prayers are with you. Mark helped so many through his work at the Capitol. What a great co-worker, friend and advocate. Mark was simply one of the nicest people I have had the pleasure to know while working at AFSCME. Mark will be deeply missed by many, Laurie Johnson
LoRita Powell
May 10, 2010
I had the pleasure of working with and learning from Mark over the past few years at AFSCME. I loved watching him in action, especially one on one screenings of possible candidates seeking positions in MN's State Govt. Mark was a force to be reckoned with, and an excellent teacher!! He provided me with a "comfort zone" that I'll carry and use for the rest of my life!! Thank you Mark!! And thank you to the family of Mark, he's been an AWESOME individual, I'm proud to have had the opportunity to cross paths with him. May God bless and oomfort us all in our time of loss.
Maureen Glover
May 9, 2010
Mark was just the sweetest man to know. He worked so hard to learn about our jobs in social services to help us fight for our clients and our jobs at the legislature. He took the time to teach us, to introduce us to our senators and representatives and set a great example in negotiating respectfully. He was always a gentleman, always did his job with class. He will be so missed. Maureen Glover, AFSCME, Local 34
May 9, 2010
Betsy and family:
I am so sorry for your loss and will certainly miss Mark. Mark always had a smile on his face; I looked for him each time I visited the AFSCME offices. Any question on any legislative matter, Mark would find the answer. Mark was one terrific guy.
Kathy Schlangen
former Chief Steward, Local 2829
Beth & Bruce Edwards
May 9, 2010
So sorry to hear about Mark.
Our heart felt sympathy goes out to you.
May 9, 2010
Betsy and family,
Words cannot express how deeply sorry we are to hear of your loss.
Mark was a such a kind person and we are grateful to have known him.
Tom and Marilynn Jenkin
Marijo Hain
May 9, 2010
Mark showed me how to be comfortable and knowledgeable at the capital. Thank You Mark! God Bless you and your family.
Jill Kielblock
May 9, 2010
To Betsy and the rest of Mark's family words are inadequate to try to address the depth of my sadness at your loss. I can only imagine what you are going through. Mark will be greatly missed by those of us at AFSCME and by those of us in the Twins ticket pool.
Howard Gitelson
May 9, 2010
Thanks Mark, you were not only a wonderful family man, but also a great friend to everyone. I always liked to give you a hard time and you would just laugh and offer me some great whiskey. The harder the time, the better the whiskey, and you always had some great whiskey! You're a great friend I will never forget.
Betsy's Special Birthday Dance, 8/28/2005
Howard Gitelson
May 9, 2010
Mom and Sam and Mark, 11/24/2005
Howard Gitelson
May 9, 2010
Mark & Sam, Thanksgiving, 11/24/2005
Howard Gitelson
May 9, 2010
Fourth of July Picnic at Barb's, 7/4/2007
Howard Gitelson
May 9, 2010
May 9, 2010
Peace be with you Mark and your family
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