When Mark Schirkofsky was studying journalism at K-State, he called me at the University of Oklahoma and asked if he could stay with me while he was taking photos of the K-State vs OU basketball game. Of course he could. And he sweetened (literally) the deal by bringing a whole BoBo's apple pie as a thank you gift. He was kind enough to take some really good photos of my first child. Good company, good food, good photos, good friend.
While he and I were touring THS during the 20-year reunion, we could not pass up the opportunity for Mark to remind us of the teaching style of our beloved physics teacher J.W. Jones. As he stood in J.W.'s classroom, he said that we should mark that with a capital X (just like J.W. would have said if someone gave a wrong answer).
This is the last photo I have of Mark Schirkofsky. It was taken when Mark came in from Florida and I came in from Texas for our 40th THS reunion. Seated around a table at BoBo's while we waited for our apple pie a la mode were (left to right): Mark, his wife Pam, my wife Rene', and me.
Mark Scott Schirkofsky, 58, of Jacksonville, FL, passed away Sunday, August 15, after a very brief battle with cancer. He was born on November 22, 1951, in Topeka, Kansas, to parents Doris (Birk) and Ray Schirkofsky. Mark was a graduate of Topeka High and Kansas State University.
Mark worked most of his life in the power plant industry; Wolf Creek (KS), Crystal River (FL) and most recently for Jacksonville Electric Authority (FL). Mark loved to travel to Caribbean Islands with his wife where they spent most of their time sailing, snorkeling, diving and exploring the island cultures, terrain and meeting local residents.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Neal Schirkofsky. Survivors include his wife, Pam Schirkofsky of Jacksonville, FL; daughter, Alexis Schirkofsky (Clearwater); Step-father, Wayne Birk (KS); and stepsons, Edward Wright (Randi) and Coley Wright (Tiffany). He was Papa to his 4 grandchildren, Timmy, Kylie, Christian and Jessica. Mark and Pam both attended Celebration Church/midtown campus.
The family would like to thank the following who contributed so much to his care, supported them with prayer and/or made it possible for his wife to spend as much time as possible with Mark during his last months. Doctors Howard Chandler, Mark Augspurger, Jeff Harris; Pam's employer, the University of Florida; Jacksonville Physicians, Inc; Pediatrics; Neighbors of Plummer Cove; JEA Co-workers; BCBS of FL Case Manager; Hospice of NE FL, and the many friends and family members.
Mark will be cremated and his remains will be brought to his beloved Salt Whistle Bay off the island of Mayreau, in the Grenadines, at a later date.
A "Celebration of Mark's life" will be held on Saturday, August 21, at 2 p.m. in the Celebration Church Midtown Annex, 10302 Deerwood Park Blvd.
Memorials may be made in Mark's name to Patrons of the Heart at www.patrons ofthehearts.com (University of Florida, Jacksonville Pediatric Cardiology) whose mission is to evaluate and treat children with congenital heart disease from underdeveloped countries at Wolfson Children's Hospital. Many of these children are being brought to the U.S. for surgery from the islands in the Caribbean.
Published in Citrus County Chronicle from Aug. 17 to Aug. 20, 2010
Donna J. Klein
Enjoyed getting to know him better before he pasted. He was so happy.
David Patrick Murphy
When Mark Schirkofsky was studying journalism at K-State, he called me at the University of Oklahoma and asked if he could stay with me while he was taking photos of the K-State vs OU basketball game. Of course he could. And he sweetened (literally) the deal by bringing a whole BoBo's apple pie as a thank you gift. He was kind enough to take some really good photos of my first child. Good company, good food, good photos, good friend.
David Patrick Murphy
While he and I were touring THS during the 20-year reunion, we could not pass up the opportunity for Mark to remind us of the teaching style of our beloved physics teacher J.W. Jones. As he stood in J.W.'s classroom, he said that we should mark that with a capital X (just like J.W. would have said if someone gave a wrong answer).
David Patrick Murphy
This is the last photo I have of Mark Schirkofsky. It was taken when Mark came in from Florida and I came in from Texas for our 40th THS reunion. Seated around a table at BoBo's while we waited for our apple pie a la mode were (left to right): Mark, his wife Pam, my wife Rene', and me.
Jenith E. Paris (Hoover)
David, thanks for posting these nice memories and pictures of Mark.
David Patrick Murphy
Mark Schirkofsky (1951 - 2010)
Obituary
Courtesy of Legacy.com
Mark Scott Schirkofsky, 58, of Jacksonville, FL, passed away Sunday, August 15, after a very brief battle with cancer. He was born on November 22, 1951, in Topeka, Kansas, to parents Doris (Birk) and Ray Schirkofsky. Mark was a graduate of Topeka High and Kansas State University.
Mark worked most of his life in the power plant industry; Wolf Creek (KS), Crystal River (FL) and most recently for Jacksonville Electric Authority (FL). Mark loved to travel to Caribbean Islands with his wife where they spent most of their time sailing, snorkeling, diving and exploring the island cultures, terrain and meeting local residents.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Neal Schirkofsky. Survivors include his wife, Pam Schirkofsky of Jacksonville, FL; daughter, Alexis Schirkofsky (Clearwater); Step-father, Wayne Birk (KS); and stepsons, Edward Wright (Randi) and Coley Wright (Tiffany). He was Papa to his 4 grandchildren, Timmy, Kylie, Christian and Jessica. Mark and Pam both attended Celebration Church/midtown campus.
The family would like to thank the following who contributed so much to his care, supported them with prayer and/or made it possible for his wife to spend as much time as possible with Mark during his last months. Doctors Howard Chandler, Mark Augspurger, Jeff Harris; Pam's employer, the University of Florida; Jacksonville Physicians, Inc; Pediatrics; Neighbors of Plummer Cove; JEA Co-workers; BCBS of FL Case Manager; Hospice of NE FL, and the many friends and family members.
Mark will be cremated and his remains will be brought to his beloved Salt Whistle Bay off the island of Mayreau, in the Grenadines, at a later date.
A "Celebration of Mark's life" will be held on Saturday, August 21, at 2 p.m. in the Celebration Church Midtown Annex, 10302 Deerwood Park Blvd.
Memorials may be made in Mark's name to Patrons of the Heart at www.patrons
ofthehearts.com (University of Florida, Jacksonville Pediatric Cardiology) whose mission is to evaluate and treat children with congenital heart disease from underdeveloped countries at Wolfson Children's Hospital. Many of these children are being brought to the U.S. for surgery from the islands in the Caribbean.