With Appreciation

How grateful we are for all who have served and supported us in so many ways over the past decade! It was precisely ten years ago this month we learned of Mark's metastatic melanoma diagnosis. We started this blog in 2012, and we have continually felt the strength of your prayers and best wishes on our behalf.

The funeral service touched my heart with the beautiful music and inspiring messages. So many hours were spent on the delightful displays, printed programs, gorgeous flowers, cakes, and cookies, the tribute video and slide show, set-up and clean-up, and more. We appreciate each of you who helped in any capacity. It was humbling to have so many in attendance, including many out-of-town guests—thank you to all who came and those who joined virtually.

Reading the tender messages from cards, texts, emails, social media, and the Remembering Mark site has been sweet. More love has come in the form of fabulous food: a southern supper, a Tongan feast, breakfast casserole, lunch trays, fresh bread, cookies, cheesecake, and more. It rejuvenated our bodies and our souls. The love we have received in so many ways has sustained us. Thank-you.

Because of the many who have shared how Mark has touched their lives, I have realized more than ever that our mission was his cancer and how we dealt with it. His impact has been far-reaching, likely much more than if we had been called to serve a full-time church mission. His love for others and our Savior is a witness to what he believed and taught. I have certainly learned much from him throughout our time together.

Mark and I started dating 45 years ago in July, and we have been together almost constantly for the past ten years, so I feel lost without him. But, I also have had peace and a feeling that he is as near as possible, helping me through this process. I miss him and love him with all my heart!

The tribute video shown after the service in now on the Remembering Mark page. I particularly enjoyed watching the added surprise lip-sync with Mark and three of our sons at a Precoa All-Hands Meeting. It always bring a smile. Enjoy.

https://www.precoa.com/mark-hornibrook

With love and genuine appreciation,

Ane & Family

Funeral Service for Mark

A Remembering Mark webpage has been created at precoa.com/mark. We would appreciate it if you would share your memories of Mark through this page.

Service Details - All are welcome to attend. 

The  Public Viewing will be held from 6:30–8:00 pm on Friday, February 18th. The funeral service will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday the 19th with a short reception and tribute video to follow. Both the viewing and funeral will be held at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (14903 Westlake Dr, Lake Oswego, OR 97035). There will also be a broadcast link available for those who would like to watch virtually. Hillside Chapel in Oregon City is helping take care of arrangements. (1306 7th St, Oregon City, OR 97045) 

Virtual link: http://mywebcast.churchofjesuschrist.org/Events/lakeoswegooregonstake   (No code is needed. Click on View and enter your name.)

In lieu of flowers please consider donating to: 

1. Dr. Taylor’s Cancer Research  
1. Visit this link.
2. In the Comments section (under Additional Information), please indicate “For Dr. Matthew Taylor’s Research”
3. In the Tribute Information section, enter “Mark Hornibrook” 
2. Humanitarian Aid - The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
1. Visit this link
2. In the “In Memory” section, enter “Mark Hornibrook”

Thank you for all of your care and concern. The outpouring of love this week has been heartwarming. We love you. 

Ane 

A Valentine's Day Gift

 My granddaughter Emily came over tonight and shared with me a song she wrote the day after Mark passed. She told me she wrote the lyrics in 20 minutes--the words just came. When she sang the song, it felt like Mark was saying these words to me.

I Love You

I love you, through the heavens, through the veil, and through the sky

And my love for you will never, ever die,

So don’t you cry,

My love will still be near,

My heartbeat’s gone, my love’s still beating here.

Scrolling through the memories, photographs, and videos,

Oh, my love, could never falter,

Oh, my love, it only grows 

In every moment spent together,

And each moment we’re apart,

I will be with you forever,

One family and one heart.

I love you, through the heavens, through the veil, and through the sky

And my love for you will never, ever die,

So don’t you cry,

My love will still be near,

My heartbeat’s gone, my love’s still beating here.

And you may never know all that you mean to me,

And you may never have all the same memories,

But every photograph can come and take us back,

To how it used to be.

Ziplining through the back,

And I would catch you,

We blessed each other’s lives,

The moment I met you,

And you may not know,

My hopes and dreams as I watched you grow,

We were always a team,

And I will always be there

And I will always

Love you, through the heavens, through the veil, and through the sky

And my love for you will never, ever die,

So don’t you cry,

My love can never end,

My heartbeat’s gone, but I’ll see you again.

Celebrating Mark's Life

These past several years have been an emotional journey. There have been many miracles and many struggles. These last few weeks have been especially difficult watching Mark suffer, but now we know he's at peace. On Wednesday, February 9th, after his decade-long battle with cancer, Mark passed away.

Mark was the love of my life, my eternal companion and best friend. It has been difficult, but I am so grateful for the knowledge that we will be together again. I imagine he’s busy reconnecting with those who have gone before and surrounded by those who loved him very much. 

To honor Mark’s life and memory, a public viewing will be held from 6:30 - 8:00 pm on Friday, February 18th. The funeral service will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday the 19th. The viewing and funeral will be held at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (14903 Westlake Dr, Lake Oswego, OR 97035 ). All are welcome to attend. There will also be a broadcast link available for those who would like to watch virtually:

 http://mywebcast.churchofjesuschrist.org/lakeoswegooregonstake

A Remembering Mark webpage has also been created at precoa.com/mark. We would appreciate it if you would share your memories of Mark through this page.

We appreciate ALL of the love and support we have received over the last 10+ years. You all have been amazing, and I couldn’t be more grateful to call you my friends. 

Ane 

Gratitude for Home Health

 With all of the trips to the Emergency Department for infections, we decided to tap into a home health service, and they have been outstanding! Several days after the round of antibiotics was complete, Mark started having chills and was running a fever. We called the nurse, and the next day, Mark was back on antibiotics. So far, he's had no more fever or chills. However, he is weak, sleeps a fair amount, deals with nausea off and on, and has difficulty finding anything that tastes good. Fortunately, he only has occasional pain in his abdomen. There's still no indication of growing tumors, but his liver has been adversely affected.

Without home health, Mark would be back in the hospital, so we are most grateful for the help we are receiving so we can enjoy the comforts of home!