Mark Smith WCJ

[expresso]

I just read something about Mark - i believe he Passed.

[Burgerman]

Seriously? Where did you read? I know I didn't like him or rather his attitude. But i'm still sorry.

[Burgerman]

https://powerchairdiaries.com/

You are correct. Last post here was by his daughter I believe.

Was still working, and hanging out in bars with friends in mid September. Must have been something relatively quick. We have had a few on this forum go missing. Makes you wonder who is next. Disability can be a bitch.

[shirley_hkg]

From time to time , you see a chair that you've been familiar with , but sadly not the driver any more !

[Burgerman]

True. Turns out it was cancer - his daughters blog. Fairly rapidly. He posted video stuff on twitter in September from work. And pics in various places like bars. Then 2 months later gone! So not disability related. You never know whats around the corner.

[steves1977uk]

Sad to read this Condolences to his family.

Steve

[expresso]

yeah - never a good thing to deal with - sucks - not going into details but a close friend of mines - not disabled at all - but things happened suddenly and bothers me to think about it - my indoor chair is now his Chair for as long as its needed - you know this is why i am not going to stress too much - just do it - make your chairs lithium and ride on - take long rides - each and every day in the summer - winter is very long - i cant wait.

[Rollin Positive]

We didnt see eye to eye on things all the time but away from power chair world he was an OK guy we would hang out from time to time.

But never want anyone to have to go through the pain and suffering it sounds like he went though so fast.

His daughter is 21 and she posted this on the 22nd of Oct...sounds like he passed over the weekend.

https://transitionalwritings.wordpress. ... ncer-sick/

https://transitionalwritings.wordpress. ... ing-after/

R.I.P. Mark

[Rollin Positive]

Sorry meant to say away from the power chair industry world..in recent years..

[Burgerman]

Years?
He posted some videos from his work in September on twitter, if you follow your links.

[steves1977uk]

Reading Mark's last post on his facebook page, he mentions he had health issues for over a year. Maybe this was part of the reason he closed his forum.

Steve

[Burgerman]

Maybe. Although he was at work 2 months ago. And posted stuff online. I think that he went for some test or something quite recently and they removed his cancer and a part of esophagus which I cant spell. And that was basically that. Reading those posts above. Tough thing cancer. One of the few charities I give to. That and the helicopters that rescued me. Cant believe thats run on a donation only system.

[Scooterman]

Cant believe thats run on a donation only system.

I couldn't agree more, we get our priorities all wrong in this country.

[Burgerman]

He posted this late October. https://powerchairdiaries.com/2018/10/20/on-my-mother/

Take a read above. Marks family history was apparently very very messed up. With all kinds of heavy substance abuse, repeated child sexual molestation and cancer issues. Going back at least 3 generations. Which can be very genetic, so be passed on to each generation. I hope his daughter is out of all that and has a normal stable life.

[ex-Gooserider]

Just saw this on the monthly NCART newsletter....

Remembering Mark E. Smith
We are deeply saddened to share that this past Sunday, Mark Smith, General Manager of Public Relations and Consumer Research for Quantum Mobility, passed away. Mark once said, "I always said I would be happy if I could help just one person. Being able to help thousands of people, through my writing and speaking efforts, is beyond anything I've ever dreamed." As a disability advocate known and loved by so many, Mark leaves a legacy of passionately seeking ways to make a positive difference. You can read more about his work and his life at www.powerchairdiaries.com. Our condolences and prayers go out to his wife Holly and their daughters, Emily and Annabelle.

I think a lot of us had our issues and disagreements with the guy - we certainly said plenty of rude things about him here, but still sorry to see him pass. :cry

ex-Gooserider