Had a fun time sharing a dorm room with Mark while at Berklee College of Music in the summer of 1980. Such a talent. Never forgot returning to the Berklee dorm after a week of vacation and getting into Information Processing, asking Mark what he had been doing.."Oh, got something written for Dave Maynard at BZ" ..(WBZ Radio's night program). A full jazz ensemble arrangement with vocals for nighttime radio.. It just rolled out of the young man's head... Sadly once I got into computer courses I lost touch of the music world and with Mark. The world lost a true talent. I hope all all the best with the rest of the family.

Yours Truly,

Steve

I realize this is a number of years later, but would this be the same Mark Sutch that also taught at St John's vocal music approx 1987-88??

I fell deeply in love with Mark during our time at North Texas State University, and we talked every now and then over the subsequent years. I had a vivid dream of Mark last night (he was being his mischievous self)and decided to look him up this morning on Facebook. You see, he had yet to accept my Friend Request and I wanted to remedy that before the holidays. I saw a posting at the St. Mary's High School page referencing a music teacher's passing; his name was Mark Sutch. I hoped as hard as I could that I had read it wrong, or there was a mistake of some kind until clicking on the Beckett Glaves site. Because of the distance, I was not aware of Mark's passing until now. I am so very saddened and will miss Mark every day for the rest of my life. May his family please accept my belated condolences.

As a former student of St. Mary's Highschool in Woodstock, I was very sorry to hear about the unfortunate passing of Mr. Mark Sutch. He was one of my favourite teachers, and by far the best music teacher St. Mary's will ever have! If there's anything I've learned from him it's that, and I quote, "you don't WORK music... you PLAY music." Music should be fun. If it feels like work to you then you're either trying too hard or doing it wrong. I remember something Mr. Sutch said when a former student passed away due to a tragic farming accident... he said: "Personally I believe that when somebody dies all that immense energy that was keeping that person alive is released all at once and spreads throughout their family and friends or anyone who meant something to that person. This energy attaches to the living and, as a result, their life is not "LOST" but they're able to live on in our minds and hearts forever." I always try to put a lot of emotion into my music and piano playing, and now that I have a small fraction of that "energy" he was talking about, it should show in my music from now on whenever I think of him. I've dedicated a song to Mr. Sutch (titled "Lost" by Coldplay) which I've posted on youtube and facebook along with this message. This one's for you Mr. Sutch! Thanks to your brilliant mind and teaching methods you'll be missed very much, but you'll never be "LOST". -“Waud”

To Mark’s Family - I am so sorry to hear about Mark’s passing. The world has lost a great talent, a great teacher and a remarkable human being. As we all know, Mark also possessed a genius for making people laugh - and think. As a student in my late husband David Moore’s art class at BCI he was one of the students who traveled to Italy to tour the art galleries and museums. His sense of fun was apparent then and he lifted people’s spirits throughout the trip. That his own students over the years have benefitted greatly from his enormous talent and generosity is also apparent from their testimonials. He has indeed made “mark” on the world even if his life has been far too short. My sincere condolences. Pat Moore

To the Sutch family, Mrs. Sutch, Mr. Sutch, Brother John and his family. I want to express my deep and profound sympathy for the loss of a son and brother. I worked with Mark at St. Mary's High School and I witnessed how many students' were drawn to him. He was such a non-judgemental person in their lives. Also,as a parent of children who had Mark as a teacher, I know that he had a very positive effect on them while at St. Mary's HS. I also appreciated Mark's support for me and my family. God bless you!

Dear Family and Friends of 'Markie'; On behalf of Holy Trinity Catholic Parish in Woodstock, we offer our heartfelt sympathy and prayer support during this very difficult time. We can't imagine what you have been going through and continue to go through as you experience Markie's death. He was well known in the school communities here in Woodstock. May Markie live in peace and may all who grieve find comfort in your faith and in many memories. Sister Teresa for Holy Trinity Bereavement Committee.

To Mark's family, I send my deepest sympathy. I have wonderful memories of Mark from our Grade 12 trip to Italy. I remember him laughing, joking and looking at the sights in awe. Our little group of 5 or 6 even found a place to play some music, down a small laneway in the wee hours of the morning. I think of his clever, dry wit and it makes me smile. It is how I will always remember him.

To the Family of Mark Sutch We were so saddened to read of Mark's passing and extend our deepest sympathy to all of you. I met Mark when he taught my son and daughter at St. Marys High School. I always enjoyed watching the jam sessions after school as well as his awesome performances at school functions. Mark inspired many students with his passion for music and encouraged uniqueness and creativity. He accompanied my daughter on the piano at her graduation years ago and made it a fun and memorable experience for her. He was so talented in playing so many different instruments! Wow! He also was very supportive of my son's musical interests playing in a band. Mark composed a lovely CD for our family a couple of years ago which we will treasure. We wish all of you peace, comfort and cherished memories of Mark. Blessings and Hugs to All Diane, Lon, Lisa and Ryan Clark

In every kid's life there is a teacher that has a major impact. Mr. Sutch was this guy in my life. He told me once that he believed I was destined for greatness. I wish I could have seen him one more time to share with him the accomplishments I have made because without his faith in me, I don't think I would have taken the path that I have. His words will always be with me. They are the driving force behind my career choice. I can still hear him and see him in my mind's eye telling me this. He is permanently etched in my brain and my heart. My condolences to his family. It breaks my heart that he left this world so soon. :(

I was very sorry to hear of Mark's passing. Such a talented musician taken long before his time. I had a great visit with Mark at a recent event and am happy to have that memory of him. Please accept my personal condolences along with those of the Executive Board of Brantford Musician' Association.

I taught with Mark for just a few years at St. Mary's in Woodstock. We managed in that short time to enjoy many a chat as we shared supervision duty together. I will always remember his "quirky" sense of humour, and his frequent, friendly greetings like, "Fill yer boots, Man!" I loved his uniqueness and his deep empathy for his fellow teachers. Mark, you have been missed for the last year and it is heart breaking to think that you will not be returning. God speed.

Dear Mr. Sutch. To eccho the other messages posted by people, you were "one of a kind". You have left us way too soon, but rest assured that your memory will carry on in the many students, coworkers, friends & family members you have touched throughout your 47 years on this earth. We know that wherever you are, you're rockin' out, and tearing down the walls of conformity. Until we see you again Sutchie. Your Student, "Kirchner".

Mr. Sutch, Thank you for being you -for there is no one else you could have been,even when people tried to make you conform. You challenged me to think outside the box; even stand on one for a different view of life. Thank you for your wisdom when you told me that when life gets hard step out of the picture and shine a different light on the tough situation. Your "sax" solos always brought tears to my eyes. Thank you for your truth in drama class and for teaching all of us not to be afraid of who we are-- to embrace it and to embrace life --every part of it. Until we meet again Captain my Captain.

My Dearest Mark, You will be forever loved and sadly missed each and every day. Your spirit will live and continue to be heard through your music. I will always treasure the minutes and hours we spent together. Until we meet again, your dearest loving friend, Stacy P.

I remember Mark as Tony. It was a Lansdowne nickname that carried on with some of us through high-school. I was in Concert Band with Mark at BCI. Our teacher was Ken Black. From what I have seen through other comments on this site is that Mark attained or exceeded the level we have as comparison in great music teachers. Congrats Mark! You have been able to alter and improve many lives! :-) I'll remember you Tony :-) May your soul rest in peace. Allison

Mark was a remarkable human being, gifted and talented in so many realms, insightful, caring, empathetic and inspirational. It was a privilege to have known him. I treasure the memory of his early innovative work with children as an Ontario Arts Council "Artist in the Schools" during my tenure as Arts Curriculum Consultant with the Brant County Board of Education. One of the little boys in a group he worked with told me that when he listened to Mark, he felt as though he was hearing "the music of the stars". As I read through the posted condolences from former students, parents, fellow educators and musicians I recalled that child's words and realised that he affected so many just as powerfully. When I look at the stars, I will think of the music Mark made for us...I will hear the music he wrote on our hearts.

I am sorry to the family for your loss. I remember Mr Sutch as being a quirky, funny guy who made going to class a pleasure instead of a chore. He was one of my favourite teachers at St Mary's High School and I know he will be missed by many. God Bless to the family.

Mr. Sutch was incredible. He taught me so many things but the ones I carry with me everyday are "try everything twice" and "do what you believe and love and don't worry about the rest". He also showed me Sutch's pyramid of life which was 1. tubas 2. life itself 3. boils 4. guitarists He always made me laugh and will always be an amazing person.

What an awesome teacher! Truly an inspiration! His passion for music, his energetic teaching was amazing! I had music with him from 1994-1998 at St. Mary's in Woodstock - and everything I learned has stayed with me. He will live on with all the students still performing music. My prayers and thoughts are with his family.

Dear Mr. & Mrs. Sutch, Please accept my deepest sympathy in the loss of your beloved son Mark. I remember him from my days as a teacher at Coronation School - many years ago. I am so pleased to read that he achieved so much success with his music. Once again - my deepest sympathy. Mrs. Sherrill Heys

I haven't seen Mr.Sutch in years, but I still remember his laugh and good nature as if I saw him yesterday. Every person has a teacher or two who makes an impact and Mr.Sutch was one of those in my life. He was so creative and in love with music that it inspired me to discover music even more in my life. He always had my sister and I in stitches and he even took home our turtles to give them a better home in his pond!! He will surely never be forgotten and his legacy will live on by all of those who had him as a teacher and mentor. Keep on rockin' Mr. Sutch :)

To Mark's family... my thoughts and prayers are with you all. I taught with Mark for a few years and was amazed at his dedication to the children. It is a great loss for the music world and a sad loss for a lot of students. Peace Mark...................

Even though I only worked with Mark a short period of time, it was a great privilege and pleasure. Mark shared his passion and wisdom daily, and was never one to shy away from the truth. I also enjoyed the opportunities to collaborate musically, and I shall miss those chances deeply. Mark is truly one of those individuals who you will always remember for enriching your life. God Bless.

What does one say after receiving over 18 years of new life experiences for free, pushing volumes until it distorts, eq it until it doesn't sound like it did, adding reverb until it sounds ugly, watching Buster jump over and over until he reached his orange ball "cause he wants me to do that", eating an "eh ma muffa", drinking "tea", blowing hogs, love you like a brother, gigging, percussion, charts, music is movement, the colour of music, arrangements, producer, recording engineer, Miss London, medium double cream etc.etc. Will you be missed?... absolutely. Will you be remembered?... absolutely. Will you be forgotten?... never. Your friend in Music and forever, Jack London

To the family of Mr. Sutch. You should be so proud that your son and brother was loved so much by so many people. Our family is just one of the many. He taught my son and 2 daughters music at St. Francis School in Princeton and they adored him. I met him through the children and was amazed at his talent, his warmth and generosity. He made us a special tape he called "Sutch Music" which was a collection of spiritual songs that he sang and played piano to. We will play that tape and remember him fondly for years to come. We are all so sorry for your loss. Rose, Adam, Leah and Kirsten.

Mr.Sutch was a teacher in my elementary and high school. I had him many times as a teacher. He was always amazing at his music, his words, and his lessons. He taught me lessons in life i could never forget. His music left a print on my heart that can never be erased. I hope his journey to heaven will be peaceful and only hope his rest will be peaceful. He played his music so that the heavens can hear, and now as he continues to play in Heaven, i listen and i can still hear his piano playing in my heart.

Mr.Sutch was a truly insparation teacher & man. I'm very sadded by his loss and at such a young age! my thought & prayers are with the family and friends of Mr.Sutch. Hope you have all your amazing concerts in heaven.

So often it is not until someone passes that we realize what a profound effect they had on our life. Mr. Sutch used music as a medium to reach and teach teenagers about things that matter - messages here from his students attest to that. Thank you, Mr. Sutch, for the music lessons and the life lessons, the laughter and the light you brought to the classroom. My sincere condolences to the family - 47 is too young - God bless you and may you find comfort in knowing how many lives were touched in Mark's short time on this earth.

I was so saddened to hear of Mr. Sutch's passing. I not only had the pleasure of being his student at St. Mary's High School I also spent time with him in Drama Club and other activities during my high school days. He was an eccentric man who always made people laugh and told it like it was. He will be misseed dearly by all who knew him. My husband Jody and I send our sincere condolences to your family during this difficult time but know that Mark had a profound impact on the lives of many, many people and that his memory will lve on with all of us. God Bless you Mr. Sutch may your music live on forver as you conduct your own symphony in heaven.

Mr. Sutch was an outstanding person who has touched so many lives. I was one of those few who had the pleasure of having him as a teacher. He was bar far my favourite of my entire school career. He taught me so much about myself through what he believed in and his music. He was so talented. I remember one time he came into music class with a photo of Bob Marley. The interesting thing about this picture is that it was a bunch of small photos together which made the large photo of this artist. He told us that he saw it in a window with the advertised sale price of $30. He looked in his wallet and all he had was $30, and it must have been fate. He then began to explain that he thought this is what God might look like. God had a part of all of us in him and thats why he loves us so much. Mr. Sutch, you will be deeply missed by many people. I can say I will never forget you and you have touched my life in so many ways. Thank you.

Mr. Sutch once told me to "try everything twice". He always wore his treble clef pin upsidedown (so it looked right to him)! Anyone remember impromptu classroom symphonies with desktops drums and squeaky chair legs? He taught me never to ask questions that you don't want to hear the answers to. He was one of the only teachers who let us be adults and kids at the same time. He often rocked out St. Mary's church with his amazing sax solos (and somehow gave a bunch of teens a glimpse of God through his passionate gift). Some might have called him "eccentric"- and if by that you mean that he never pretended to be anyone but himself- then so be it. He has a very special place in my memories and I owe some of my own "eccentricities" to him. Thanks, Mark. You're in the limelight now.

I'm so sorry for your loss. I was lucky enough to have Mr. Sutch in his first year at SMHS in Woodstock. His was one of the few classes I looked forward to and he always made it interesting to say the least. His humour, charm and musical talent will be missed.

I'm so sorry to hear about Mr. Sutch. He filled my life with beautiful music and taught me a deep appreciation for different kinds of music. His class was always the class I looked forward to the most. He will be greatly missed.