Cal-ILA
Mark Solomon
This tribute to Mark was written by Susan Rich and read by the youth group at the tree planting ceremony at LANA Expo 2002

We'd like to celebrate a man and his life,
So to his compadres and Linda, his, wife,
We offer this tribute from the CAL-ILA youth.
Warning: Mark would have preferred it a little uncouth.
Ball cap and sunglasses, quiet on most matters,
Especially around those far better at chatter,
Mark was a man of perennial cheer:
The man with the cigarette and can-coolered beer.
In March of '01, CAL-ILA rallied at Davis
Selling raffle tickets might have enslaved us,
But with deep pockets Mark would always travel,
Buying our tickets: the auctioneer man with the gavel.
When we traveled to Sac to show at State Fair
There was Mark doing more than his share.
When we exited the course having gambled with fate,
We got a smile from Mark: the man at the gate.
At Santa Rosa and the run with the wine,
Mark was there to ensure it was fine.
A boyfriend in tow for young Katie Fike?
She paid the price to Mark: the man at the mike.
Memorial Weekend found us all in Grass Valley,
Where Mark, as usual, helped to keep the tally.
Collin's birthday was mentioned as often as able
When Mark was: the man at the judge's table.
This year at Plumas Fairgrounds and Park
We're missing someone and that someone is Mark.
For the many memories we'd like to say thanks
For the jokes, the smiles and numerous pranks
So, we're saying as loud as we can
Thanks for it all, Mark . . . YOU DA MAN!

On July 4th, 2002, Mark Solomon died of a massive stroke. He will be remembered by many as the announcer at most of our local llama events and as a past President of CAL-ILA. We will all miss our friend and companion. Mark has been joined by his friend and faithful companion, Boomer at the Rainbow Bridge.

If you would like to remember Mark and continue his work for the youth of the llama world, donations in his name can be sent to CAL-ILA youth fund.

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