I am so sorry to hear about your loss.

It has been about 10 years since I last spoke with Mark. We used to travel to the same trade shows and would go out to dinner together quite often over the years.

I remember his great sense of humor and him always talking (fondly of course) about his family. Even though I never actually met Kelly and the kids (I know they are not kids anymore, but teenagers), I always felt I knew them because of how he spoke about them.

With him being the Buckeye fan that he was and myself being a Wisconsin Badger fan we always had something to discuss, so to speak.

In recent years, I have often thought of Mark when I would remember of another trade show coming to Chicago. I would wonder if he was still with Novelty and if he would be coming to town. I thought about trying to contact him. But never did for whatever reason. I certainly wish I had now.

Mark was a good friend and business associate. He will be surely missed. My heart grieves for your loss.

God Speed.

Howard (Tony) Honnold & Family

I only knew Mark when I was young.  He worked with my dad at Sunoco in the Reynoldsburg office, and I remember him being a nice guy.  He even coached my baseball team - though the only vivid memory I had was of me having a little meltdown after watching 3 strikes go by me at the end of the game.  I remember saying that I can't hit sliders, and my dad who co-coached said, well it's hard to hit them if you don't swing.  I ran off upset, but then regretted it because I wanted to be "cool" around Mark, and that was most definitely not cool.

We lived in Columbus for  short time, but a few years later Mark joined my family in New York for an annual tradition of having a different guest join us for dinner out on New Years Eve.   I'll always recall him as one of our surprise visits that year, and I thought it was remarkable that he was so nice about spending the night just himself with my family for dinner and then seeing "Home Alone" at the movies.   I also remember not recognizing him as he had slimmed down a lot and had a mustache.  I recall certain people as being sociable with kids and treating them with the respect usually reserved for peers.  He was that kind of guy.

Flash forward about 18 years to today, I'm sad to hear that Mark passed on the same day we had our 3rd child.  Although we settled on the name Jacob, as my 3 year old daughter came up with it on her own, I gave serious consideration to both the names Mark and Owen.  I now sort of wish we had included one of those names, because it would be a meaningful remembrance of someone who I looked up to as a child.

- Rob

I was deeply saddened to learn of Mark's passing.  For many years,  I was a customer of Mark's at Novelty.  He was always a wonderful, warm person.  Always a gentlemen and a pleasure to deal with.  Mark will be missed. 

My thoughts and prayers are with your family.

Carol Pace

Prestige Fund Raising, Farmingdale, New York

Dear Mark Woods family,

So sorry for your loss. I graduated high school with Mark. He was

always joking and quite a comedian if I might add. He seemed like a

happy person and I remember he had such "sky blue" eyes. I ran around

with alot of the kids who lived near Mark on Harmar Hill in Marietta

growing up. He seemed so young to leave this life, I am sure he is in a

much better place and looking down and loving you all.

Kelly, Courtney and Kenny,

Words are not enough to express how sorry I am for your loss.  Although I was only around Mark a few times at family gatherings for Paul, Nancy, Alex and Hollie,  I feel like I know you so well because of all the stories Nancy tells me.  I always enjoy seeing your family because I get to hear so much about you.  I will always remeber Mark's warm smile that brightened the room.  The last time I saw all of you, at Brian and Hollie's wedding, Mark was comparing my son Jordan to Kenny and telling me how much Jordan reminded him of Kenny at that age.

Take care of yourselves and hold onto each other at this very difficult time.  You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

Kelly Raines

Washington County Home, Marietta Ohio

Our family lived across the street from Mark.  From all of us Seyler's in Marietta, Mark will be missed.  So sorry for your loss.

Shari Seyler Brown

Marietta, OH  45750

To the family of Mark Woods,

My name is Jim Pigg. Although you didn't know me, I worked for Mark at Novelty in 2005-06. I found Mark to be a very fair boss, and I could tell he really knew the gift business and loved what he did. I think he earned the respect and admiration of everyone who worked for him, too. He was always smiling and joking around with everyone in the office, and overall he was just a great guy to be around, even though he was a Buckeyes fan! Professionally, I learned a lot from him.  And although our paths hadn't crossed in a while, I was deeply saddened to learn of his passing. I want to extend my prayers and sympathies to all of you. Mark is in a much better place now, and someday you'll all be reunited again. God bless you all, and may He grant you strength and courage in these difficult days ahead. Thanks for reading, and best of luck to all of you.

Dear Woods Family,

Just wanted to let you know that I'm with you in spirit.  Mark was a great freind and one of the kindest men I've ever met.  We always helped each other in business .  He will be very missed.  

We wish all of you our prayers from above.

Sincerly,

Scott Marks and Family

I have been blessed to have had the pleasure to cross the pass of one of God's most wonderful creations, Mark Owen Woods.   I know that Heaven is receiving a special angel now that Mark is there.  Our world may seem a bit less bright now that Mark is not with us, but his ability to light up a room will go on forever.  I can say that Mark was a magnificent person who loved his family, friends and work.  He gave his all in everything he did.  Mark has left a positive impact on many people, and has touched the hearts of everyone who got to know him.  Knowing that Mark is looking down on us all makes me feel a bit  delighted.  I pray for his family and hope that they can remember how much he loved them and adored them for eternity. 

Most saddened,

Shannon Mikkelson

(formerly of MBS)

I am a buyer that worked with Mark frequently for years.  I can never remember a mean word coming out of his mouth!  He was the most wonderful caring person, he always made a point to ask about my son  and how he was doing, before starting any work.    I am sure you know how special he was and he will be sorely missed!  My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family, I am sure that God has a special place for him!

My sincerest sympathy

Pamm Julian

Kenny,

I just wanted to let you know that I was thinking about you and your family during your loss.

Hugs,

Mrs. Renforth (MVIS)

To the family of Mark Woods -

We extend our deepest sympathy.  Mark was a wonderful person who will be greatly missed.

Mike DePaul, Joanna Tepker & the staff at Regent Products

Kelly, Courtney and Kenny,

Words can't express how we feel at the loss of Mark.  What a wonderful husband and father.  He will be greatly missed.  Please know that your entire family is in our thoughts and prayers.

We love you!

Kevin, Kirsten and Katie

• My friend passed today. My friend was a great man. He made me laugh and made me think. I made him slow down and enjoy life a little more. We spent every day together one summer playing golf and playing around like kids do. It was the best summer of my life. I was LUCKY to know Mark. I am a better person for knowing Mark. Yet all my loss and all my grieving pales in comparison to what you all are feeling. I am sorry Mark left you so early in life. Husband , Father,  Son and Friend , he will be greatly missed by everyone.