On behalf of Mark Strauch, this is his youngest daughter....I heard about all of the posts on here, as my brother and sister were reading them while driving his truck back to buffalo....I am so touched by all of your comments, and concerns since he went into the hospital 8 weeks ago. Driving home from N.C. I couldn't help but be eager to get to the hotel on the way home so I could come onto this site. It is almost like you guys are his second family, and it's hard not to get choked up reading your comments. I feel very proud to hear all of these things about my dad, and it's comforting to know he had all of you!! Info on Memorial to follow....Samantha Pilote

 

Samantha, Welcome to FTE. I am truly sorry for your loss. Your Dad was a great man.I enjoyed our talks on the phone. I will miss him but never forget him. If there is anything that we can do for you or your family please do not hesitate to ask. We were here for Mark and we wil be here for his familly.

 

reading some of these from all of you, it's almost like our dad had another life....meaning FTE. I am so thankful and can't express that enough, and as sad as it is, he last 8 weeks have been very tough...and the struggle and fight are over. He knew he wasn't feeling right, and it was amzing for us kids to even see hime putting up the fight and wanting to beat this. As Pat mentioned, we can assure you, he did go peacfully, and I don't think there are many many whowould have 2 woman fighting for him right til the end!!! one on each side of the bed!!! I love you dad....we will have a party for him, that's how he would want it!

 

I guess in a way we all have another life here on FTE. All I know is that the people here are the most genuine people I have ever had the pleasure of meeting. We have a thread started on the top of the page in reguards to what your Dad's" other family" would like to do for his memorial. Please feel free to post your thoughts. Mark was family so his family is part of our family!

 

My Grandfather just passed as well. Sorry for your loss. Maybe you should send to the family or PM. Just my two cents.

 

Samantha, I met your Dad over two years ago when he came over for me to help install his first 6637 air filter. At first I wasn't sure what to think. He was one of a kind to say the least. We talked many times over the years and I am in part, at fault for his loud exhaust and I kind of convinced him he needed he truck tuner. He would call me from time to time just to talk. I think you may have called him whie I was visiting with him the other Friday. Most of our conversations would, at some point, include him talking about his kids. Your dad was a special man and I consider myself lucky to have known him. He will be missed but he will not be forgotten. Rest in peace old friend.

 

Samantha please be sure to check out the other thread we have going for him, it is where your brother has posted...

Here's the link and please take care of each other.

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/8...be-missed.html

 

If the truth be told .....I would bet my bottom dollar he waited till 7.3 minutes passed before he though...."I have had enough"..
A detail I am sure he would be aware of....
God be with you Mark....We all feel like we are the other family....Thanks to everyone in his immediate family for keeping in touch with us all.....Dave

 

I am so sorry about the loss of your dad Samantha. I know nothing that any of us can say will ease your families pain right now. When I read that he had 2 women fighting for him at the very end it brought a big grin to my face. Thank you for taking the time to get log on and update us here! Like Jim said if there is anything we can do for you please let us know, we will do anything we can to help you and your family.

 

Welcome Samantha to FTE, I am truly sorry for your loss. He was a great man to know and I am honored to call him my friend. I never had the pleasure of meeting Mark, I wish I would have though. He was a great guy to have around here. His stories can never be topped thats for sure lol.

Two women fighting for him till the end? Yea that sounds like Mark

 

Pat, thank you for the updates.
Neal, what you did in memory of Mark was just amazing. Nice job.
RIP Mark. I hope to meet you someday.

 

Samantha I never had the pleasure of meeting your Dad, but just knew him through FTE.
I loved reading his posts and through his words here on FTE, gained a very healthy respect for him.
He was a hard working man who I believe played just as hard.

 

Samantha I don't think anyone here would have a bad thing to say about Mark.

 

Samantha- a lot of us here really respected your dad. Many of us only knew him by a picture on the computer screen, but respected him none the less. I'm very sorry for your loss and our thoughts are with you and the rest of his family, but I'm sure you are all feeling a bit of relief knowing that he doesn't have to suffer any more.

 

some of your posts bring tears, some brings little smirks, and others with an all out belly laugh. Many people remember my dad in different ways, and he was a different kind of man to say the least. That truck of his had a huge part in my life, as I met my husband through my father! my dad wanted that truck so bad.....he found it from this really nice guy as he said....he bought it, i ended up going to the drag races with my dad to watch his friend race who he bought the truck from, and the rest is history.....actually when we were riding behind my brother yesterday, as the exhaust was really loud, i said to my husband "that doesn't sound right, and he laughed, and said, no that's how it is suppossed to sound, he made it that way" and a tear came and i said, you know we are together because of that truck (my husband and i). the funny thing is, my dad told my husband the day we met...."hell you'll never keep up with her, she's way to wild for you"
thank you all!!!!! we are looking to have a memorial service next saturday, we haven't confirmed the arrangements, but it will be more of a party than anything, as we know my dad wasn't the church going type LOL! The service will be in Buffalo, anyone close enough to come? that would be amazing!