Mark Albert Coleman

Mark Albert Coleman passed away at the age of 64 on June 8, 2024. He had several health issues that plagued him later in life. 

He is preceded in death by his late wife, Valencia, his Uncle Ernie, and numerous other family members and friends. 

He is survived by his son Mark, Jr., his daughter Jennifer, his parents Gaines, Jr. and Marcy, his brothers Gaines III and Shawn, his sister-in-law Clarissa, his lifetime friend Hector, and a host of other family members and friends. 

Mark was born on November 29, 1960, in Los Angeles, CA. He grew up in Santa Monica and attended several schools in the Santa Monica Unified School District. He went on to work for more than 35 years as a Cook and a Chef in the restaurant industry. 

Mark also excelled as a Laboratory Technician. His kitchen skills were transferable as he learned how to contribute to the betterment of the environment. 

How does one capture a complex life in just a few words on a piece of paper? I think we should speak on Mark, the person we knew as a brother. Not the person everyone else knew. We knew that person, too, but that was not always our brother. It was the expectations of him that everyone would have. We did not want him to be us. That was our job. We wanted him to be himself. Nothing more or less. 

Mark was himself these past few years. As age began to manifest in all of us, the durable aspects of his being became more apparent. He became more the adult he was meant to be. Rich in experience. Rich in family. Rich in the love he received and gave to his family. Was he perfect? None of us are. He was as perfect as he could be. 

He chose the path of his existence. He lived it the best he could. In the end, could it really be more? Mark had a beautiful wife, kids, a pet or two. Friends? Plenty. Folks we've all known. Friends only he and his closest family knew. We may not have understood them. But he did, and that's what counted. 

We already miss you, Mark. Even though you are all around us. We will see you again. Somewhere, somehow. I feel that. Both as a Scientist and as your Brother. Until then, enjoy yourself: You've earned it.