On 21 March 2011, Human Rights Day in South Africa, my friend Mark Roux was tragically killed in a hiking accident. Mark and Henry were hiking up Table Mountain (a usual occurance for the 2 of them) when tragedy befell their morning as the rocks gave way beneath Mark. He fell approximately 40 meters. Mark was 21 years old and is survived by his parents and 2 younger siblings.
I've known Mark since 2008 when I was studying here at UCT. He was always in and out of the house where I stay and the family I'm living with treated him as if he were their son. Mark LOVED the outdoors--climbing, hiking, surfing...anything that was in fresh air. And Cape Town was perfect for that. Always a cheery disposition, he never had anything mean or ugly to say about someone else. He always had some goofy idea or funny comment to throw in under his breath that only a few people caught at a time. He was very involved in his church and always had time for someone else.
Mark will be greatly missed and the loss of his presence has already weighed heavily on this community. But, we press on with the promise of seeing Mark again in glory. Although it doesn't take away from the fact that he is gone, it is such a comfort and joy to know that he will be waiting for us when the Father calls us home. Mark just couldn't wait to get to the party before us...
We miss you, Mark. Have fun in glory, dear friend. We'll be there soon enough.
"I will turn their mourning into gladness, I will give them comfort and joy instead of sorrow." --Jer 31:13
"...we do not want you to grieve like those who have no hope. We believe that Jesus died and rose again and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him." 1 Thes. 4:13-14
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