Mark Allen Strawser, 49 April 05, 2017 Mark Allen Strawser, 49, of Lancaster Pennsylvania, died in a motorcycle accident on April 5, 2017, in Liverpool, Pennsylvania. He is survived by his fiancé, best friend, and riding partner, Valerie, and her two sons, Eric and Noah, whom he treated as his own from day one. Mark was an IT Technician and Linux Instructor at the Lancaster campus of Harrisburg Area Community College. Mark earned his bachelor’s degree in Information Technology from Central Penn College and was working on his master’s degree. Mark enjoyed taking road trips on his bike, cooking, spending time with friends, and being at Avalon. Mark loved his tech job and everybody he worked with, and was happy to help anyone who needed his assistance. Mark was a skilled rider, IT tech, and teacher. But most of all, Mark was really good at loving. He did anything and everything he could to show Valerie how much he loved her, spent a great deal of time talking about their adventures to friends and strangers alike, and was really looking forward to the wedding he had spent seven years waiting for. Mark’s legacy is the epitome of “it’s never too late.” At age 42, Mark went from practically homeless, practically jobless, and the prospect of a dismal future to a wonderful home life, a career he loved, and fulfilling his lifelong dream of teaching Linux in a mere six years. Mark’s death is an immeasurable loss to everyone who knew him. A Celebration of Mark’s Life will be held on Friday, April 14, 2017 from 9-11 AM at the Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home & Crematory, 414 E. King Street, Lancaster, PA 17602. Leave a condolence on this Memorial Page

Condolences to the Family

I have known Mark since we were teenagers. Growing up, he was one of my brother Randy’s best friends, and a member of what became known as their own little “Brat Pack”. I live in Liverpool, was aware of the motorcycle accident, and wondered if it was the Mark we knew & loved; today, my sister confirmed that it was. I am sorry to have learned this so late, and to have missed the opportunity to have attended his services.

Some of the fondest memories of Mark were during our teenage years, attending the same parties (and there were SEVERAL!), and of him hanging out at our house with my brother. He was always so much fun to talk to! What a great sense of humor he had. He will truly be missed.

I was aware of his troubles through acquaintances over the years; I am so glad to hear that at the end of his life, he was with a loving woman, had a fruitful career & step-sons to love & share his life with!!

Godspeed, Mark… He truly does take the best & beautiful way too soon.

Carol Garside~

Wow, such a beautiful description of a life ended too soon. Never knew him, but now wish I had. It is obvious he will be missed by many.

Mark McGhee

Motorcycle Times Magazine

I’ve know you mark when I was a foster child living with Dottie and Glenn liester, my name is Jeff latshaw we’ve aged ping pong every chance we got you will be missed my, one we shall have that rematch

Grew up with Mark and knew his family. Always liked Mark and am saddened to hear of his passing. Condolences to his fiance, family and friends. Kevin Seiler

Valerie,

So sorry for your loss. I know Mark was your everything. He was remarkable. May he rest in peace.

Love to you and your boys,

Trudy



We weren’t close, but I’m a better person for having known Mark. He was always pleasant to work with and fun to talk too.

Dave Shaffer

Mark was one of the funniest, nicest, and most genuine people I have ever met. He lifted the spirits of everyone around him. It was and is an honor to have known him. You will be missed but never forgotten. Ride on brother

It’s been a long time since I’ve seen Mark, but he was always happy go lucky when we were in school or on the soccer field. He will be greatly missed by all that had a chance to meet him and know him! May the sun shine on your face and the wind fill your wings as you head home to heaven! Rest in Peace my friend.

Friends always, Michael Shellenberger, EJHS Class of 86.

So shocked & saddened to hear of Mark’s passing. I worked at HACC in the bookstore and Mark was our go to guy on IT issues. He was always available and so easy going. My thoughts are with his partner and family. Jayne Walsh

It’s been more than 30 years since I had seen Mark but I have remembered him through the years and the zany fun times. Be in peace Mark and may the memories of you hold your family up.

Vivienne Wright

Australia

I worked with Mark at HACC and am really sorry to see this. He was truly a great person and worked so hard to be where he was it. My very heartfelt condolences. Chris Raczka

I am deeply saddened to not have Mark with us any more. I was honored to have known him and many of his great stories. Who will bug me everyday about the “helpless desk” now? You are greatly missed buddy. Keep “rocking on” in heaven. I shall meet you again!

Josy Hess

This is such a tragedy. We will all miss you. Our deepest sympahy to your loved ones.

Marcie Eden

We love You guys. You gave us one of the best weekends of our life! Never again to be recreated. We will always remember and hold you guys special on our hearts! So very very sorry Valerie

Very sorry for your loss from a fellow rider.

-Jason, NC

Our prayers, blessings, and thoughts are with Marks family. He was a GREAT guy and a wonderful man. The first time we met him he was so generous, it was beyond belief. Our friendship all started when some crazy lady asked how she could propose to her boyfriend one night. And throughout it all they’ve both become part of our Avalon family. And then there was that one spam breakfast…. Valerie we certainly can not understand but we’re here for you.

Shannon and Melody

Avalon friends.

I am a faculty member working at the Lancaster Campus of HACC. I thought Mark was a great guy! He was very friendly to all, and was extremely helpful to me and all at HACC. He was great at his job in IT and personally helped me numerous times with computer issues. He was always smiling, and will missed by all of us at HACC. My condolences to all of his family. – Deb Rothermel – Assoc. Professor of Mathematics – HACC

Mark,

I will miss you a great deal. I’m sorry your leaving this world was so quick. You were alway helpful and cheerful. Your voice always represented a good thing in many ways.

Bye Friend,

Fay

Mark was a great guy to work with here at HACC: always pleasant, very competent, always honoring commitments. I really depended on him when we received shipments of computers. I think I can say, without fear of contradiction, that he was universally liked by everyone here. He’ll be greatly missed.

Ron Benkendorf

No words can describe how much Mark meant to us here in the Nursing Department. He was our ‘go to’ guy and always pleasant and most helpful with our dilemas. We already miss him dearly.

We all hope you can find some peace and comfort. Many hugs to his family.

Patsy Heilbron Lavinia



Mark was a pleasure to work with here at HACC’s Lancaster Campus. He not only served our IT related needs, but he enjoyed sharing stories of his impromptu motorcycle rides, and travel adventures. He will be greatly missed. RIP Mark!

Cindy Lucarelli, Executive Assistant

HACC’s Lancaster Campus

I am so sorry for your loss. Mark was obviously an amazing person, and it’s so unfair that he is not with you anymore.

Ride In Peace, Mark. The twisties are plentiful and traffic is light in heaven.



Sincerely,

Denis, a fellow VFR rider from r/motorcycles

Mark was a wonderful person and IT technician. He was always helpful when I had a question and worked with me till I understood. It is a great loss to everyone. I am keeping Valerie and the boys as well as the rest of his family in my prayers. Kristian Niemi-Blain

Val,

No words can express how sad I feel about Mark. He was kind and funny… easy to be friends with. Cherrish your memories. Prayers to you and your family.

Cathy Rowles

This is heartbreaking in so many ways. He made Valerie happy, and for that he deserves all the gratitude and respect in the world. Love and comfort to Valerie, Eric, Noah, and all the friends and family who have lost so much. -theresa lehmann