Mark battled a failing heart for close to 10 years. He lived each day to it's fullest, always was smiling, and he was my dear NASCAR buddy. We both enjoyed racing, and would have many conversations about racing. He finally lost his battle on this earth in July 2005. He passed away on July 17th..and his favorite NASCAR driver's car number Matt Kenseth, is 17. What an appropriate day for Mark to be ushered into heaven. I miss him dearly.