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Guest Book Page One | Page Two | Page Three
It was with great sadness that I learned of Mark's passing. Mark was the attorney with whom I interviewed before being hired by Howrey in 1995. He was obviously smart, but what struck me most then, and what I remember now, was his great generosity of spirit and his down-to-earth manner. I didn't have the privilege of working with Mark, but he was always ready with a smile and a warm greeting. May God bless the Wegener family. They will be in my prayers.
-- Matthew E. Carswell
Associate General Counsel | Anheuser-Busch Companies, Inc.
It has now been 24 years since I worked at Howrey. It was my first job out of law school. I learned a great deal and treasure the memories of the people I met at the firm. I am sad to hear of Mark's death. He struck me as the consummate professional, and was very dignified and respectful. As a new lawyer, I appreciated that.
-- Cynthia K. Courtney
Day Pitney LLP
Mark and I both arrived at Howrey in the Fall of 1973, long before the firm had name tags on the doors and when essentially all the new associates were assigned to one of the founding partners. Mark was, as he was most of his time at the firm, quiet, unassuming and extremely hard working. He spoke little about himself but asked questions of others – what they were doing, where they were from, and so forth. As time went on, we moved ahead on somewhat parallel paths, each spending more than two decades in firm management. But we did not, in the early years, have parallel work habits. Mark was at work early, around 7:30 or eight, six days a week; I tended to be, by comparison, a late arrival.He did that for more than thirty years, rarely failing to be there nearly every Saturday morning at that hour to organize the following week and attack the "to do" list he kept each day on the yellow legal pad that he carried around nearly all the time. He worked through that list daily with determination and indeed a certain ferocity. The consistency of his dedication to his work, and to hard work, was remarkable and accounted for a good part of his success in life I am sure. He made sure that he did all the small things well and understood that that are few "big things" that are anything other than a collection of small things.
The other thing about Mark I want to mention, and I think all of us around him found it inspiring, was his extraordinary resilience. Mark's career was not an uninterrupted upward trajectory. He suffered numerous setbacks. Two clients, each at the time his biggest clients, were acquired or merged away and lost to the firm; another, at the time the main source of his business, went into bankruptcy. These were the kinds of setbacks that would leave most lawyers discouraged and disheartened. Mark was neither, at least not that he showed. It was from these periodic and substantial setbacks that Mark developed a decade ago or more the routine of "doing three things a day to stay in touch with clients or prospects." They did not have to be "big" things, and rarely were, but three things a day he did, rain or shine, and they were always on the yellow pad containing his to do list – a phone call, a note, sending along a pertinent clipping or article. This persistence to the small details of habit and routine served him well, in the end helping him to thrice to build or rebuild his practice to one of the largest in the firm. He was never overwhelmed by adversity -- or by success. Looked at up close, these qualities seem almost ordinary. But looked at from a distance over the sweep of more than three decades, they were extraordinary, and Mark's legacy to us all, especially the younger lawyers, is that there is virtually nothing that cannot be achieved through an aggressive dedication to routine and to getting the small things right.
The firm in many dimensions will miss Mark and the values by which he lived and worked. Leslie and I continue to wish Donna and the family well. We look forward to welcoming them back into our home from time to time.
-- John DeQ. Briggs
Howrey Partner
One of my favorite memories of working with Mark had to do with our preparation for the conference rooms’ dedication in 2003. Each of four conference rooms in DC was to be named for a founding partner, and Mark volunteered to help with the write-up on Jack Howrey, his mentor. What great joy he took in telling stories about Mr. Howrey, his career at the FTC, his joining with the others to form Howrey Simon Baker and Murchison, his stewardship of the Fairfax and Middleburg Hunt, and his excellence as a lawyer. Mark would take Mr. Howrey’s book off his shelf and flip to some favorite part and read. Mark was clearly awed by Mr. Howrey’s achievements – his dominance in the courtroom, his presence within the firm, his standards and expectations for himself and others. As Mark would recite them – always so deferentially – you couldn’t help but think that absolutely everything that Mark so admired about Mr. Howrey was exactly what we all so admired about him.
Rest in peace, Mark.
-- Chris Till
Howrey PR and Communications Director
Thank you Howrey family for the wonderful tribute to Mark on Saturday. It captured what a wonderful man he was. The collective remembrances of Mark reminded me of a poem of Steven Spender's. My brother Terry Moran read it at the funeral of our father 30 years ago. Mark would have laughingly rejected the sentimentality of this great poem, but perhaps it will speak to some of you who valued him.
I think continually of those who were truly great.
Who, from the womb, remembered the soul's history
Through corridors of light where the hours are suns
Endless and singing. Whose lovely ambition
Was that their lips, still touched with fire,
Should tell of the Spirit clothed from head to foot in laughter.
Near the snow, near the sun, in the highest fields
See how their names are feted by the waving grass
And by the streamers of white cloud
And whispers of wind in the listening sky.
The names of those who in their lives fought for life
Who wore at their hearts the fire's center.
Born of the sun, they traveled a short while towards the sun,
And left the vivid air signed with their honor.
Good bye, Mark.
-- Margaret M. Zwisler
Latham & Watkins LLP
I am saddened by Mark's untimely death. Mark was in many ways important in my decision to leave Procter & Gamble and join Howrey to help set up our European practice. I realized that, for this venture, I was going to need skills I wasn't sure I had. Mark's unconditional confidence in me gave me the courage to make the plunge. I admired Mark as a person, and as a lawyer. I trusted his judgment of character, and his confidence in me gave me the confidence in myself that I needed at the time.
There is no doubt in my mind that Mark has inspired many, the way he inspired me. His contribution to the firm extends way beyond the impressive list of visible accomplishments. We must remember Mark also, and perhaps most of all, for the less tangible contributions he has made, by being the person that he was: calm, confident, and inspiring. Mark, we'll miss you.
-- Koos Rasser
Howrey Partner
Mark was always someone I looked to for sage advice delivered with a kind smile. I will miss him.
-- Lester Brown
Howrey Partner
The Wegeners are family. Mark was an uncle to my brothers and to me. He commended us for our achievements and was present for our weddings and graduations, supporting my family through our milestones. We knew we always had both Mark and Donna to go to if we ever needed them. When we visited Mark recently, he told my brother how proud he was of him and all he accomplished in high school and would accomplish when he begins college in the fall. I hope Mark knows how much his compliments meant to Christopher, compliments he will hold close to his heart forever.
Mark and my dad were kindred spirits. My dad told me that they could communicate in few words, already knowing what the other was thinking. How many people can say they have a friend who knows the other that well? Mark and my dad were strong supporters of each other, always able to count on each other and always there for the other no matter what the circumstance. It is easy to say that you have a lot of friends, but you are only so lucky to ever find a lifetime friend who will never leave your side. Mark was that friend to my father. While Mark never left my dad's side, my dad never left his. What can I say, they were fans of each other. And, in the end, throughout Mark's suffering, my dad stayed close by, never straying far from his friend, always there for the family when they needed him. My father did not want to be anywhere else. Mark was a brother my father never had. My father has not lost a colleague but a lifetime friend.
Donna, Tara, Missy, David, Chris and Lucy: Thank you for sharing him with us. You all now have the best guardian angel ever.
Mark: Thank you for being such a friend to my father. Words cannot express how much you mean to him. I know you will remain by his side as his forever friend.
Mark is irreplaceable. He was a one of a kind man and an example for others to live by. I will miss his ear to ear grin and distinct laugh. It is going to be difficult to visit my dad at Howrey and know he isn't just upstairs.
Love you Mark. I look forward to chatting with you in my prayers.
-- Kathleen (Ruyak) Tayman
I knew Mark for over 30 years. He was a caring and dedicated attorney. To His Family: God bless you through these difficult times.
-- Cindy Braxton
Howrey Manager, WP
Mr. Wegener was always very pleasant. Always had kind words when dealing with the receptionists over the years. He will truly be missed. My deepest condolences for the family and especially to Mrs. Wegener. "God gives strength to endure beyond what is normal."
-- Karen L. Greenlee
Howrey Legal Receptionist
I had the good fortune to inherit Mark as a boss several years after I started working at Howrey. During our time together, he inspired me always to strive for perfection and provided gentle guidance when I missed the mark. He led by supreme example, and it was an honor to be his assistant. His "country lawyer" demeanor concealed the heart of a lion. To quote Abraham Lincoln, "It's not the years in your life that count. It's the life in your years." Mark's years were truly overflowing with life, and he will be sorely missed.
-- Bonnie Rae
Former Secretary
In celebration of Mark's life and career, I echo Joanne Lichtman, who spoke of Mark's humanity and sense of values. Mark was imbued with a sense of fairness and compassion and, of course, a wonderful sense of humor. He was able to approach the most difficult situation with empathy and even-handedness, and to exercise sound judgment based on the right reasons. Mark never lost sight of the context in which he was called upon to act, the bigger picture. While Mark always sought to advance the best interests of the firm, his thoughtful and understanding approach was always encouraging, supportive and respectful of his colleagues. These traits, honed by experience, were not taught from a book or learned on the job but came from his core, reflections of his essential goodness. He made us proud to be his partner and proud to be Howrey lawyers. Thanks to Mark, we've "never been better."
-- Jan L. Handzlik
Howrey Partner
On my first day at the firm, almost seventeen years ago, I received a call that Mark wanted to meet me. His reputation of course preceded him. As I sat in his office, (rather nervously), I was struck by his welcoming demeanor; his professionalism and his way of making me feel that I was part of the firm. He said many things to me during that meeting – including, achieving excellence in everything we do, upholding the reputation of the firm, and the importance of working together. What struck me the most, however, was that he made a point of telling me that one of Howrey’s values was (and is) to treat everyone with respect and to value everyone for their contributions. I never had the privilege of working with Mark, but I have always remembered the value that he placed on treating others well and I have always tried to live up to that value. Thank you Mark.
-- Trish Butler
Howrey Partner
I've known Mark as a friend from the late 1970s when his family and mine joined a local pool club in McLean, Virginia. Over the years, we spent much time talking about a wide range of items including his ever evolving role in Howery, the development of the firm from a local to a global one and our about growing families. I've always considered Mark and Donna as friends, even though our meetings became less over the years. I remember our last gathering at the Gold Cup a year or so ago. I was glad to see that he was enjoying himself with his friends and colleagues. I remember discussing with him years earlier his first trial. I will miss our talks about our kids. I always found him and his family very special. I know he will be missed by many, and that includes myself and my wife Sandy. Our thoughts are with Donna and her children at this very sad time. Mark was a very special person, husband and father.
-- Stuart S. Malawer
Distinguished Professor of Law & International Trade, George Mason University
I was on the opposite side of Mark in two significant arbitrations and had the opportunity to watch him in action. He was a tremendously talented lawyer -- always sharp, well-prepared and polished. I remember him telling the judge he had an important anniversary with his wife, and so he flew home from Colorado to be with her, only to get back on a plane to return to Colorado for closing arguments the following week. He also managed to work his "farm boy from Iowa" background into a cross examination of one of our witnesses, quite effectively, I might add.
-- Sarah Hardgrove-Koleno
Jenner & Block
I was very fortunate to have my office next to Mark’s for the past seven years. He was, as the other remembrances will attest, a unique individual and someone I will miss very much. What I appreciated most about Mark was his sense of discipline and "old school" ways. There are precious few like him in our generation — he simply got the job done, without a lot of fanfare and without the need for personal "credit." Like most people who are inspiring and worth emulating, Mark was most impressive when one just sat back and observed the maestro at work. His words, and delivery, were , of course, always brilliant but it was his daily work habits and example that I will try to incorporate into my life.
-- Sean F.X. Boland
Howrey Partner, Co-Chair, Antitrust
I am saddened to hear of Mark’s passing and extend my condolences to his family. When my son Carter was born seven years ago, Mark gave me some parenting advice for which I will always be grateful. He said that we should always be kind and thoughtful to our children. He shared that his father was not always that way with him; but as a result of that experience he knew that was the right way to be with his children.
Thank you, Mark. That advice will always be with me – and with my son.
-- Robert Fortunato
President, ForStrategy Consulting
In the few years I knew Mark, he struck me as an outstanding lawyer dedicated to making Howrey a great law firm. All the testimonies attest to his sense of leadership and to his wonderful personality. My sympathy goes to his wife and family. May they be comforted in the fact that his legacy will live on.
-- Marina Cousté
Howrey Partner
Dear Howrey family:
I had the honor of opposing Mark in two hard-fought arbitrations recently, and developed tremendous admiration for him. I was saddened to hear of Mark's passing. You should know that Mark was liked and admired far beyond the walls of your firm. My condolences to Mark's family, to Martin Cunniff and Andrew Lazerow, who were Mark's team in the two arbitrations, and to everyone at Howrey who knew and admired Mark.
-- Terri Mascherin
Jenner & Block
I worked with Mark on a number of cases during my five years with CapAnalysis – Howrey’s consulting arm. Mark, more than any other person during my career, taught me the value of personal presentation - from raising his chair every time he sat down in a conference room, to carefully measuring every word he spoke. As everyone who worked with Mark knows, he demanded much, but never more than he gave.
Mark will be sorely missed, but the lessons he taught so many of us will live on.
-- Joe Gardemal
Alvarez & Marsal, former CapAnalysis Managing Principal
I was doubly blessed to know Mark Wegener both as his client and as a colleague. Mark was a spectacular lawyer who never tried to appear, well, spectacular. His point was to always make his client shine, to simply be the best without fanfare or ego. But because I knew Mark in both arenas, probably the most important thing I learned was that Mark was just Mark, whether trying to land the latest antitrust case from Mobil or in sharing time with me after I joined the firm as of counsel. There had been no show or artifice in his dealings with me as his client. He was as attentive, generous and kind whether I was paying his bills or taking his time for a firm question or problem. My former boss used to say that there are a lot of good lawyers out there, so knowing how much time you were going to spend on a case together you might as well hire ones you enjoyed. Mark, clearly, was a favorite. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family, and to the Howrey family on this incredible loss.
-- Bett |