Kori Moon on Tue, 11th Aug 2009 8:17 pm 

I can not begin to say how much Mark has touched my heart. He is truly one of the kindest people I have ever met. When I would feel down he found away to make me laugh and make me feel better. I feel soo blessed that he was a part of my life.I’m sad that he is not with us not but I’m soo happy knowing he is with Jesus up in heaven.

Holland Hayes on Tue, 11th Aug 2009 9:46 pm 

It is comforting to know that Mark had a Church Family, and I am thrilled to know that he knew and knows the Lord. We were and are Mark’s family, and he will bring us all together Saturday. I look forward to meeting the rest of the family, and to being together in Mark’s honor.

Allison DeCaro on Wed, 12th Aug 2009 2:19 am 

Mark was a dear, sweet, and infinitely kind soul. We will all miss him terribly.

Lisa Sleeper on Wed, 12th Aug 2009 9:00 am 

Mark was a sweet and giving person.. I met him at an audition in 1993 when I first moved here. I remember thinking what a fun guy, I hope I get to work with him.. and lucky for me he performed with us at Epcot for a few years.. and we had a blast! Mark could make you smile even when you were down..I am sure he he is doing the same with Jesus in heaven.

Peggy Rice on Wed, 12th Aug 2009 9:02 am 

For several years Mark was part of a Christmas Eve gathering that my daughter and son-in-law host every year. This party has been going on since the grandchildren were babies. The first year that Mark attended he brought a train whistle, some silver bells on ribbons, and a book, “The Polar Express.” Before the Christmas Carols were sung Mark gathered all the children around him and began to read the book in his wonderfully strong voice. Children and adults alike were mesmerized and all of us were moved. He became the highlight of those Christmas evenings for many people including the children who are almost grown now. Although we have missed seeing him the last few years, he made a special place in our hearts and he lives there still. My prayers go to his family and other friends. Mark has heavenly children to tell his stories to now.

Nancy Wright on Wed, 12th Aug 2009 9:56 am 

Mark is my cousin. We lived very far apart and missed him so at family gatherings. When I just read Peggy Rice’s comments about him, I was reminded of our grandmother’s funeral and the gathering at my parent’s home afterward. Mark gathered all of the great-grandchildren around him and read to them. Of course, he used his character voices and had them all mesmerized, too. He made a confusing day for a group of youngsters special. I hope some of them remember him for that and so much more.

I am also so thankful to you, his church family for being there for him. I know that it made a huge difference in his life. You were very special to him and we appreciate that.

David Pavlick on Wed, 12th Aug 2009 11:04 am 

A special thank you to the members of Mark’s church and his family. You were obviously able to help Mark when he needed it most and others were unable. Mark always gave ALL of himself to others, rarely leaving much for himself. He lived for making people laugh and feel good about themselves, it is a blessing you were able to return that to him as so few others could.

My interaction with Mark was back during his days as Gold Dust Gus in Frontierland at Magic Kingdom. I would bring my tour group through there always hoping to meet up and ask how his burro, Myrtle, was doing. Gus would reply, “No, no, no. You’ve got it all wrong. Bob’s the burro. See, Bob’s a burro, Myrtle’s a mule. Douglas, he’s a donkey and Jack…well, I ain’t gonna tell ya what Jack is cuz that just wouldn’ be right.”

Mark, thank you for always keeping people straight by making them laugh. You are the kindest and most gentle soul I’ve ever had the pleasure of knowing. I look forward to seeing you again and reliving all those great moments, while creating newer and better ones. Have fun entertaining, and may the thunder from Heaven always be from your laugh and those who have the pleasure of laughing with you.

Barry Tillis on Wed, 12th Aug 2009 12:13 pm 

I have worked with Mark as a Stage Technician at the Magic Kingdom at the Diamond Horseshoe and was also his tech the day of the accident.He was always in high spirit and was able to get a smile out of anyone whether on stage or off stage. I never got tired of his performances no matter how many times I saw them. He was even making jokes to the paramedics as they were treating him ! I’m sure he is making all up in heaven laugh now.

Amber on Wed, 12th Aug 2009 5:29 pm 

Although I wasn’t as fortunate as some to know Mark for a long time, I did have the privilege of knowing him. I was going through a rather rough patch in my life, my husband having just lost his job a few days prior. Mark worked his magic and not only made me smile, but he also helped to cheer me up. I will always appreciate that. I know that I will get to see him again someday. R.I.P Mark…. the world will be a quieter place without you.

Ted on Wed, 12th Aug 2009 6:54 pm 

I am from Iowa. I did not know Mark, but our grandchildren were with us when Mark performed the Tutorial last winter. We all loved this performance and marvelled at his talent. Also, he may have been the pirate on a Grand Gatherings cruise several years ago that went out on the Lagoon and returned to find Peter Pan and Tink at The Contemporary. If that was indeed Mark, he again captivated us and our family.

All of you who loved and performed with Mark, know you make a difference every day.

Words cannot express the depth of the lasting memories you all have given us and how we secretly wish we could be that confident and talented when we step up before the public.
Thank you all and may Mark’s memory never die as you venture out on stage again and again.
Ted from Iowa

Stephanie on Wed, 12th Aug 2009 8:58 pm 

I grew up with Mark. He and my brother Eric (who is also in heaven) were friends and Marcia, Mark’s sister, and I were friends.
I have many great memories of him from when we were growing up. Things like going sledding in their back yard because they had a steep hill to go down, or going to my grandparents cottage at the lake where we all went fishing, swimming and hiking. I remember his role as Friar Tuck at the Renessaince Festival. He always threw himself into the role he was playing. That particular character literally threw himself into the pond that day because it was so hot. He was a lot of fun.
Although it is sad that he has left this earth, I am glad to know that he knows Jesus and that when we get to heaven we’ll see him again.

Ronda Belcher on Thu, 13th Aug 2009 9:51 am 

I remember his kindness and palpable love of people. My memory was in Frontierland…I would smile just hearing the bellow of “gus” coming. God Speed…thank you.

Carol "Ellsworth" Corey on Thu, 13th Aug 2009 10:28 am 

I grew up with Mark in Fairport – our neighborhood was small and there were only about 4 or 5 of us to entertain eachother -and Mark was an entertainer from the very start! I also remember sledding at his house because of the enormous hill they had. Mark was a sweet guy and great friend who would do anything to cheer you up or make you laugh. I’ve lost two of my childhood friends (Mark Priest and Eric Hodge) who were the dearest friends I could ever have had growing up. Mark will be missed.

Megan Hill on Thu, 13th Aug 2009 5:22 pm 

Dearest Mark,
While you amuse the angels with your antics and joke with Jesus, I wonder if you’ll be able to hear how much we loved you while you were here and miss you now that you’ve left. Did you ever realize how much your life changed the world for good?

I will always remember your love of the stage, of cats, of laughter and smiles, of life itself, and especially of our Lord. Our friendship was in its springtime with the promise of summer, and I will miss you as a mentor and dear friend.

With the tide of time rolling the cycle of life, I know the pain of your death will ebb, but do know this – our friendship is a treasure that I’ve already stored in heaven that cannot be washed away. Goodbye for now, Mark, until I meet you again beyond the Shadowlands.

carole leese on Fri, 14th Aug 2009 2:15 pm 

dearest mark, My heart is broken! I will always miss and love you! You touched my heart so immensely..I will never forget you and all that you have done for others. You touched & changed so many lives!! Thank you for your smiles, laughter &
great hugs! You will always be missed but never forgotten! Carole

Carolyn Janics Meyer on Fri, 14th Aug 2009 2:31 pm 

I met Mark around 1989 and seen eachother off and on throughout Disney’s property where we both worked.
I work in entertainment costuming for the 2 shows I knew him in. The Indiana Jones Epic Spectacular and the show he was currently in.
I will miss Mark with all my heart, but I know he is being loved like he never knew love before in heaven with Our Lord.
Mark always made me laugh when I was down and stressed. He always brightened up the room with his great big smile and the stories we used to share. I think he knew the secret how to live life til it’s fullest. I will remember Mark for his smile ,hugs, his warmth and his wise words. He did not know this but I know he would have laughed so loud if he new the latest news, that I married Eddie Meyer. He knows now.
He knew us both very well and we both loved him very much. See you soon Mark.
Love and prayers to his family.

George Colangelo on Sat, 15th Aug 2009 6:42 am 

Mark and I met at a difficult time.

Rehearsals for the Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular were about half over when Disney added him to the cast. We were all stressed out and being stupidly competitive with each other. I remember I wanted the juicy role of the “AD,” but didn’t get it because Disney wisely saw that Mark was better for the role.

Initially, I tried to dislike Mark, and saw him as competition. But he came in to a difficult situation with humor and cheer, and tried his best to reach out to the actors he was displacing.

Obviously I couldn’t bring myself to dislike Mark Priest. Everybody loved him, and for good reason. He was as kind, thoughtful and loving as he was talented.

And so Mark taught me that nice guys don’t always finish last, and somehow my nasty, competitive streak began to mellow as I tried to be more like him…confident and supportive.

I haven’t seen Mark in years, and it profoundly saddens me that I will never see him again. But he will always be there in my memory, smiling, laughing, joking, and spreading his joy of life to those around him.

He will be missed.

Terri Hill on Sat, 15th Aug 2009 9:32 am 

Dearest Mark,
I want to thank you from the depths of my heart for all you meant to my daughter and to me. I didn’t know I could grieve so deeply for someone I’ve never met, yet I feel I know you so well. I will never, ever forget the many kindnesses you showed to Megan. Thank you for helping her move, for rides to and from the airport, for making sure she was OK while housesitting, for being her mentor and her beloved friend. I am grateful to you forever. I had hoped to meet you in October, but I will see you someday in heaven. With love and gratitude,
Terri Hill

Jenifer "Gwenne" Zeller on Sat, 15th Aug 2009 10:36 am 

I met Mark in 1985, when I was added to the cast of the NY Pleasure Faire of the Renaissance in Sterling, “Mark’s home faire”. During training/rehearsals, I’ll never forget how Mark did his famous “Things that Go Bump in Your Life” lecture, which was about superstitions in the times of Elizabethan England. As marvelously dramatic as ever, this lecture was intro’d by a cassette recorded “intro” with Vincent Price, and he schedule the event to take place late at night around a campfire on the grounds of the faire. Just perfect.

Over the next years we would become very close as castmates, housemates, and friends. His love, his laugh, his bellow, his exhuberance, and his characters all radiated. He even shone when he was down. What can I say, Mark was a glow-er no matter where or when you encountered him.

Sweet Beef is in my heart, where he’ll stay for now, but I know we’ll meet again someday, and I can finally get one of those amazing and peerless bearhugs again.

Liza Woods on Sat, 15th Aug 2009 5:15 pm 

I have known Mark Priest for many years. We played Marty and Margi Gras many times together for the Residential street parties at the studios and always had a blast. He also came out to our house when my husband and I needed help putting the addition on our house. He helped put rafters up that are still holding the roof up to this day (and yes, it survived Charley). I was so sorry that I missed the service today but I had to perform at Monsters during the service. And after his unbelievable professionalism after his accident I knew that the show must go on…he would’ve wanted it that way. As I was driving in to work my mix of music suddenly went to “Beaches” and I lost it. Then as I was heading toward the bus I thought to myself, ok, on with the show do the best you can and if the crowds are light this morning just “mark it.” And then I laughed and cried again. You will always be in my heart Mark Priest and I will miss you, your spirit and your blessed voice.
Happy trails Mark,
Liza Woods

laurel clark on Sun, 16th Aug 2009 8:30 am 

I can’t claim a social friendship with Mark. We never did lunch or went to each other’s house. I don’t recall any personal information other than general but we were very close professionally sharing many laughs, “words” and tears. I was his show director at Sleuths Mystery Dinner Shows for 13 years. Sleuths is the typical family expressing the good and the bad daily and sometimes quite loudly. But Mark WAS loud, and big. In both thought and heart. He was passionate about his art and I always respected that knowing he was right to demand more for the audiences that adored him so. I think I would be correct in saying between Sleuths, the Magic Kingdom, Universal Studios, Gaylord Palms and King Henry’s Feast; Mark was a one man photo op extraordinaire; the willing subject to thousands of happy vacation memories.
Comedy is fragile. A laugh can happen spontaneously like a rainbow or it can be crafted like a ship and sailed true. Mark was a master of both types of laughs. He would plan and prop elaborate gags to delight the audience and had several he used religiously. My personal favorite was in one of our shows, The Reunion. Mark played the adorable but simple soul Glenn. Glenn loved to use his finger like a gun and shoot at the guests when they said something outrageous or silly. He would pop off a couple of shots at the offenders and then at the perfect moment stand and take aim at a shelf behind him on the set. His finger would go off; PING and a flower vase would magically fall down sending a couple hundred people into great hoots of laughter and cheers. He could always be trusted to have his fellow actors back in the sometimes treacherous waters of improv even coming to my defense once when one thoughtless frat boy took notice of my girth in a horrendous orange prom dress I was costumed in and called me Shamu.
Mark was a true Thespian, gentleman and clown. Much in the tradition of the comedic greats we all admire. Chaplin, Gleason, Lewis. I loved him for that and for the way he danced with my young daughter at our Sleuths Christmas parties dressed in a bowler hat and holiday vest looking every bit like a young Santa might, on his day off, drinking grog with his friends.

John Little on Sun, 16th Aug 2009 8:50 am 

Mark, you have been in God’s Kingdom for 6 days now, and yet it is like you just arrived, a thousand years is as one day in Heaven… Psalm 27:4 says…”One thing I have asked from the LORD, that I shall seek: That I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, To behold the beauty of the LORD And to meditate in His temple.” Mark your there, you actually behold “His Beauty”. Your desire has been fulfilled! Thanks for always showing kindness to me and making me laugh!! I still hear your laughter in my heart! See you when I get there!! You will always be loved!!

Liza-International on Wed, 19th Aug 2009 4:13 am 

I just heard the news from monica. My deep condolences for Mark’s Family.
You and Gus will always be missed and loved!

Jeffrey Breslauer on Thu, 20th Aug 2009 12:05 pm 

To my best friend for the past 18 years. It’s hard to let go. It’s hard to say goodbye. So, if it’s alright with you, I’ll just visit with you in my memories. I’ll still compare notes with you on movies, stories, comics and Life. Whenever I hear a phone ring, my first response will want to be, “Statue?” And I’ll know that I’ll hear the response, “Dat’s me! Statue?” only in my heart. So, in the closing words of one of our favorites: “Goodnight, and may God Bless… Goodnight.”

Joe Lonardo on Fri, 20th Aug 2010 3:16 pm 

We went to school together, went out together, worked here in Fairport together …. Its been a year …. I still hear your voice and your laugh …..

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