Bernie "Winston" Palmatier
How could I possibly have not known of Mark’s passing? I am amazed and disappointed in myself for allowing so much time between contacting Mark and Anita and Marcel. For ever since I left SC Dallas in 1969 I have referred to him as my mentor and guru and have avowed the fact that I learned more from him and his wisdom about life and business and philosophies and…well, you name it. Those who know me consider me a talkative person; but not whenever I was in Mark’s presence. I was so enamored with whatever he was saying, be it business related, humorous, history (his) or philosophical I would get upset if someone else in our presence would interrupt him. I will carry in my heart and mind forever the wisdoms and admonitions he shared and that I have shared in my book and with all the audiences and trainees I’ve had the opportunity to impact. I could write another book just recounting the quotes I still have from him and that reside on the tip of my tongue. Most of all, I never cease to be amazed at how he could motivate people — and especially me — with that slow Texas drawl and without fanfare but with some kind of deep, intellectual appeal to my better angels and just the right words to light the fires that would inspire me to greater heights than even I thought possible. So glad I got to visit with him four or five years ago. Now to cope with the void and the knowledge that I can never again sit in awe in his presence. The world has truly lost an amazing man. I, for one, will keep his memory alive.