Eight Bells – Mark Rudiger

We are extremely saddened to note the passing of Mark Rudiger yesterday afternoon. As noted on Wednesday, Mark had been battling lymphoma for the last four years and had been doing well until a few months ago. Since then, he had  been undergoing a treatment regimen at home. He took a turn for the worse on Monday and was rushed to the hospital, where doctors gave him only one more day. He toughed out three more. He was 53.

Mark’s wife Lori sent out the following message to the many hundreds of friends Mark had in the sailing community:

Dear beloved sailing family,
 
Thank you all for your good thoughts and well wishes.  After a very tough battle, Mark chose to trade in his defective body for a beautiful new form and left us this afternoon. At his son Zayle’s suggestion, we are going to light candles tonight to remember him and his amazing life energy. If you can, please join us by lighting a candle for Mark. Mark and I were overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and healing energy from all of you around the world.
 
Thank you from the bottom of our hearts, we love you all.
 
Zayle and Lori Rudiger