Birth date: Aug 27, 1959 Death date: Nov 17, 2024
Mark Douglas Ridlen, age 65, of Dallas, Texas passed away November 17, 2024, after an extended and ongoing battle with cancer. Mark was born August 27, 1959, in Dallas, TX where he remained a life-long resident. He graduated from Read Obituary
Mark to many, DJ Mr. Rid to many more, "Riddie" to me.
It's funny, but I don't remember when and how we met. Had to be in the 90's but where and when are fuzzy--which sums up the 90's. All I know is Riddie, Lyric Lynn, and I were our own little bubble outside of Mark's main life. He and I could commiserate about Lyric's health together (she passed in 2018), and even poke a little fun here and there about her self-professed "high maintenance" life. (I'm there now myself.)
The last time I saw Riddie in person was Thanksgiving 2021, when he was still his "fuller" self. (Same here, still.) Here is that pic. I had come back to Dallas for Thanksgiving with family there. He was DJ-ing in Deep Ellum for some comic and was ambivalent about the gig, but as was his wont, DJ Mr. Rid came to play and do his job.
I will forever miss my dear friend, someone who was considered a dear friend to soooo many. That was Mark--someone you could feel connected to in an instant, someone who brought so many together from so many different walks of life.
Riddie's love of music (that record collection!), his vast knowledge of so many different musical genres--much of which were in the mix when he spun--and his ability to produce live music, again bringing so many together, will live on.
Personally, my hope is to find Riddie behind his turntables at the Starck Club when my time comes. I might buy some clove ciggies from Vaal on my way to chit-chat with Mark before floating back out to the dance floor. in the main room where, depending on the moment, either Rick or Go-go will be spinning. That's my version of Rose being back on the Titanic after her passing.
Mark, my dear Riddie, you are leaving a hole in so many hearts, but in the immortal words of the great John Steinbeck:
"It's so much darker when a light goes out than it would have been had it never shone."
Sending hugs and love out to all who are missing Mark, which apparently is all of DFW. One can only hope in life they can affect someone as positively as Mark has affected so many. When they say "they really broke the mold".... It is not a more fitting saying applying to "Rid". He will forever be loved, remembered fondly and smiled over. A special soul.
I first met Mark sometime in 1980 when he and John were doing sound in some club I can't remember the name of. I just went and talked to them where they were set up in the middle of the room. Ever since, we were friends and kept up with each other. He was so creative, gave me things like collages he'd made over the years. He's always been a ball of energy and kept up with everyone. I could always find out what happened to any of the old crowd by talking to Mark. He also gets credit for introducing me to my favorite restaurant, Blue Mesa, a couple of decades ago. He will be missed by many and leaves a hole in the Dallas music scene.
We have known Mark for decades, he was an honorary member of our family and my husband Reid's best buddy and musical collaborator. Mark has been in our 16 year old son Rowan's life since he was born. He was a talented musician, producer and DJ with a fun sense of style and a sense of whimsy. There will never be anyone like Mark who made so many contributions to the music and nightlife scene in DFW. We love and miss him very much.
