Mark Kaytna Washinton State

by Kim George
(Tacoma, WA)

Mark was Japanese and Caucasian. Long hair, very long. He looked like an Indian. He won His Harley Davidson at the Emerald Queen Casino and loved it.

Mark was an undiscovered artist. He knew he had a great talent, yet he was humble and it took him awhile to show you his craft.
He spent hours and days creating tiny versions of known characters out of paper, glue and paint. They had appendages and could move and they were so small they fit in a matchbox. I only saw batman and Robin and I was blown away. I cannot imagine the time and patience this type of art must take.
Mark helped me see that it really is about the small things and helped me to see that I was an artist in my own way.

Mark was quiet and wise. He was not perfect yet he did not claim to be.
I wish I could have told him how much I loved his art and his quietness and his ability to just make you smile. We parted one day and he said "Your going to miss me".. I said "I already do".

He was hit by a man that was having difficulty in his life. He was out drinking one night and had too much. A friend wanted to drive him home. He refused.

He met Mark at an unmarked intersection in Tacoma WA on 6th and Grant. Neither of them stopped and Mark was struck and under his SUV.

He tried to save Mark, he was a firefighter and knew how to help.

Mark lived for a short time but lost his life the next day.

Marks family and friends were devastated.

The firefighter resigned and I am sure his family is devastated also.
A taxi ride or a ride from a friend could have prevented this.

Think twice because you never know who YOU could lose for doing it or not saying something to someone that does.

Kim George