Mark Fulton
April 02, 1956 - April 07, 2011
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Mark Fulton
April 02, 1956 - April 07, 2011
Obituary
Mark Fulton
Of Big Bear Lake, California
Born April 2, 1956 in Merced, California
Died April 7, 2011
In Santa Monica, of congestive heart failure due to amyloidosis
Parents: Albert Andrew and Marie Cornell Fulton
Wife: Cathy
Daughters: Kinsey and Ali
Son: Miles
Dog: Sadie
Brothers: Dorian and Damian
Sisters: Deidre and Tiffany
Friends: Legion
Accomplishments: Legendary
Life: Epic
Mark was a leader, an innovator, an athlete, and an intrepid adventurer. He was dedicated to his family, a loyal friend, a conscientious employee, and a wonderful brother. He throve on excellence in fact, he embodied it.
Life was a treasure trove of opportunity for Mark and his boundless energy. He loved finding and creating challenges, and involving others in them. From his individual accomplishments in volleyball, skiing, running and triathlons grew a desire to create adventure and challenges for others. He created the Big Bear Triathlon Series rated Top Ten in the United States – and the ongoing 8000 Meter Challenge.
Mark drew people to him, and created wonderful experiences as a way to extend his reach. In his work, there was always a sense of fun. Mark’s many successes convinced him that people had great potential, and he expected people to operate at their best level and to have fun and adventure while doing so. To be around Mark was to have a warrantee against boredom and a sure ticket for an adventure.
Mark also was a man who believed in carrying his own weight. Independence, integrity, and accountability were the elements of Mark’s core. If you knew Mark, you knew you could count on his word. You knew he would bring value to any proposition – and you sure wanted him on your team.
Mark was a beacon and a catalyst, a human alchemist. Those who knew Mark had ordinary parts of their lives transmuted to extra-ordinary, exceptional and exhilarating events.
The family suggests that, in lieu of flowers, donations to help with medical costs be made through Big Bear Lake Union Bank, care of Cathy Fulton.
57 responses to Mark Fulton
teresa hukari says:
April 11, 2011
I am depleted, downcast, I feel lesser, upon hearing this news. Though it’s many years since Mark and I worked or played in any sort of proximity to each other, the strength of that contact was enough to last…that was a special gift of his–knowing him made you feel bigger, and he forged that unique connection with people–immediate but genuine–over and over again, from the least experienced shop kid to the crustiest veteran. Never elitist, always inclusive and encouraging–yet he came up with ideas for events and clinics that made people feel part of an exclusive club– a fine balance that seemed to come to him naturally. The ripple effect from the impact of Fulton’s presence & persona is inestimable. He combined exuberance, drive and youthful energy with thoughtful maturity, optimism, dedication and integrity to become an irresistible people magnet. You wanted to be on his team, you wanted to sit at his table. Such a goodwill ambassador, he WAS the 8kM challenge, and making it his official legacy is so entirely appropriate.
As has already been eloquently testified by so many A16’ers whose day-to-day responsibilities were more closely intertwined with Mark’s, his professionalism and work ethic were beyond compare, but a lot of us can work hard–Fulton’s specialty was that it looked like fun the way he did it. You never questioned that he was thinking, working and pushing, but it was all upfront and above board and “how can we do this better and what can I do to support you?”
I was away for the weekend and shocked to open my e-mail last night. But both misery and joy love community, and it was comforting to feel connected to all of you by remotely sharing remembrances and hearing your voices rise together. As others have said, as if we needed any more reminders, cherishing each other and what we have each day becomes more evident with every passing year. I’m stronger and more complete feeling we all remain in each other’s orbits, and I’d like you all to stick around a long, long time. p.s., special shout to my one-time 8kM Challenge teammates, Steven & Ted– that was a good time, and remains a fond memory.
With love & hope for Mark’s family’s healing,
Teresa
Brad Gantt says:
April 12, 2011
I first met Mark during preparations for one of the legendary A-16 Backpackers Swap Meets. Mark was a rep for Sierra Designs and we spent a LOT of quality time together sorting through the mountain of gear he brought with him.
We formed a friendship during that time that continued over the years… on skis, snowshoes, portaledges and in igloos. Like many others I was the beneficiary of his generosity, energy and spirit. He was extraordinary and I consider myself privileged to have known him.
He will be missed greatly.
Brian says:
April 12, 2011
I’m one of the “legion” of folks that Mark touched and influenced, though I’m quite sure I was never able to pay him back in kind. I’ve still got gear that he helped me to get ‘back in the day’ and I think of him every time I use it, which is very, very often. His passing is a terrible loss, but he has certainly left an unusually good legacy with all the people he touched.
Cathy and Jason Tate says:
April 12, 2011
Mark taught us to live life with love and passionate engagement. The spark in his eyes and his constant smile will live in our hearts forever.
His love for his family, his friendhsip with Dan and his passion for the outdoors were all seemlessly interwoven into a most impressive tapestry, giving his work an unmatched purpose.
For the last 18 years, from Bob’s Bargain Barn, to Summit Hut to A16, Mark was a leader on our retail adventure. His filled our work with excitement and nutured us and our ideas. He taught us that intent and integrity are what makes good ideas/products GREAT.
We loved hearing him talk of his family and life in Big Bear, seeing his house was the perfect frame to understand what his love for family could build.
Thank you, Fulton Family, for sharing with us, your magnificent husband, father, brother and son.
His love will flow in our work and life always.
Peace and love to you,
Cathy and Jason
Chuck Balsley says:
April 12, 2011
I am so sorry to learn of Mark’s passing. I am the distribution manager for JanSport. Mark was a great and inspiring person to work with and know. I will keep the Fulton family in my prayers.