September 10, 1936 – February 23, 2012

250 meals with a

re-Mark-able man

Brandeis University, Boston, MA, late 1970’s. Graduate Mitch Albom, aspiring to be a sports writer, heads off to realize his dream. Fifteen years pass by, and Mitch, now residing in Chicago, and a very good sports writer, just so happens to catch a TV interview of Morrie Schwartz, his Brandeis sociology professor. Mitch books a flight to Boston to re-connect with Morrie, who’s physical life is being eroded by Lou Gherig’s Disease. Over a period of 14 Tuesdays, Mitch is presented with the wit, wisdom and experiences of a slowly dying man.

What Mitch comes to realize in these visits with Morrie is that the path of life he has chosen, and loves, when compared to Morrie’s, is a fair distance removed from the important lessons and principles of what makes up a full, complete, and satisfying life. Through these weekly experiences shared with Morrie, Mitch writes a book: “Tuesdays With Morrie – An old man, a young man, and life’s greatest lessons.” It’s well worth reading, since it’s a soft primer on the inevitable end for each of us.

Nine years ago, after having seperated from my wife, providence arranged the crossing of paths with my own Morrie, a grand fellow by the name of Mark Fey. One dreary morning while out for breakfast, I bumped into Mark. His comment: “I’m sorry to hear you’re going through a divorce.” Those words were a surprise to me – since I was just recently seperated. His comment did prove to be prophetic since the unwinding of my marriage ended in divorce a couple of years down the road. What appeared to begin as quick get-togethers to focus on and hopefully resolve the marriage issues in my life at that time, turned into eight years of Mark being a very faithful confidant, mentor and friend.

Our pattern over those years had Mark calling to schedule a time to share lunch or dinner, but most often lunch. We would choose one of Oak Harbor’s quick food stops, ordering from the value menu. Because we rarely strayed from dollar meals, I suspect this underscored the fact both of us may well be considered cheap dates. But this wasn’t about the food.

We averaged 90 minutes together and would converse on whatever may be noteworthy for either of us; Weather, current news, sights and wildlife at City Beach – since this was our most common destination for dialogue. However, the main theme of our conversations focused on God, and where we found ourselves in being accountable to Biblical tennants and teachings. This was not a time devoted to shallow or superficial conversations. We shared a wide range of real life experiences, covering failures, weaknesses, hopes and dreams. We laughed quite often, and at times – we cried. There was no fooling Mark by trying to avoid his focused querries. He was often blunt and direct, but inquiring with the tact and grace of a true gentleman.

I feel quite fortunate to have had a Morrie in my life for eight years, embodied in the kind, graceful and patient soul of Mark Fey. I am forever grateful to him for taking the initiative in being a consistent friend and confidant. Over those years we shared some 250 meals. As may well be imagined, we got to know one another pretty doggone well. These were wonderful, memorable times spent with a man who was humble, deliberate in his spiritual priorities, who truly expressed his love for God from the evident changes over the course of his life.

Those touched by Mark’s life were fortunate to have met and known him. Truly, he left this life as an example of what it means to be a close, intent and unashamed follower of Jesus and the Christian Faith. When my day of accountability arrives, I hope to reconnect with Mark where we left off in February of 2012. Until then, those fast food-paper bags? They’re a quiet reminder of one mans warmth, honesty and friendship from having shared those many positive times as conversational lunch buddies.

Mike Quinn / Oak Harbor