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Mark Faille, R.I.P.

Mark Henry Faille

The world recently lost my younger brother (younger by a mere 13 months), Mark Henry Faille.

The manner of his death was shocking to some of us, but is not something into which I wish to go here. This blog is not for gossip, or even for intensely personal reactions to family events. It consists chiefly of my reflections on the universe at large. 

I was honored by the decision of Mark's widow that I deliver the eulogy at the service. I discussed there, and so in effect I discussed with family and friends, some philosophical considerations tangential to Mark's death. 

Adapting a bit the words of the Desiderata, I'll say only here that I spoke my truth quietly and clearly, conscious that others may well think my words dull and ignorant, but hoping that they will see a story worthy of their attention there nonetheless. 

Mark was extraordinary in his combination of skills, his lack of ambition in connection with any of these skills, and his utter lack of affectations of any sort, The whole added up to an almost Zen-like attitude toward life: he was always in his now and here. Now that his presence is in our past, we can see the wisdom and miss the influence of that.
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