This site is dedicated to sharing memories of Mark Garvey, a man who touched all of our lives. Please post anecdotes or stories of how Mark has made an impact on your life. If you have any problem using the site or see something that needs to be removed or fixed, contact Ben Garvey.
Another New Year
Well, another new year is upon us. Another year of accomplishments, memories, and resolutions...
I'll always think of Mark this time of year, not only because of his birthday, but also because there was nobody better at making New Year's resolutions... from new diets to new hobby and goals, to just enjoying family and friends.
Celebrate this new year everyone...I know he would want us to...
I'll always think of Mark this time of year, not only because of his birthday, but also because there was nobody better at making New Year's resolutions... from new diets to new hobby and goals, to just enjoying family and friends.
Celebrate this new year everyone...I know he would want us to...
He was famous for his new year's resolutions. We had all kinds of workout equipment that he purchased, usually from TV ads. I remember when he got that ab belt that shocks you belly into shape. That shocking ab belt is a whole story in itself.
I remember that belt...I never had the guts to try it. I was always suspicious that Mark would crank up the voltage if i put it on. I chose flab over voltage.
Haha I remember that!
That shocking belt was pretty funny. He would hook it up around his tummy and lay back to watch TV. The belt would send a shock into the stomach muscles, contracting and relaxing them as in exercise - without all the fuss. One night he was having some ice cream with his workout. (Yeah, I know) Anyway, the belt was slipping a little and he needed to adjust it a bit. So he sets the ice cream aside and reaches down to pull the belt up on his tummy. Both of his thumbs slipped over the electrode things in the belt and shocked the daylights out of him. He sat straight up and screamed like a girl. Those are his words, not mine. He recounted the story to everyone. He wasn’t hurt at all, the small jolt took him by surprise. He thought he almost gave himself a heart attack.
I never saw the belt again after that. But we always have ice cream in the house!
Quite some time has gone by since Mark has passed. Birthdays, holidays, and family gatherings have come and gone, and his abscence is surely felt. As our day to day life evolves around us, it touches me how Mark is still so much a part of it. With friends and family--to those who knew Mark and those who didn't--we are constantly telling stories about Mark, repeating a joke he told us, or teaching someone a game that he taught us. We sing the songs that he sang, make the recipes that he taught us, and most importantly we laugh. We laugh at our selves, we laugh at stories about him, we are happier, better people for having known him. As I look back at this page and some of the stories, I think that is what would make him the happiest--knowing that he is still making us laugh from up there.
Very well said, Holly. We all know he's looking down on us, tickled pink that we're still (and always will be) living, laughing and loving life, just as he did. :)
Hear hear!
You're so right Holly. I don't think a day goes by that my thoughts bring me to a memory of Mark. I went camping this past weekend with Bridget and her family up in Iron River, Mi. I was reminded of a camping trip Christa, Bridget and I went on with the Garveys in the NJ Pine Barrens. What a fun weekend of canoeing through Cranberry bogs, roasting hot dogs marshmallows over an open fire and of course singing around the campfire. So many wonderful memories.
It's been awhile since I visited this site, and with the holidays approaching, I'd itching to hear some fun stories regarding festive holiday memories with Uncle Mark. Anyone have a good Thanksgiving or Christmas story to share?
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I have a Christmas story to share, Kelly. The best Christmas present I ever saw anyone give is one that Uncle Mark gave Aunt Rita. There had been a very strange-looking, large, oddly shaped package under the tree addressed to Aunt Rita. It was driving her crazy not knowing what it was. That got my attention. Aunt Rita kept going over to it and trying to figure out what it was. Uncle Mark practically challenged her by saying she'd never figure it out. I loved watching the whole thing unfold. Aunt Rita's curiousity was contageous. There were gifts for at least 7 people under that tree (Sarah wasn't born yet). This was the gift I wanted to see opened the most, and it wasn't even my gift! That's saying a lot for someone who is, what, 11? 12? When the gift was finally opened, I was really touched. This was not a case of being let down once the suspense was over. Under the wrapping there was a big water cooler bottle filled with slips of paper. I'll admit, there was a moment of, "Oh, okay, what's this?" but the real gift was the explanation. Inside the bottle were coupons for an hour of Aunt Rita's time to herself, etc. He had literally given her Time in a Bottle. I hope it's not getting Uncle Mark in trouble by bringing this memory up, but I really thought it was the sweetest thing. It think about him and about that moment every time I hear the song Time in a Bottle. And I must admit there's a part of me who asks, "Is this guy the kind of guy who would give a loving, creative gift like that?" when I meet someone new, so I guess for me that was a role model moment.