| Graduation Year | Class of 1969 |
| Date of Passing | Nov 09, 2012 |
| About | It saddens me deeply that I have to inform you of the passing of my brother and best friend Mark William Connell (5/28/1951 %u2013 11/09/2012). Mark had battled an illness for the past year and spent his last month as an inpatient at the Veterans Hospital in La Jolla California. He lost his fight this past Friday November 9th. My brother received the finest of care and the hospital gave him a wonderful send off by wrapping his body in the American Flag and having beautiful chimes ringing throughout the hallways as they transferred him to the elevator. Everyone stood against the walls with their hand over their hearts to show respect. This was a very moving experience for me and I know Mark would have been proud to have seen this. I have included photos of the hospital, the wing where he spent his last few days, his body being taken to the elevator and one of the two of us at his bedside. Mark valued your friendship and I also know he never expressed a discouraging word about you which I feel speaks volumes as to the quality of yours and his relationship. Mark%u2019s ashes will be interred in the Fort Rosecrans National Military Cemetery. This cemetery is located high above the Pacific Ocean and to appreciate just how beautiful it is, please Google search Fort Rosecrans National Military Cemetery and then click the link that says Images for Fort Rosecrans National Military Cemetery. You will quickly see just what I mean by the beauty of this cemetery. Fort Rosecrans will honor Mark%u2019s service to his country by hosting a formal ceremony and you of course are invited to attend. I will notify you as soon as the date of this service is announced. Please do not send any flowers but instead please consider making a donation to the Veterans Medical Center #135 at 3350 La Jolla Village Drive %u2013 San Diego, CA. 92161. In the bottom left corner of your check please write, In Memory of Mark Connell. I want to personally thank you for being a trusted friend of my brother and I sincerely extend my best wishes to you at this time. Richie Connell |
