Matthew Lee Mark

May you rest in Peace, Garth. I was not a member of FITH, but I hung around every now and then. You guys were always so fun. Every night some new shit was going on and you guys quickly grew on me. I haven’t been on in ages but when I came on yesterday and today, on christmas, I was expecting the whole gang to be shouting and laughing like usual (The server was PACKED, by the way), but I noticed a lot of people had #Garth on their name. Trizz was whistling and when I asked “Isn’t that Garth’s thing?”, I learned about your passing. I loved going on your servers when I was feeling alone. I loved that there was still a thriving community that played the game that I loved so many years ago. I still love FITH, we will always remember you wholly and truly.
I don’t remember the screen name I used on the server, but my most original one is Obliv.

Matt… Mark… or Garth? As so many knew you, and as I met you. Not only was your life lived in service to your country and physical community, but to all in your online community, as well.

You were, and still are, a pillar of devotion, understanding, and kindness. You were always there for anyone and everyone who needed a shoulder, a listener, a commiserator, a comedian, a true friend. I only wish that that same ethics of service you lived by in every aspect of your life, was one that could be reciprocated to you in full. If only in this world you could have felt as held as much as you were holding.

You made me laugh so many times… when all I wanted to do otherwise was cry. We talked much about the future, the past, pain, sorrow, insecurity, joy, and love. We talked of history, politics, social justice, and service. We argued over which green chile was the real green chile, the BEST green chile: Pueblo or New Mexico? I’ll let you take this win, forever more, my friend.

We were friends at our best, and occasional meme-sharers and “just checking-in pals” at our most distanced. You stood in solidarity with me and so many others over virtual-communal injustice, just as I stood with you; and will always stand with you.

You’ve always fought for preserving the sanctity of community, inclusion, and togetherness. For that and so much more: You are both cherished, and infinitely loved.

Forever awaiting our scotch tasting in cosmos. With much love, compassionate & gentle soul.

You are my brother, I love you like the way i love my family, I’m so sorry, I will always cherish our memories together playing videogames like Tf2 and Mordhau, I miss you man and you had so much impact on my life, just by being a good friend or someone to talk to when i was impaired, you deserved so much happiness in life, im so sorry i wish i had done more.

This was definitely unexpected. We were friends of his that played Team Fortress 2. He will truly be missed and we thank him for his service to this country. Our hearts, thoughts, and prayers are with his loved ones at this time.

You were such a friend, and will be missed.

May he rest in peace! I know Richard has him, in his arms. May your fond memories bring you comfort.

Rest in Peace, Sir. It was an honor to work with you. Thoughts and prayers to family, friends, and loved ones.

My condolence’s for your loss, I’m going to miss our talks when I would go visit your station, God Bless and All of your Family.

In the Military, we are a family. Some form friendships, some do not. We are expected to be there for each other, and have each others back, no matter what back ground you come from, what politics you align with, or how much you dislike someone. One team, one fight. There are many struggles we go through in our lives, add the military, and a first responder job into that, and they are bound to be there. Matt Mark was always that guy that showed up with a smile. If you had issues he was the one to ask if you were dealing with anything. He wasn’t one to back down or give up. He had the spirit of the infantry. Matt served his community with a smile and lived everyone around him. He was the energy we all need. One night, without an explanation, without saying goodbye, or reaching out to some of his closest friends… Mark lost the fight. A fight a lot of us struggle in. While nobody knows what he was fighting with, or how long he was fighting it. I’d like to think he tried his best to win. He was that man. Yesterday when I heard the news, I struggled to find any words, but couldn’t. Last night I tried to sleep but only found memories of a man I was proud to call my brother. This morning at PT when going up a hill, most find challenging and would back down from, I pushed through. It’s what mark would’ve done. So as my brothers find themselves struggling through this obstacle, push through. Triumph over this, and we will win together. Together as a team, meaning if you start to struggle, reach out and ask for a hand. We will be there. I hope someday I can have the energy Matt had. That I could be the leader he was. With my heart and soul, I write these words brother. Til Valhalla.

My prayers of condolence and sorrow go out to everyone who is grieving this tragic loss. May there be comfort in gathering and remembering.