Practical Homeschooling columnist Dave Marks passed away on Friday, August 6, 2004, after a long struggle with leukemia. His daughter-in-law, Amy, wrote us:

"Despite the length of his illness, his death came sooner than we expected. We cannot help but reel from such an enormous loss.

"As you know, Dave was a big man with a bigger personality. He had a keen intellect and a wonderful sense of humor. But he had a softer side too. He adored his wife of nearly 40 years, Lea. He was a wonderful father, doting grandfather and wise head of our company. He gave quietly and generously to those in need and often our family only became aware of his kindness when the recipients informed us.

"WeĠre not sure how to go on without him in our lives but we are grateful for the love, guidance and example he provided us every day he lived.

"Next to his family, DaveĠs greatest joy was his calling to teach writing. He was rightly proud of the success he had in teaching writing to homeschoolers and he was excited by the enthusiasm homeschooling families had for Writing Strands.

"Being asked to write [his PHS] column was a great compliment to him and provided him a reason to live, as he thought he was still needed. And he is."

We miss Dave already. He will continue to help homeschoolers even after his death, through both his curriculum and his articles in back issues of PHS, which eventually will be republished on our website.

DaveĠs business, National Writing Institute, and its product, the Writing Strands curriculum, will continue to be available. For the past few years, Dave had passed on the day-to-day operations to other people who will continue his work.

If you would like to send a condolence note to DaveĠs wife, Lea Marks, you can email her at lea@writingstrands.com. Please pray for Lea and her family during this sad time.