I never got to meet him personally; I just discovered the news through HaitiConnection link. I am positive that we have lost another bright Haitian soul who could have been a great asset for the country. Peace and sympathies to his family, especially his daughter who will have to face this world without his day. I pray that God will give a better life style to her.

In March of 2008, I was at St. Josephâ??s with a team from University Presbyterian Church in Chapel Hill, NC. We were there to hold our third annual two-day workshop for teachers from Cite Soleil, Blanchard and KCâ??s staff at Wings. With over 40 participants in this workshop, we were in need of more than a handful of good interpreters. Much of the workshop involved hands-on projects. Teachers worked at tables in small groups and at least one interpreter was needed for each table. I hired Marc to be one of our interpreters. At the end of the two-day workshop, he confessed to me that, when he had been asked to be our interpreter, he was very nervous about accepting the job. He feared that he would not be good enough for such an esteemed, highly-educated group. Needless to say, he performed exceedingly well. In turn, the teachers and team leaders were impressed with his work and often looked to him for assistance. Marc was boosted by this vote of confidence and he finally relaxed as the two days progressed. At the closing ceremony, each teacher and interpreter was presented with a certificate of achievement. Marc beamed when he rose to accept his certificate and joined the ranks of all the interpreters. We will miss him next year.

I'm sorry to send this in so late. I first met Marc when he came to me looking for a job in the H.A.M. ckinic, as a translator. It took some negotiating, but we got him hired, and his first job was to travel with me, Richard downs, Bess, and Heidi to Demier, way back in the mountains. He'd never been there, never had such a job, never dealt with people quite like us, or gone on a mission quite as intense and, in some ways, sensitive as ours. He won our deepset admiration and respect for the work he did. He was professional, but caring; he was focused, but never forgot people; he was a joy to be with, but never out of touch with the needs of the people. I can honestly say that I've never met a better man. We have lost him, but I, at least, can say that I have spent 58 years of my life doing far less for others, showing far less energy, joy and humanity, and not loving others nearly so well as Marc did in his very brief lifetime. For that, we can all be proud to have known him, and to know that there are so many stars already in his crown.

Marc's brother called me today and let me know the news. I'm stunned - was hoping to work with Marc again in a couple of months. Visited Cite Soleil with him, and then he took me out to meet his family and see his community. Class act all the way around. He'll be missed.

Always smiling, always easy. Always observant, insightful and reflective. Marc was very adept and natural at sharing all of himself. Peace to you Marc. All the best to your family and friends.