Home now....................

[vision386]

First and foremost, I appreaciate the concern from all my BMT friends,and figure an explanation is owed as to my absence.

I was taken away un-expectedly by bad news concerning probably my best friend in the world,former co-worker of mine was diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer earlier this year,and as many of you know the prognosis with that is not good. I learned of the news in late September,and flew out to Bellgrade Montana Sept.30th. to see and be with my friend for what time he had left against his wishes,i took a leave of absence from work and went right away.

Howard was my dear friend and mentor when I started at Clark Transfer back in 2000,it was funny to me now that when I started on my first tour,Howard told the other drivers that he was "not looking forward to meeting another asshole easterner",when he found out I was from Jersey.

When we did meet,and he learned I was just a farm boy,and grew up under similar circumstances,we became fast friends,both being of German ancestry,and from trucking families,we just hit it off. He really took the time to "show me the ropes" of how touring with a Broadway show really worked,we worked 3 shows together,and I became a lead driver in less than a year (unheard of within Clark) in charge of all show related duties,coordinating drivers,getting directions,planning routes, times,load ins and outs working with show personnel etc.

Something he never let me forget,even when I was his "boss" on a show!

Howard parked his truck in late 2005,due to some serious health issues related to an earlier accident,which left him un-able to truck anymore,but he didn't have the heart to sell his tractor,(he left Clark in 2004 to return to his first love truckwise (heavy-haul,oversize,RGN work) he was real tired of running the eastcoast for Clark,but left on good terms.

He asked me to help him out with a few things,as he had no close family,and was estranged from his only daughter,who wanted nothing to do with him anyway.

I got the truck running,it had a bad injector,and some trans. problems,and needed a good detail and cleaning,before I drove it out to it's new owner in Washington state. The guy that bought the truck was tickled pink with it,and payed for my expenses both ways.When I returned,Howard and I were able to spend a few days together,and actually went out and had a steak dinner and a few drinks while he was still able,i know the man was in a great deal of pain,but never showed it or complained about it,we laughed,drank a few shots and had a real nice night.

Howard took a turn for the worse two days later,and the hospice nurse told me,as did my wife (also a nurse) his time was short.

He never regained consienceness,and passed peacefully at 3:25 am October 27.........................

I made the final arrangements according to his wishes,no ceremony or a big deal,just been real hard for me to deal with as the man was like a second father to me.

I took care of all his un-finished business,bills etc. and flew home today,got to Greensboro about twenty after four (Goddamn I HATE flying!!!!!!!!)

I just wanted to let everyone on BMT know what was going on,i owe a couple of you guys a phone call,no disrespect,just haven't been in much of a mood to chat,and didn't have any cell service or internet access out there anyway.

Hopefully,things will get back to normal,i need to get my ass back to work anyway Lol!...................................................Mark

Howard D. Eitzen August 16,1950 October 27,2014..................R.I.P My friend!

[57 bcr]

Understand completely,Mark. Sorry for your loss. What a good friend he had in you, and you in him. Al

[vision386]

Thank you Al,that means a lot to me,and just how much I appreacieate all my good friends here on BMT...................Mark

[farmer52]

Mark,

Thanks for the update. We hoped you were on some important business. Sorry to hear about your friend. Condolences to you and his family. He is in God's hands now.

[leversole]

Glad you got to spend some time with him at the end...

[57 bcr]

Right back @ ya,Mark. Feel the same way about the camaraderie among BMT'ers. A good bunch,to say the least!

[mack mhe9]

I've had similar things in life and there's a reason you get chosen to be in that position. It's a very high honor.

[j hancock]

Very sad news but you are a good friend for being with him and doing what you can.

[other dog]

Sorry to hear the sad news Mark, glad you're OK. That was indeed a great friend, and you to him for doing what you did.

[vision386]

Thank you Tom,means a lot to me,this guy was just an all-around good truckdriver,something I really admired,i 'm kinda sorry now I gave him so much shit for driving a Volvo! but he knew it was all in fun!. He indeed was a good friend to me,taught me a great deal about driving in the mountains,winter,chaining-up and all the B.S that goes with running out west!...................................Mark

[slpwlker]

Sorry to hear that Mark

[DCR]

Mark, sorry about your loss. Glad everything is well with you and your family. Not many would do what you did; you are to be commented for making the sacrifice you did.

[Joe Ditchkus]

Mark you are what best friends are about.Sorry for your loss.Joe D.

[mowerman]

wow that was really big of you to do all that,,,god love ya,,,,and real sorry to hear about your pal....but welcome back...bob

[gearhead204]

Mark: sorry to hear about your loss, wish the situation could of been different I would of liked to meet you when you were in the state, where did you deliver the truck to?...... if you don't mind me asking.

[Green Dash]

Sorry for your loss, Mark. Howard was very fortunate to have you as a friend.

Good to have you back!

[mowerman]

oh forgot to mention,,,i hate flying myself,,,,they have made it such a pain in the ass,,,its nothing but a big nuisance,,,far as im concerned,,,they can stick thier airplanes up thier ass,,,,only fly when its absolutely necessary...bob

[j_martell]

Glad to hear you're ok Vision386

Sorry for your loss, our thoughts are with you.

[41chevy]

Sorry for your loss. God bless you, you're truly what it means to be a good friend. Paul

[bullhusk]

You dont hear this to much anymore but "A friend in need is a friend indeed!" And you sure did live up to the Quote

Good Man Mark and very sorry for your loss

BULLHUSK

[maint1]

Sorry for your loss, missed your posts, good to have you back.

[39 Baby Mack]

Glad you're OK Mark.

We were getting kind of worried about you.

Very sorry for your loss, friends like you are hard to find!

Ron

[Vladislav]

Sorry for your loss Mark.

You just have done the best of what you could.

[GreenGiant2]

People say they don't believe in angel's. Well you one for doing what you did. God bless you mark, that meant more than you can imagine to Howard. Glad your back.

[mike69mackman]

Condolences mark. To have friend like you must've been an honor. Your friend is in gods hands now is happy to know you were able to take care of his final affairs. You truly are a man if honor, we need more people like you in this world.