Portland Radio Friends here is the latest on Mark Marshall's battle with brain cancer. This is a note from his wife, Cindy:


"Hey if you could get the word out to all the radio friends I'd appreciate
it. Mark is now back in the hospital, Salem Hospital, room 5104. From there
he will be going into a skilled facility. Its unknown as to which one, yet. I will
be trying to then go back to work, this leave without pay gets old and broke
fast. We (family and friends) are trying to make sure that someone is with
him all the time and if anyone would like to volunteer to help that would be
great".
Cindy

Cindy says Mark cannot speak because of a tube down his throat. His prognosis as of 5/10/07 is unknown pending the results of MRI brain scans.
Mark's e-mail is mmarshallradioguy@comcast.net. Cindy says she will read the e-mail to him, so write if you can find time. Mark is a good guy and this is a real trial for him.

Here's the latest on Mark Marshall's condition and it's NOT good news. This was forwarded to me from Tim Riley:
___________________________________________________________________

Hey Tim-

I visited Mark Marshall over the weekend. He's in the hospital with Terminal Cancer, with a few days or weeks left.

The reason I'm writing this is to encourage Mark's radio colleagues to email a line or two to him just to say - we remember you, etcetera.

His wife Cindy will read messages to Mark. He's able to hear and respond.

mmarshallradioguy@comcast.net

Take care,

Dave Paull

While his name is familiar, where all did he work?

Mark started radio like a lot of us did, small markets and then moving up. When I wrote them
last week, Cindy e-mailed me back and said he worked for over a dozen radio stations up the Willamette Valley, Salem area. I don't think it would be wrong to overload his mail box do you? mmarshallradioguy@comcast.net

Oh hi, so what do you think about starting a Mark Marshall fund? It sounds like the family could really use a hand and who better to help than his radio pals? Anyone who wants to kick in can send it to Metro Networks at 220 NW 2nd Ave. #610, Portland 97209.

Oh and Val, we missed you at Babes!

Cyn, mia culpa,I just ran out of time Wednesday. As for this Mark Marshall Fund, I've got the address,
who do I make it out to?

It makes the most sense to have checks made out to Cindy Hokit. We will make sure they get to the right place.

Jeff

Saw Mark yesterday. He really did appreciate having some company and so did his wife, Cindy. The brain tumor has taken away his ability to speak and swallow. He doesn't have a tube down his throat all the time, but does need help with one periodically. It's a brutally hard time for them right now. Anyone that can swing a quick trip to the nursing home in Keizer would be as warmly welcomed as the situation allows. Just Google Sherwood Park Nursing Home in Keizer for the address. Bring your funny stories and talk all you want. If he gets tired he'll let you know.

And again, I know it's unorthodox, but I'll handle any donations that can be spared. Cindy's been off work without pay for a long time and I know they'll be appreciated. Please send them to:

Mark Marshall Fund
C/O Metro Networks
220 NW 2nd Ave., Suite 610
Portland, OR 97209

Thanks,
Jeff Hunter

Thanks Jeff, and also to everybody who takes the time to help a fellow radio announcer.

I thought everyone who knows Mark would appreciate an update. Not much has changed. His brain tumor continues to keep him from talking or swallowing.

Cindy is by his side most of the time. Other family members and some of his media friends have visited, too. He still appreciates the visits... telling stories about the biz is a good distraction.

Cindy also wants to express her humility and appreciation for the donations she's received so far. Thanks for stepping up and if you meant to but forgot, please pass along what you can today. The address is up a few entries. Please make out your checks to Cindy Hokit.

Jeff

Hi everyone, sad news to pass on; Mark passed away this afternoon. Thanks to everyone who contributed to Cindy Hokit. We're still taking contributions for the family at Metro.

These tragic events always sadden me. I hope he is at peace now and that his family can begin the slow healing process.

I didn't know Mark. Was Mark Marshall his real name or an assumed air name. I am wondering if I might have known him under another name.

Having been through the loss of my mom 6 months ago I can certainly relate to the deep grief that surrounds the family. My prayers and thoughts go out to all who knew him personally.

Very sad news.

God bless you, Mark.

Mark Marshall was his radio name, his real name was Mark Hokit. He was raised in Dayton. He worked off and on at KLYC, and many other stations in Salem, Astoria and Portland. He was a terrific play-by-play announcer. He leaves behind his wife, two boys and one grandchild.
He was only 46!

It's times like this, the radio board here really comes through, bringing us closer together at these sad occasions.

I like to think there's a radio station up there somewhere with all the Greats from the past. I have a feeling they just took on a new Air Personality.
Good Luck Mark with that new gig.

Thanks for the quick summary Eve. Scott, I hope you're doing well and I'm sure the blessings are well received... Mark is in a much better place now. Chris, you're right... it's hard.

Below is a note from Mark's sister-in-law and an invitation to a celebration of Mark's life.

Jeff

#########################################

Dearest Radio Family of Mark Marshall's (Hokit)-
Thank you for all your thoughts and prayers, and many visits, phone calls and emails throughout Mark's illness. He put up a good fight, and fight he did...right up until the end. He is now rejoicing with his Mother in Heaven!

He loved all of you, and considered you all a very important part of his extended family. Please join us in celebrating Mark's life at:

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints
570 Madison NE ~ Salem Oregon
Saturday, June 2nd 11am
Viewing 10am - 11am
Internment immediately following service
Luncheon back at the Church

Please RSVP to grammyandpapa1@cox.net if you are able to attend the luncheon so we have an idea of how many to plan for. I will need an apx. count by Thursday, as we are traveling from Arizona Friday.

Remember, Mark is pain free...and rejoicing!

Blessings to all,
Cindy, Dan and Kelly Hokit (Wife, Bro & Sis-in-law)

I took some great courage for Mark to battle his cancer until the end. He knew what the outcome would be and stayed present for the uncertainty and the pain. Someday, we all with go where Mark went today. I hope that we can have the courage to face our demise in the dignified way that Mark did. I will miss him.

I was sorry to hear about this as well. I didn't really know Mark that well, but when I was doing overnights on KXL-FM, I'd wander over to the AM side and chat with him from time to time. He was a good broadcaster, and I will miss him, too.