R.I.P. Mark Stamper (aka Unknown Primate)

[apesman]

I just read the horrible news of our friend Mark's passing. I never got to meet him in person, but exchanged emails and comments on posts. I had an idea for a piece that I was commissioning him to do for me. He liked the idea and said he would be sending me sketches. I told him I was in no rush. He liked my UMA name and avatar; No surprise there! He seemed like a great guy and I was very excited to get a piece of original art from a talented UMA brother. Sadly I never will. I am so very sad for his family and for his family her on the UMA. I will keep his family in my prayers. Rest in piece, Mark.

[Gossamer]

I've read through these sad pages.  Like many who have posted before me...he was among the first to welcome me to the UMA.  I enjoyed his posts and most of all his unmistakable sense of humor.  Godspeed my friend. 

[Splitty]

Even though I haven't been on the board very long, many of the people on the UMA are more real and flesh and blood than the people I know in real life.

Unknown Primate was a real star of a human being, and I couldn't be more sad than if one of my local friends had passed away.

Condolences to his family, both online and off.

[CreepyJeff]

Our dear U.P. has certainly touched so many of us on many levels.  I first met Mark at Maskfest a few years ago.  He approached me and said he was so nervous to meet me.  Me.  Creepy Jeff.  I made it crystal clear what a privelige it was for me to meet HIM and gave him a big hug.  He apologized for being sweaty which made me hug him harder and longer. 

I too have had many personal conversations with him and will always hold him close to my heart.  Rest in peace, Mark and smile down on your family and friends who will miss you dearly.

[Beautiful Roadkill]

To all of the UMA community... My name is Caitlin. Mark aka Unknown Primate is my dad.
Gary, thank you for sharing this hard news on here.
I just want to thank all of you, so much for all the condolences, prayers, and memories.

My dad spoke about everyone, the shared conversations, and artworks on here with us so often it seems like you are all family.
Even though few of you met him in person he loved being on here and talking with you, making friends with fellow spooks and monster lovers.

He was my best friend, we shared everything and I miss him already.

This is Liz..Mark was so thrilled with the commentary of the UMA members.  He truly was a very witty, smart and funny person.  I know he wanted to meet most of you in person.  His big heart could not take the stress anymore and he passed away at home.

Mom and I want to thank you all again, for being such special people in his life, for calling and writing him.

We will check in on occasion and stay in touch on here and facebook.

http://www.parsonmortuary.com/obits/obituary.php?id=440070#.UssXdgM4hxI.facebook

[raycastile]

My condolences, Caitlin and Liz. I am sorry for your loss. We are all feeling a loss, but it cannot compare to what you must be feeling.

[jimm]

Thanks for coming on and sharing with us, God bless.

[Dr. Madd]

Thanks Caitlin and Liz. I wish I had met him in person. I was hoping maybe over the summer or next summer to head up to see family in Indiana and was hoping to meet him. Not being able to do so will remain something I regret not being able to do.

[horror1o1]

I'm so shocked and saddened by the news. I got tears in my eyes and a knot in my throat. Mark was a kind and beautiful person. I always enjoyed his post and had several nice conversations with him. you could really tell he cared about people. I'll miss you Mark. 

[curseofthewerewolf]

My condolences to his family. I didn't know him, but enjoyed his posts and artwork.

[Jim Bertges]

When I saw the notice about Mark's passing on the UMA front page, I could only think, "No". But now that I've read through this thread and everyone's wonderful thoughts and comments about him, dried my eyes and pulled my thoughts together, I have something to add.

Mark, Unknown Primate, is a brilliant shining example with everything that's right with the UMA and its members. He has always been friendly, funny and caring. His attitude and personality are evident in this outpouring of love for our lost brother. We owe it to Mark and his memory to carry on here at the UMA as he would have with humility, humor and great huge helpings of caring for our fellow members and human kind in general.  Mark's loss is a devastating blow to our UMA family and to those closest to him, but it is up to us to keep his spirit alive and honor his memory by giving to each other what he would have given us.

Mark, you are missed and you will be remembered by all who love you.

[apesman]

Brilliantly written Jim. I couldn't agree more with your sentiments!

[Phantom Dave]

Being new to the board I unfortunately did not get a chance to know him.  From what I have read he was always very upbeat and friendly.  My thoughts and prayers are with him and his family.

[Flower]

This is still so unreal and sad and at some point I'll stop crying.  Mark was so special, kind, friendly and not only witty .. he saw and appreciated the humor of others.  He never took offense and always had sweet kind words for us all. We loved the photos and stories that he shared about his life and family.  I admired his love of his family, friends, pets, nature and of life. Mark rode the roller coaster of life with all the ups, downs and curves with a large smile on his face, he knew that the downs would be ups at some point and there was never a hint of self pity or bitterness in any of his posts.

As I write this I realize that Mark would not want us to be so sad but he touched so many people's hearts that we have to grieve and share our thoughts with our friends.

In a word ... Mark was a true MENSCH if there ever was one.

Shalom.

[RedKing]

Caitlin and Liz, you have my deepest sympathies for your loss. I still can't believe Mark is gone but I just want to add that in addition to everything we are all saying about Mark's huge heart and always positive attitude, Mark was the kind of person that made you a better person for knowing him. His unfailing positivity and generosity always touched me and made me want to strive to be that way myself. Now that he is gone, I feel that way more than ever.