Mark Brunner

Although Mark was my first cousin, I may not have known him as well as many of his co-workers, industry associates, and fellow music-makers. I grew up in Pennsylvania with his older sisters, and didn't have as much contact with the Brunners after they moved to Wheaton, Illinois. Later, we reconnected with him at his and Jo's magnificent wedding celebration in Chicago, and he bonded with our daughter Kate as a fellow musician. I came to know my cousin as totally dedicated to the people he loved, and that was a wide circle. He spent many hours with Kate in his studio, helping her mix her first three studio albums. He brought his irrepressible energy and good cheer to many family gatherings, and I am very grateful that he and Jo drove from Chicago to Pennsylvania for the memorial services and burial of both my parents. Fortunately, we were able recently to spend time with Mark and Jo in California, and renew and strengthen our ties of family and friendship. I will always remember Mark as "connective tissue" in our family, drawing us closer together, even in sorrowful times, and making us feel better. He will be greatly, greatly missed.