Mark Elgin
Coach Mark Elgin
Mark J. Elgin, 44, of Parker, passed away unexpectedly July 8, 2008. Mark will be greatly missed by his loving wife, Vickie, of 16 years and their 2 children, Lucia and Nick. Son of Vigilia and the late Joseph Elgin of Pennsylvania. Brother of Michael (Rachael) Elgin, Diane Elgin, and Joanne (Charlie) Berkoski. Words cannot express the appreciation we have for the love and support shown. A Memorial Mass will be held Monday, 11 AM at Ave Maria Catholic Church, 9056 E. Parker Road in Parker. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Mark Elgin Children’s Educational Fund c/o Wells Fargo Bank, 10900 S. Parker Rd., Parker 80134 Attn: John Anderson. Go to www.legacy.com.
Published in the Denver Newspaper Agency from 7/11/2008 – 7/12/2008
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Coach,father,husband,
Just finished Nick’s freshman wrestling season. He did really well and made it to states wrestling hard through the third day and was one match shy of reaching the podium. He pinned a few seniors and there were very proud moments. It was bittersweet for him. He misses you. He misses his Chap team mates and his youth coaches. It touched my heart how he or his youth coaches made it a point to reach out o him over the course of the three days at Pepsi center. While he is wrestling with the regis jesuit singlet he is always eager to impress the many mentors he was blessed with during his time with the chap youth program. Once wrestling family, always wrestling family. We miss you.
Coach,father,husband,
Just finished Nick’s freshman wrestling season. He did really well and made it to states wrestling hard through the third day and was one match shy of reaching the podium. He pinned a few seniors and there were very proud moments. It was bittersweet for him. He misses you. He misses his Chap team mates and his youth coaches. It touched my heart how he or his youth coaches made it a point to reach out o him over the course of the three days at Pepsi center. While he is wrestling with the regis jesuit singlet he is always eager to impress the many mentors he was blessed with during his time with the chap youth program. Once wrestling family, always wrestling family. We miss you. xOX
Dear Coach.
Im finally started High School and now 15 but I probably still act like the 9 year old you always coached haha. I always look at the picture of You, My dad, Coach Padilla, Nick, Ryan, and
Me. I think I was trying to look mad but ended up looking like I had no idea what was going on and we were wearing the same shirt which was pretty cool. My dads right You always got on me but that made me better. Nick got so huge! I get a little scared when I see him and he wants to wrestle. These next 4 year are going to be big and I know you will be watching me in the finals Head punching a kid cause thats the only move my dad showed me.
I miss you coach and always thinking about you
JT Velarde
Mark was my college roomate during our senior year at Bloomsburg University. I lost touch with him (now I know he moved to Colorado, and got married and two Children) I was visiting colleges last week with my now 18 year old son and was thinking about Mark when we passed that old Romigs Cafe – Oh the great Geologists that lived over a bar!
I did a quick search on Mark and found this web site. What a loss. Mark, I am so sorry I did not get a chance to meet your wife and children. Mark was a kind and caring person. I was happy to see a picture of Mark’s son. WOW another wrestler!
I hope both your children know their dad was a very good man!
Thank you for your note that was very kind of you. Mark’s son is now in high school and still wrestling, with his dad watching from above.
Elgin’s on this day we stop to remember the impact that Marc had on our lives! Everyday we move on with our lives only to be pulled back to the greatness that touched us, greatful for the oppertunity to have been touched by his giving nature!! Love to you all as we revisit this Aniversary.
Mark, This time of year comes around and I can’t help but think about you. Been 4 years already and seems like yesterday we were having fun and coaching each others boys. Nick is such a fine young man. Came right up to me at State and, of course, was being Nick.
Miss you big guy! JT say’s hi as always.
Well Mark……Nick came in 1st place at the Allstate Tournament this past weekend. We have a ‘State Champion’ now!! He tucked your photo inside his head gear…..as always, in his corner, right there with him on the mat. Vickie says the day was exciting and emotional. Sure wish I had been able to be there.
I know you are looking down proudly on the awesome wrestler your son has become. Following in your footsteps, Nick is getting stronger, smarter and better with each season. Only 14 and already a champion.
As we enter 2012 it’s hard to believe 4 years is approaching. I look at the photos of Nick in his earlier wrestling days and see how far he has come, and how much he has grown. He’s all muscle!!!
Miss you Mark, and think of you often. And see your face in every photo Vickie sends us!! – Nina
“Always in our hearts…today and forever”.
Vickie
Thinking of you and your family today.
Mark
You will be forever in our thoughts and in our hearts big guy…
Keep on Wrestling
Jason and Family
Mark, Have thought about you all month. We have been out of town the last 2 weeks but thought about you the whole time. It is amazing that no matter what is going on in my life or what is happening around me, this month of July always brings a smile to my face when I think about you. Miss you Big Guy! JT say’s hi.
wow coach there goes another season with out u i went undeafted thinking of u the whole time its gettin harder and harder without u
hey coach wrestling started and still am very bummed about the tragity in 2008 im undeafted so far and hope to win state ok well bye
Another wrestling season has started. The wrestling room will never be the same without you. However, rest assured that our work with wrestlers continues. We will coach more academically, be more attentive with every child and wrestle with intensity and integrity. Thanks for setting such a great example for all of us to follow. You are always in my heart, because you were always in my corner. Coach Rod Padilla
AS Wrestling season begins I am reminded how much Mark loved the sport and how his positive approach had such an impact on my son and many in the program. His legacy lives on at Chaparral and in his family. Thank you Vicky for all your effort and may God Bless you and your family. Randy
My condolences. I know that this was 2 years ago but, as a family man, I know the pain must remain as if it were yesterday. My prayers for the family.
Dearest Vickie & Nick, Rudy and I want you to know that you and your family are always in our thoughts and prayers. Unfortunately we never met Mark, but knowing you and Nick has been such a blessing in our lives. Mark had to be a WONDEFUL MAN to have chosen such a beautiful woman to share his life with, and he raised such good, well mannered kids. Always remember to celebrate Mark’s life, because he LIVES through the Love you share with all of us! If you EVER need us for anything, PLEASE NEVER HESITATE TO CALL! WE LOVE YOU! Your Wrestling Family,’ Rudy & Louise Cortez & Boys
one of the things i liked about coach was that if you lose a match and coach was always there to say you did a god job and you tried hard get em next time champ.
Just wanted you to know that we are thinking of you today and everyday, still wishing Mark was with us. Knowing that he lives on in our hearts!!!
Mark, It has already been two years and just seems like yesterday. You are in our thoughts all the time. We miss you big guy! Your impact on our lives remains as strong today as ever. Thinking about you all the time. Love you man!! Coach Velarde and JT
hey coach i was just thinking of you again and i will never forget you you were a great coach to everyone and one of my favorite coaches you will always be in my heart
You go Mike
I won’t forget my first pin it’s still on my medal a d I always have one on my bag reminding me that coach is always with me
I won my first varsity tournament this weekend. And I was getting my hand raised I remembered that man that was always there no matter what. I miss him in my corner. He sacraficed every thing for the team he made me not only a better wrestler but a better person. He reminds me that every battle won wether it be on or off the Matt is just a tiny price of the puzzle and a loss isn’t the end of the world it just prepares you for your sucsess in te future. Miss you coach! Ryan stenger
18 months since Mark has left us, yet his memory lives on in all the lives he has touched in this youth wrestling club. It’s says alot that people are still updating this site with comments. Mark would have celebrated his 46th birthday yesterday. Dec 1st will always be hard for my sister, but with family and friends she has remained strong, continuing to build a beautiful life for Lucia and Nick. Nick is honoring his dad as he continues to wrestle well, bringing home medals his dad would surely be so proud of. He’s got quite the trophy room. Mark was a wonderful father, and I find myself asking him to now guide my son as he is about to enter that same role. I know he continues to guide, protect and watch over those he loved. Gone from our sight but not from our hearts. – Nina
Uncle Mark, Just wanted you to know I still think about you constantly. When the going gets tough, I look up and talk to you. You’re always there. We’re taking good care of your Lucia and Nick. Aunt Vicki’s doing an amazing job- you’d be so proud. Nick’s still tearing it up on the wrestling mat and we know it’s for you. Rest in peace. Love always your niece, Nicole
Dear coach, it is augest 23, 2009 and i am still thinking about u. wrstling i would always remember u laying down on the mat, and boy did i luv your notebook of all the matches. i wish i could of said goodbye but all i know is your spirit is in my heart weel never forget u Love your heavyweight, Ryan Padilla
God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, Courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference. Living one day at a time; Enjoying one moment at a time; accepting hardship as the pathway to peace. Amen July 8th came as usual, but not without a moment to stop and reflect on what we lost that day one year ago. You are truly missed. We will never forget you and the contributions you made to this world! Rest in peace and know that your friends will support your family through the years. You and your family are in my prayers. Thinking of you, because we love you.
Just remembering you this week and reflecting on how much we miss you… May God continue to bless your family.
Thinking of you all on this date, wanting you to know that you are on our minds and in our hearts! Love you
I known coach elgin for atleast 3 years and i will really miss him. As you know im the head coaches son and every time my dad would get on me for doing something dumb coach elgin would be there saying dont get down youll get next time.from ryan padilla your loving wrestler
We will forever cherish the memories of our Brother- in-law/Uncle Mark and we will continue to be influenced by his gentle kindness and love. Larry, Annette, Matthew, Natalie & Nicole
God bless you & your family. We will keep you in our prayers
Dearest Mark It is with a sad heart that I write this memorandum. My heart goes to your wife, Vickie, and your children at this unfortunet time. You will be sorerly missed by myself, Leslie, and all that knew you here in this earthly existence. As difficult as it may be to comprehend and accept at this time, I believe deep in my heart, that things happen for a reason. And I want to believe that our Heavenly Father must really love you and needed you for his purpose, more than we did, for him to call you home early. It is my hope and prayer that our Heavenly Father will continue to bless your family through this earthly seperation and heartship. I trully believe that someday you will be reunited with them and all extended loved ones and enjoy all the love and special feelings once enjoyed here in this existence. Although we may never totally fulfill your absents with us… may it be our solumn promise to keep your spirit and great contributions to our wrestling organization with us. May we always be mindfull and nurturing to every young wrestler in our care and stewardship. That we may continue to give of our time and talents, unselfishly, to this sport that we all love, as you had done and set a shinning example for us to follow. I know that we will never fill your shoes as father and mentor to your son, Nick. But I know that we as coaches, collectively, will do our darnest to watch over him and bring him along as you would have desired. Again, may God bless you and your family. My life has been blessed for knowing Mark Elgin.
To Marks wife children mother sisters & brother Mike, To put it simply,Mark was like a great big teddy bear. I don’t know what else to say. He will be missed. I am so sorry for your loss. God Bless
To Marks, wife, children, mother,brother and sisters, so sad for the loss of Mark. We will all miss him here back in Mount Carmel, Pennsylvania. He was a happy go lucky guy who was a jokester at heart. I played football with Mark at Mount Carmel High School and against him at grade school (spiritans vs jets). We graduated from the class of 1982 at Mount Carmel Area. He was a great friend who made people laugh and was always there for people in time of need.
MARK WAS ALWAYS A JOYFUL BOY FULL OF FUN AND A GREAT ATHELETIC. HE WILL BE MISSED BY ALL IN HOMETOWN OF MT CARMEL . MY DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO VICKI AND THE CHILDREN .
Dear Mark, I am sitting here trying to make sense of all that has happened in the last week. There are so many things I want to tell you and so many things I want the world to remember about you. First, you are a man of God. I can see it in the way you treat the people who you share your life with. We are all better for seeing the example you set when working with Family, coaches, parents and the wrestlers you help to inspire in practice and weekly competition. Second, you are a man of great Character! You worked hard in the wrestling room, all those nights trying to motivate Chaparral Wrestlers to believe and achieve. The kids looked forward to Monday practice because of you. They wanted that wrestling pin they knew Coach Elgin would have for them for the weekends efforts. Win or lose, the boys could count on you to recognize their sacrifices for Team Wolverine. This tradition will continue and will also be used with the high school wrestlers starting in November. The wrestlers also appreciated the note pad you carried around every tournament. Thanks for putting every name, mat and match number in there. No wrestler would be forgotten as long as you were in the gym. I always appreciated that you were proud of the Chaparral t-shirts, because you never failed to wear one on tournament day. Ryan commented just last evening how you always wore your blue Chaparral sweat shirt. Mark thanks coaching Nick, Ryan, JT and every other youth wrestler you could fit in. Every picture you are in shows the dedication and commitment you felt for the program. I will always remember your body language, while the matches were happening. Standing, sitting, kneeling on all fours were the best way to get down to a wrestlers level. You were never to big for that. Whatever worked, cause the kids always came first. Mark, I hope you know that every parent trusted you with their child. Your knowledge of wrestling, demonstrating sportsmanship, and just caring about that athlete was so important to you and you never let them down. I was very excited when you returned from PA, because you found it in your heart to bring me back the Lehigh wrestling T- shirt. Even back home with family and friends you made time for me. Making time is why you are the best. Thanks again for the shirt. My son Roman always appreciated your support as he looked in the stands on varsity match night and saw you sitting and cheering him on to victory. Mark, I will miss you, we all will all miss you. You can rest now, knowing that you influenced many. I give you my word that we will watch over and help take care of your family. My mother had a saying for me when ever I would complain or not understand why! I think it applies here, “God grant me the serenity to accept the things I can not change. The courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know difference.” I don’t know why you had to leave so soon but I will have courage, because I know that life holds so many faucets. The earth is only one. I will think of you resting in a place of love and comfort, where there are no days and years. I will think of you often. You touched many lives. I found a card that says, “Think of him as living in the hearts of those he touched, For nothing loved is ever lost and you were loved so much. Thanks Mark, Your friend, Rodney Padilla
To the Chaparral Team… Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this loss of a great coach and volunteer….
How do you put into words what Mark meant to everyone who had the pleasure of coming in contact with him? I loved all the little things Mark did that probably seemed so minor to him, but had such an important impact on those that had the opportunity to be a part of them. When Mark was coaching, you would have thought he was the one out there wrestling. He showed so much emotion. One of the times that I remember most is when Reiley had lost a match earlier in the day and had to wrestle the kid again later that day. Mark’s kind, inspirational words helped Reiley through the fear. Reiley ended up winning that match, Mark through his hands in the air and yelled, “And that is why I love wrestling!”. We will stay strong knowing that all though not there physically, Mark will ALWAYS be in our corner cheering us on and giving us strength. We are blessed to have the special memories of Mark and the lasting impression he has left in our hearts. Our prayers are with Vickie, Lucia and Nick. Stay strong and know that we are hear to cry with, laugh with, remember with and assist in any other way needed. Bill, Tamara, Colton, Reiley Davis
I only met Mark this season, but I enjoyed talking with him, and I respected his wrestling knowledge. I recall several times when I was trying in vain to show some youngsters a move, he was there to show me how to do it.
I will miss Coach Mark. I loved the pins that he gave out for wrestling, expecially the colored ones he had this year.
I will always remember talking about our great love of music with Mark,(I think he had a KISS tie),he was a fine man. His children can be proud of the father and husband that he was and his many accomplishments! My deepest sympathy. Much Love and God Bless, Lori and Jocelyn Trocki
I feel bad about the loss of Coach Mark. He was a great coach to me. He helped me with a lot of things in wrestling season. I’m very sad about the loss of him and will miss him.
Just wanted to email… To let you guys know your team is in our thoughts and prayers during the loss of your coach… Mary Jo
To Mark’s wife, children, mother, sisters and brother, I am deeply sorry for your loss. I wrestled with Mark at Mt. Carmel High School and my memories of Mark are that of a caring happy-go- lucky kind of guy. Always a happy smile and a friendly hello. You will be sadly missed by all of those who have known and loved you. God Bless you and your family. Curt Evert Mt. Carmel PA
I never had the pleasure of meeting Mark. I work with Nina Basile, Mark’s sister-in-law. Being a father and coming from a wrestling and coaching background, I was truly touched my this memorial. This is a great tribute to a fine man! Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family, friends and team members. We are deeply sorry for your loss and understand how difficult this must be. Try to embrace the fact that Mark is always there for you. He will be watching out for you forever. Keep him in your heart and your memories. He would want you to continue to live life as you did prior to this tragedy. Again, being a wrestler – I wish Nick the best in his future endeavors on and off the mat. It is hoped that you can find it in your heart to do what you and your father enjoyed together. Try to find the strength to continue to be successful for yourself and for your father. He would want that. I look forward to hearing great things about Nick. Sincerely, Michael DelliCompagni
It is clear to see what my brother-in-law meant to this youth club. These entries pay such a beautiful tribute to Mark’s character, and to his love for wrestling. Coaching his own son brought Mark much joy. May that joy be returned by Nick being the best wrestler ever! Thank you for sharing your wonderful words, it has brought much comfort to my sister. Vickie, Lucia and Nick have a wonderful support system within the Chaparrel wrestling club, and that is comforting to our entire family.
Although I’ve never met Mark, I am friends with his sister, Joanne and realize how hard this time is for family and friends. Remember that when the loss is a bit easier to bear, you will laught again. You will always have Mark through your wonderful memories of him. He will be as close as your thoughts.
What a great role model he was for the children.
R.I.P Coach Elgin Hey coach I just want to say I really enjoyed you in my corner when I was wrestling¿or even warming up!!! You were there for me when I needed something. You always knew what to do when I was in a good or bad situation!!! You were a great coach husband and father or I should say you still are!!! I will promise that I will help Nick with whatever he needs he is a great kid he is fun to hang around with he must have got that from you!!! P.S: You will be missed Love One Of Your Students Branden Muniz
Dear Elgin Family, I wish I had the perfect words to bring you comfort in this time of sorrow. I want you to know what an impact Mark has made to my family. Mark was always very supportive of all the boys in the wrestling club. When he would attend the wrestling matches, he would have all the kids name down that were wrestling. He would write the mat number and the bout number so that he could try and watch as many matches as possible. I admired his commitment to the kids on the team. When we would do our weigh-ins he would be stressing right along with me and my son Branden, giving pointers on how to loose those last few ounces of weight. Mark would always make some kind of marking on the smallest kid he weighed in, so that they knew how special they were for being the smallest kid. I liked to watch him coach as he spoke softly and pushed the kids to be better than they were before they had got on the mat. I¿d like to proudly say that it was my privilege having Mark in my son¿s CORNER, Mark¿ you will be greatly missed. May God give you the strength Vickie, Nick, and Lucia for many days to come. With Love and Compassion, Kevin & Yolanda & Branden & Gabe Muniz
As I still work to collect my thoughts and attempt to verbalize how much Mark meant to our wrestling program and I just can’t get the job done. I’m going to try but I’m not sure that it is a job that really can be done. I sit here and read all the great things written and the reality of great, remarkable man that we have lost hits me all over. Shock was my first response and I just can’t image how Nick, Lucia and Vickie will move on with such a great void. Then I settle in to my own loss, a strong quiet friend that was always there. He was there mat side for any wrestler who wanted him and he was in the stands watching everyone of those who had another coach in the corner. Mark was there to offer guidance for my sons and some how managed to get through to even the youngest wrestlers. I had high hope that he would be with Chaparral to coach my son Derek to wrestle left handed. Who will I share my early Saturday mornings with weighing in all the wrestlers?? Who will be there to ask permission of a parent to give a star on the arm of a first time wrestler, or the lightest wrestler of the day? Please don’t forget about the man that puts his toe on the scale with just enough pressure to send the number soaring on the first weigh in after a long holiday break just to see the eyes pop out of 50 pound boy weighing 85 pounds. Mark was genuine, special, one of a kind. On Sunday you could find Mark writing every bout number for every wrestler for every match win or loose, in that leather bound notebook. He knew where those boys would wrestle and when, Mark was always watching at tournaments or practice. Wow and then there was Mondays when Mark would arrive at practice with the wrestling pins for each wrestler who laid it on the line and wrestled over the weekend. Mat side that was where he was that is where he lived, look at every picture posted on the website he is mat side in someone’s corner, Vickie, Nick and Lucia you can always find me in your corner. With love, Bridgett
Mark will be truly missed. I really enjoyed being around and talking with him. He always took the time to help all the wrestlers, not just the kids on his team. I am sorry I never got to thank him for helping my son. Mark had a bigger vision for Colorado wrestling. He will be missed, especially at weigh ins. Somebody will have to keep his tradition of putting a smiley face on a young wrestlers arm if they weighed in at the exact weight. With our Deepest Sympathy, The Vallejos Family
The lessons Mark taught Nicholas and Daniel will be with them for the rest of there lives. Telling them to be “True to themselves”, was fatherly advise that they still talk about. I am thankful for the great example of a father/coach that I will try to emmulate. Thank you for sharing your time with him and allowing others to be touched by such a kind and caring man. Much Love, The Buccieri’s
I never did get to thank you coach for all of the support that you gave me through my season.That is my only regret that I will carry. Every dual I would look up in the stands and right next to Coach Markio and Coach Cambell and their families, I would always see you cheering us on. You will never be forgotten in the Chaparral Wrestling family and you will always be a coach that will be remembered through Chaparral’s legacy. You were so fun to watch coach with my dad and I know that my dad was very appreciative of the commitment you had to him and the wrestlers.Know that the Chaparral Wrestling Club Loves you and your family and will always love you guys. We are here for you Elgin Family you are not alone.
Mark truly loved his family and the sport of wrestling but was careful to take time for others as well. We will remember him standing in front of the brackets carefuly writing down the next match for most of the team on his small spiral notebook. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Elgins and we will miss Mark a great deal. Paul, Candy, Ben, Aaron and the Trygstad
Our thoughts and prayers are with you! WHAT A GREAT TRAGEDY! HE will truly be missed, he is a great man and great pleasure to be around. He was one of the funniest people I knew and always had a smile along with something wise to say! Hang in there Chap.! He never be forgotten. Will there be anything put together for his wife and children? I there is anything needed please feel free to email c149c@aol.com The Currier family and the entire THUNDER WRESTLING Club
Elgin Family I am very sad to hear about Mark. I hope you are able to savoir special memories forever. Nick, it was a pleasure helping you at our camp in Denver last month. I hope you had a great time and learned a lot. I am sure your father was proud of you. You can always remember how he helped you throughout your youth wrestling career and keep working to build on what you and dad worked on together. I am sure he has impacted your life positively in many ways that will last forever for you. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Sincerely Ken
Mark’s infectious smile will be greatly missed. I always enjoyed the smile he put on ALL the kids faces after tournaments as they looked forward to getting their pins. I know Collin always looked forward to getting his pin from Coach Mark. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Shane, Alicia, Nicolas and Collin Landenberger
I will always remember my friendship with Mark. Him and Nick wrestled down the street one year until I met Mark. He came to our program and loved it from the beginning. Mark and I taught Nick the Head Punch and Nick went on a terror. Everytime Nick would pin a kid with the Head Punch, Mark would look over at me and just smile. I always enjoyed talking to Mark about football and wrestling. Mark knew a ton about both sports. He was also always there for all the kids. He was always great with JT and sure liked giving JT a hard time. Mark was a great person and a great friend. We will miss him very much.
Mark was a great encourager to Camden and myself. Camden wrestled his best with Mark in his corner.On one ocassion Mark coached Camden to his 1st #1 finish while I was out of town.We will Miss his presence in the wrestling room and at the tournaments. Please know that you all are in our thoughts and prayers. Randy,Jolie,Camden,and the entire Roach family.
He helped me alot in wrestling. I almost won all of my matches when he was in my corner. I’LL MISS YOU COACH MARK!!!!
Mark will be missed, so many times Josh and Nick would be working out, Josh being a Heavy Weight Mark always would work with Josh on his wresting. He was always soft spoken, and the kids always ran to get their pins from him after a tounement. He will be missed.