Marko MacPherson

June 20, 1965—November 4, 2022

Father. Husband. Brother. Son.

Photographer. Creative Director. Dreamer.

Baby wrangler. Dog whisperer.

Motocross rider. Surfer. Yogi.

And and and….

Marko MacPherson died doing one of the things he most loved, riding motocross. He also loved to make images and tell stories as a way of preserving memories. There is no greater gift to us, his family and friends, than for everyone to share remembrances here — in words and/or images — so that we can celebrate his life and spirit together.

Green-Wood Tree Dedication, December 2023

The plaque has been installed on Marko’s tree in Green-Wood. If you’d like to visit, get a map at the entrance and find the intersection of Vista Avenue and Forest Ridge (navigation apps usually work as well). The tree is the large red oak on the left side of the image below.

As you enter Green-Wood, you might notice the cacophony of birds squawking. These are monk parakeets, and their loud chatter and frantic activity are reminiscent of the feral parrots of Los Angeles and San Francisco. Yet another sign that this magical place is the perfect Brooklyn location to memorialize a California son.  

Memorial Celebration, November 22, 2022

just the pictures

send remembrances to:

markomacphersonmemorial@gmail.com

Christiane Mack

Rachel Cohen

I am seeing you, Marko, standing in the backyard that you so loved, maybe some Betty Lavette playing, grilling up photo-perfect, lavish platters of food (for humans and doggies) while talking about your dreams and plans, or the state of the world, or maybe just cracking us all up with a well-spun yarn.  Ever quick-witted, generous of spirit, embracing the shared fun of the moment. 

We had our boys a few months apart while living in the same building on Wyckoff and became family as we navigated new parenthood.  Endless playdates (for the children and the grownups), meals, birthdays, holidays, Fire Island time, morning hangs that stretched into evening – I am filled with memories of you and all of us.  We became family, and shall remain so forevermore.

Nadean Novogratz

Marko was a dear friend and neighbor to our family… a weekly guest at our house whether hopping over the fence from his family’s deck to ours or walking through our unlocked front door.  We will miss him dearly as he was essentially Uncle Marko to our 3 kiddos who love him dearly and he was always so kind to – playing with them, bringing Smokey over for a playdate, helping out, etc.

We met Marko and Christiane in November 2013, one month before we were to start our family.  We quickly became family friends and Marko a close friend to my husband.  Marko was a man of many words.  He often spoke of his children whom he loved dearly and was so proud of.  The last conversation we had was him describing the upcoming Saturday with Isla and her riding outside of the city – how he was looking forward to the day, about all of her riding accomplishments… a truly proud father.  And of course Cully, Marko was so excited to tell us about Cully getting into school and playing waterpolo last spring.  You could feel his love for his children as he spoke of them.

Marko loved talking about California, his life growing up, practicing yoga, meditating, his photography, riding and working on his bike, and most recently about his restaurant endeavors. 

Marko was the Mayor of Douglass Street… he touched so many lives and so many people knew him.  He was a great and kind man.  He left our world too soon.

Marko, one more stoop beer?

Nadean, Cash, Rose, Liberty and Matt

Peter Freed

When I think of Marko I think of his two twinkling eyes crinkled up into a smile as he stopped to pause, as though the had all the time in the world, to tell some amusing new piece of “town news” — a bike getting stolen, a tree needing trimming, something stupid that a contractor was doing to a building across the street. He had his eyes and ears open to everything. If we were back in the stone age, he would have been the guy who kept his tribe safe all night as they slept, with his eyes peeled to lurking dangers that nobody else could see. We would have slept soundly.

But then on the flip side, he had such exuberance for life. He was so excited about the physical world and what he and we could all do in it. He loved finding oceans to surf, bike tracks to race, places for Isla on to ride her horse, places for Cully to swim, for he and Christiane to conquer. He loved everything in the world — weather, food, people, animals, adventure. He loved spotting a great day to cook out, a great day to surf, finding something to fix, and then fixing it right. And when the day was over he loved nothing more than to relax with friends, talking, and sharing the day. Although I seldom stopped to join him on Matt and Nadean’s stoop, it was always so reassuring to know that he was there.

But most of all I think about his kids, Isla and Cully, who are such gifts to the world, and have been such a big part of our lives on Douglass Street, and such great friends to Eliana and Teo. We love having them always coming in and out of our house, going to restaurants with them, playing dolls and video games and football, and when they were younger, climbing back and forth between their matched backyard tree-houses built by Christopher. They both look so much like him, they both have parts (different parts) of his smile and laugh. I miss you and I will miss you Marko, I am so sorry you are gone. You gave the world so much and you loved it so.

Tony Mellilo

Christiane, we are all so fortunate to have experienced the joy from Marko. He is a beautiful soul. A beautiful soul that I was fortunate to know and work with and experience the joy he would bring to a room. He talked about you and the kids every shoot so I feel I know you all a little better then you may know me. His love for your family was his life. He will for sure be watching over you guys always. He would never let that go no matter life or death. If we can all remember his ways of making people smile and love him then we are lucky people. He is a gem.

Zack DeZon

As a young photographer just starting out in New York, Marko took me in as an occasional assistant. And though my time working with him was limited, I was always struck by his kindness and generous spirit, his open-book attitude towards his work and the industry, and the ways in which his nurturing attitude made assisting him more than just another gig. He was a very giving, kind soul and I can’t even imagine the hole his absence must leave in his lovely family. 

Heidi Herman

Here we are at the Women’s March in 2017.  I remember very specifically feeling that Marko’s presence and energy that day added something important and special.  It was a huge and emotional day and there was just something great about Marko that day.

Sasha Hynes

Peter, you are right.  It is impossible to think of Marko without seeing his crinkly mischievous smile.  Usually, at least when he was talking to me, it was accompanied by a cocked head, some purposely hard-to-catch self-deprecation, a deep appreciation for irony.  Marko was always ablaze with ideas, so many of them, all really really exciting!   Words would tumble out of him, his mouth trying to keep up with his fierce brain.  A friend pointed out that fierce was right in his name.  Too right.  Funny, though I hadn’t seen him in months, I suddenly miss him terribly.  

I never took a photo of Marko that I felt would pass muster with the man, but here’s one I know he would approve.  I daresay it captures his spirit, which thankfully lives on. 

Talya Boston

I will always remember Marko the way I saw him the first time I met him, standing proudly, eyes gleaming in his front yard taking stock of the street, Douglass St. He introduced himself and with his signature self assurance began to tell me the ins and outs of the street we were joining and extremely helpfully his strong opinions about the progress of our renovation (reasonable to good standards but serious issues with manpower). He welcomed me “to the gates of hell” and reassured me we would make it out. He was of course right on all counts. And thereafter I looked forward to hearing his many opinions and to all our sidewalk chats. Over time, the subjects became more diverse and more personal. I guess that’s how friendship with neighbors often goes – surfing, coffee, yoga, sleep troubles, aches and pains, politics, the kids, their growing friendship, colleges, photography, motor crossing, psychedelics and on and on. It is extremely difficult to imagine life on our street and in and around our home without him there, standing outside the house or crossing paths as we both rushed to or from wherever we were both headed or calling out over our garden wall about the raccoons or the magnolia tree or his beloved (and our not so beloved) bamboo.

Marko was my first introduction to our cherished community of neighbors and friends. And after that was ever present – full of life and gusto and remarks and critiques. Marko was the mayor of our street but he was no politician. He was always refreshingly honest and real and expressed his frustrations and disappointments.  He was a force of nature who didn’t mince his words who spoke his truth, often, and with a wry smile. It is extremely difficult to imagine Douglass St and our lives and home without him. I am heartbroken and will miss him dearly but know that I will feel his presence. I already do.

Eliana Boston-Freed

Nobody is sure what exactly happens when you die but for someone like him I can only imagine good things.

Jane Wieder

It is a rare person that will pass from this experience of life doing what they love, surrounded by friends who share the life and joy of motocross. 

I met Marko thru Christiane. My friendship with Christiane was solidified in our mutual grief after losing a friend of ours from our children’s school over a decade ago. Her friendship has been a gift and, through her, over the years I came to know Marko and discovered his passion for his work, and of course travel, surfing and dirt biking. The pride he shared showing his photography studio and sharing the creative way he made a museum-worthy gallery of his photographs that could be changed with a hinge. He was a vibrant force of personality and will be missed.

I am saddened for the grief that his loss will leave for those that knew him and loved him. I am hopeful that in time, peace and healing will be within reach for his family and loved ones and he will be remembered for his infectious smile and passion for life’s joys.

Thomas Mack

In the privileged position of Marko’s father-in-law, I have known him, mostly but not always by proxy, for about 22 years. He has epitomized the jack-of-all-trades. Not only an expert photographer and doting husband and father, he was a designer, electrician, mechanic and for practical purposes, a contractor. He completed the revision of the house by persistence, will power, and ingenious solutions, and the deck and back yard provide a beautiful testimonial to that. Wendy and I have joined Christiane and Marko from time to time in Brooklyn, Manhattan Beach, and the family ranch in Douglas County, Nevada, where their marriage took place. I attach a few family photos of Marko in various settings, and include one with Isla and a friend and two of his photos of Christiane of which I am especially fond.

Jeffrey Blue

Marko was the guy that I spent time together with daily after high school classes. We were both considered family at each of our homes. He always pushed me to explore and try activities that were exciting and good for your health: surfing, road biking, hiking, etc. Attached are some scans of very old photos that I have of Marko, all but the last two was what I tell my kids was “the best trip of my life”, biking and hiking in Canada before the 1986 World Expo, and the last 2 are from our 1983 high school senior graduation trip in Mazatlan, MX. He was my best friend back then; I am very thankful for all of the “first times” we experienced together.

Chris Knutsen

I feel lucky to be able to call Marko MacPherson my friend. We got to know each other not long after I started working at Vogue, when a fellow editor facilitated an introduction to Christiane and Marko—we were all Brooklyn parents with young children, leaning on each other as we figured things out. It took no time to grasp what a kind, sympathetic soul Marko was. I felt immediately at home around him.

For me, and I suspect for many of us who were so fortunate to get to know him, the thing that first drew you in was that million dollar smile, a high-beam that radiated warmth from every corner of his face—especially the eyes—and made you feel a little more buoyant just from being in his midst. There was a giddiness about Marko in the loveliest, most inclusive way. 

And then there was his raw enthusiasm for enjoying every little thing the world has to offer.

Part of what made Marko such great company was how excited he was, how interested he was, in hearing all about you and what you were up to. He wanted to check in about your hobbies, what music you’d been listening to, your love life, what you were reading, or what exciting trip was next on your horizon. He was endlessly curious, with such a generous spirit. 

I have so many sweet memories of Marko, whether it was seeing live music together (a Deerhoof show at Le Poisson Rouge stands out), or hearing about his latest photography assignment, or just grabbing a beer at the Brooklyn Inn to catch up on life. 

Among the fondest was a trip we took together in the summer of 2009. 

Marko and I had decided to take our older children, Cully and Isadora, on a camping trip to Great Sacandaga Lake in the Adirondacks. Isla and my younger daughter, Sabine, were still quite little at the time. And even as two Brooklyn dads with a fair bit of gumption, taking two five year olds (who barely knew each other) on a camping adventure in the faraway woods seemed plenty adventurous. 

The car ride felt … long. For the first two plus hours, the mood was brightened by the playlists Marko and I had gamely programmed for the trip. I can still recall his reaction, his palpable joy, when “Ballad of Easy Rider” by Fairport Convention came on. After the drums kicked in, about a minute into the tune, he turned to me appreciatively and said something to the effect of, wow, thank you for introducing me to this song. 

We were on a trip together! We were bonding! The kids seemed to be getting along… until at some point that car started to grow a bit hot. The kids were getting hungry. Or maybe they were a little bewildered, unsure about where their dads were taking them and why oh why was it soooo far to get there?  

I have no doubt that the thickening mood inside the car influenced our perspective, but I recall vividly the moment when, somewhere within a few miles of the lake, as we crept toward the campsite and went down a lonely dirt road that came to a dead dead so narrow that we could barely make a U-turn out of it, Marko and I peered at each other and one of us asked, wait, was that a banjo? (Cue Deliverance joke.) 

All was redeemed when we finally found ourselves at the lakeside. Before we could even begin to unpack the car or get settled at our campsite, Cully and Isadora, seeing the cool, beckoning waters of Lake Sacandaga, barreled out of the back seat and ran headlong, fully clothed, toward the water. 

Here’s what I recall most clearly: In that moment, I was the anxious dad who started to say, hold on a second, wait guys, hold up, don’t you want to change into your bathing suits first? Marko looked at me with that beautiful grin and said, Oh c’mon, it’s fine. Just let them go.  

Gaia Terza

To All, Especially Marko’s family at this time,

We met Marko in April of this year in Ojai,  he was a new friend…. yet his sincerity and authenticity engendered a feeling of a much longer knowing. Marko shared with us his deep love for his kids and family. He shared his enthusiasm as a seeker navigating a time of transition and the desire to do so with the utmost integrity and care. On a visit to “Meditation Mount” during his first stay he shared that a stranger approached him to acknowledge the “light” he was emanating. He seemed pleasantly surprised…. we were not! Our last conversation with him was October… he came with his usual sincerity, warmth, curiosity, desire to grow, and most importantly kindness. We are so grateful we had the opportunity to know this sweet and good man. Journey on Marko… and may it be peaceful and full of grace.

Chuck and Gaia

Todd Walters

The day I met Marko is vivid. A spring day, kind of cold, years ago.  It was a dirt bike situation, the introduction through our mutual friend Joe. 1^st impressions can be interesting, or not, this one… very interesting. There was no hanging back, feeling out the situation, this guy was all in, right away. Pure stoke, right out of the gate. I could detect the California, I knew though they had just come from Brooklynn. What is happening?  I did the best I could to match the energy, that was impossible. All good though, with time, we learned we shared many common interests and spoke many of the same dialects, friends. Between, before, or after different activities and meetings we discussed many things, he listened, I listened.  Sometimes I learned new things, other times it was fun, silly, joking around. While he was present for whatever was happening, getting home was always a priority.  The world could have used a lot more of that guy, for a lot of reasons, echoed in all the posts, circumstances changed that, now missed, he will always be with us, positive vibe.  If only I had more pictures to share, I went through my phone and there were a few. I don’t take a lot of pictures, & I am probably the world’s worst photographer. This I know though … Marko would be cool with that.

RIP my man, ride on…

Charlie Scheips & Thomas Graf

Christiane reminded me that I was was with her when she met Marko on November 4, 2000. I read this poem at my mother’s funeral and since that time have shared it with many friends.   I hope can help heal from this terrible loss.

With love, Charlie Scheips and Thomas Graf.

You can shed tears that he is gone or you can smile because he has lived.

You can close your eyes and pray that he’ll come back or you can open your eyes and see all he’s left.

Your heart can be empty because you can’t see him or you can be full of the love you shared.

You can turn your back on tomorrow and live yesterday or you can be happy for tomorrow because of yesterday.

You can remember him and only that he’s gone or you can cherish his memory and let it live on.

You can cry and close your mind, be empty and turn your back or you can do what he’d want: smile, open your eyes, love and go on.

— Anonymous

Teo Boston-Freed

Marko was my neighbor and a joyful presence in our Douglass street community. Although I didn’t see him as much as I saw his kids, seeing him standing outside his house and having quick exchanges with him always left me feeling better than I had before, no matter what type of day I was having. Something about his air was always enthusiastic and proud, and whenever you were around him you couldn’t help but feel enthusiastic and proud too.

Despite me not being particularly close with Marko, I was close with his kids. Isla and Cully are like brother and sister to me. It will definitely take some getting used to for me to know that Marko’s gone. But I can’t imagine what it’s going to be like for Cully and Isla.

Something that I’ve always believed is that nobody’s ever truly gone, they’re always watching over you. And even in the few days since his passing I have had little moments where I could feel Marko’s presence. And I could just imagine him, with his smile, standing outside his house again.

Laura Masiakos    

It was a pleasure to know Marko this past year while I was coaching Isla for Met IEA.  Isla won a class at the horse show on 10/10/22.  Marko was so happy, hugging Isla with a huge smile on his face.  This was a very proud Dad moment and Daughter moment.  I hope memories like these will bring comfort to the entire family.  May he rest in peace.    

Joelle Perry

I always felt a bit disconnected from my family who lived on the mainland just bc I was from Hawai’i and the physical distance was so great. I remember a specific time where I had a beautiful day hanging with uncle Marko as well as my late grandpa during a visit to California. This was possibly the first quality time spent with them that I was old enough to remember. It was time for them to leave and so we said our goodbyes and they headed to their car and I felt the overwhelming urge to yell back, “I love you guys!” but I felt slightly nervous to do so. I hadn’t told them that before and still felt like I didn’t know them too well. I yelled it anyway bc I need to be honest at all times, which is a trait I undoubtedly shared with Uncle Marko. They both quickly turned around and smiled and yelled that they loved me back. I was validated as a young girl knowing although we didn’t spent much time together, we were family. Uncle Marko was always so warm, loving, funny, kind, easy to talk to and full of love. We didn’t get close until I was in the early 20’s. Uncle Marko and Aunty Christiane welcomed me into their home and poured into my giftings and interests. We spent a few wonderful trips together whether there in NY or when they came here to HI. I was able to work alongside Uncle Marko bc he always tried to help me fulfill my dreams and would hire me even though he didn’t need to. We had a mutual love and understanding for one another. I truly cared what he thought. We checked in on each other often. My last trip to NY was when I brought my new baby girl out so the family could meet her. He always treated me with such kindness and like he would truly do anything for those he loved. He loved his wife and kids more than anything. Talked about them constantly. He always wanted what was best for them. I love you Aunty Christiane, Cully and Isla. Looking forward to a future time we can be together, hold each other and cry. We’ll always be family; something uncle Marko demonstrated to me all those years ago.

The world will be tremendously less funny without you, Uncle Marko. Miss you a lot.

Brian Bourgeois

Marko was one of the few people that you could go a year without seeing him and it felt like it was more like a day.  I’m going to really miss our last minute surf trips as he was always the crew’s entertainment, not to mention he took some awesome pictures along the way. My family’s & I thoughts are with Christiane, Cully & Isla….  I miss my friend.

Lee McCarthy-Shargel 

The news of Marko’s passing stopped me in my tracks. Though it’s been almost 15 years since we were neighbors, our time on Douglass Street brings back so many great memories of that special block for me and my growing family at the time. Marko is a huge part of those memories. I flashed back to one of the first times I met Marko with that smile and those squinty eyes that always had a sparkle. I think we bonded over my love of his awesome VW van, and I may have been sadder than he was when he sold it. Marko was all about fun for me and I loved the fun we had on Douglass Street. He had a similar sense of humor, and we could talk and laugh about anything and everything, whether it was the quirky and crazy Douglass Street shenanigans or debating whether George Jones or Waylon Jennings was the better country singer. He was the kind of guy who just made you feel good. I never walked away from seeing Marko without a smile and a laugh. I looked forward to hanging out with him, whether on the stoop, in our tiny kitchen or in Marko and Christiane’s home. I have yet to meet someone like Marko and I doubt I ever will. He was one of a kind. I’m sure he’s doing something cool & fun wherever he is right now.

Starr Hout

When I think of Marko, I see his bright energy and lust for life. His sparkly blue eyes and strong fit body … ready to do ….anything. His excitement and zeal were infectious.  There was nothing too challenging or too great for him.   Marko MacPherson = Bold, Fit, Adventurous, Family Man and absolutely HILARIOUS! 

Marko and I worked together side by side for many years.  He as photographer, I as stylist.  Over the many hours we spent side by side, he loved to speak of his family and his home life. He was so so proud of his kids and of course, his strong and exquisite wife, Christiane.  Jokes about the beauty and absurdity of life were on repeat with Marko.  He was a HOOT, so fun and funny….while never settling for second best.  

I’ve never met anyone like Marko and never will.  His hot yoga, his love for surfing, his love for adventure…no shortcuts for him..always pushing onwards. 

His courage, sparkly blue eyes, smile and true joie d’ vivre will stay with me forever.  

Sending Christiane, Cully and Isla love and strength. 

Deepest bow to you Marko

Bill Penney

Dear Christiane, Cully and Isla,

My deepest condolences on Marko’s tragic passing. No words that haven’t already been said. Although we weren’t close, I had the privilege to spend an amazing 10 days with him traveling in the Maldives. Perhaps the last time someone caught my “good side” from a lens. The stories, laughs and photos will live a lifetime. He was a true gentleman and lover of life.

Warmest,

Bill Penney  

Geoff Morris

I have known Marko since junior high in Mission Viejo, CA. We went to high school together and were close through college. He has always been full of energy, looking for mischief and most importantly a lot of fun to be around. I have fond memories riding around in his orange Fiat going surfing, skiing, or looking for a party. I remember hanging out at his house watching videos. His family was one the first homes that had a VCR. We must have watched Caddyshack at least 100 times. I remained in Orange County and Marko moved to New York. We had lost contact over the years but reconnected 5 years ago. After not seeing Marko for so many years, I did not know what to expect.  Physically he had not changed a bit. What was his secret to looking so young? Additionally, he still had the same twinkle in his eye, mischievous grin, and great laugh. But most importantly it was evident he had matured into a great husband and father. It was obvious how much he loved his wife and children. He was so appreciative of the life he had.

Reading the other memories here it sounds like Marko was the same person I knew as a teenager. Marko’s death was sudden, but his life was not faint. His memory will always be with us, and his legacy will continue through his children. Marko would smile if he were here today. He would have some funny story to tell us to make everyone comfortable, and we would for a moment forget our sadness. I will miss my friend, but I am grateful for having known him.

Franca Garimani

I met Marko in a photoshoot when he was shooting Brains daughter. I was doing her hair, makeup and styling, and I have to say he was the most easy going and fun person to shoot with. He convinced me to do a short shoot for me, thank you Marko, for the beautiful photos, all the laughs, the funny lunches with the photo team, and your bright light. May you keep on shining in the sky forever.

Lots of love for his beautiful family, stay strong, he will always be by your side.

Lisa Tanzman

I believe Marko loved being a father and husband more than anything else in his world.  I hope your memories of his embrace, love and laughter burn bright in your hearts and minds forever and in time may your memories fill the emptiness from your loss and sorrow.  Marko loved all of you so much.

Marko’s inquisitive passion and excitement for life was as pure as a child’s.  The light from his heart shined bright through his eyes and giggles.

Thank you Marko for loving Christiane and the kiddos and for bringing Cully and Isla into this world.

May Marko’s soul be blessed through all eternity and may his spirit live on through our good deeds.  I will think of you when I see a nice wave, feel your warmth from the sun and hear you in the wind. 

Isla, Cully and Christiane, I am always here for you and will love you forever. 

Dani Schuller

I recently saw Marko; where? On the block, of course! I hadn’t seen him in a few months, and we had a nice catch-up with Smokey scampering around his feet and Scooter guarding me lest smokey came too close. Marko was telling me about his new ventures, and I was not surprised to learn he was planning on opening a “destination.” Somewhere people could gather and have an experience. Was it a restaurant? I’m not quite sure, but the goal was clear. He wanted to bring people together and give them an experience to remember. I’ll miss hearing his infectious laugh from my window when he was chatting with friends on the street. One such recent occasion brings a smile to my face. Marko was outside having a conversation with someone for a good 20 minutes. As the conversation came to an end, the other guy said, “well, nice to meet you, man.” And I couldn’t help but smile. We will miss you Marko. The block is sorely quiet without you.

Love, Dani, Eric, Leela, and Mason

Riad deFreitas

I met Marko in 2013 when my close friends Matt and Nadean moved to Douglass street right next door to Marko and his family. At first I think I was a bit jealous that Marko was getting to spend so much time with Matt and Nadean, but that feeling quickly faded. It turns out he was a great neighbor and friend. He had this mischievous and infectious smile that made me feel like we were in on a secret that nobody else knew. I’m sure he made a lot of people feel the same way. 

 For a time before the pandemic I’d take surf trips every 6 months to places all over the world and every time I returned I couldn’t wait to tell Marko about my trip and share photos. He’d listen to my stories intently and the look in his eyes made it seem like he could picture himself at the various spots I was telling him about. When I was done he’d share stories about his various adventures and I could picture him living life to the fullest. 

I’m not sure I’ve ever met anyone that loved life more than Marko. I’m bummed we never got to surf together and sad I’ll never get to see him again. His passion for the people and things he loved was palpable and I’d consider myself fortunate if I can live with a fraction of the light, love and energy he seemed to radiate so effortlessly. 

We’ll miss you, Marko

David Byars

I believe the first time I met Marko was at his photography exhibit at a metal furniture store on Park Avenue South. I don’t recall the name of the store or the year, maybe 2009? I wish I could remember. Christiane had asked me to help with making gallery wall cards for his photographs. When we met, I instantly liked him. So funny and friendly. And, so talented in the field of photography. Off and on we would see each other at Vogue events and I always enjoyed laughing with him. Both Marko and Christiane attended my book-signing at The Players club on Gramercy Park in 2016 (photo attached). I was so happy for him when his book “Digit@l Girls” came out in 2017.

After I retired from Vogue in February 2021, my husband Joel and I made plans to leave New York and our choices were either Palm Springs or the Miami area. I had mentioned this to Christiane and she said, “You should talk to Marko”. So, I called him and we had a lively discussion about it. He really poured on his love of Southern California, obviously, and it was his encouragement that actually helped Joel and me decide where to move: Palm Springs. 

Thank you, Marko, for your kindness and wonderful conversations.

Much love

Amy Blackburn

I have had the privilege of cooking for Marko, Christiane and the kids for almost 10 years. They quickly became one of my favorite families. Not only because of the bright spacious kitchen I got to work in but also because of their adventurous palates and desire to expose their kids to new flavors – a philosophy I have adopted now that I am a parent. Each week Marko made of a point to come chat with me about the previous week’s meals and go over what he liked or REALLY LIKED because so rarely was there a dish he completely rejected.  If you ever need an ego boost get yourself a client like Marko.  It became a joke in my family that Marko was my biggest fan: always requesting my contributions to their holiday meals, Fire Island provisions, or backyard BBQs and sending me a text during the week if there was a dinner he really loved. Our weekly chats about the menu would inevitably spill over into talks of deep frying turkeys, politics or parenting woes (first as his kids hit the teen years, then later when my son was in the terrible 2s or was it 3s?).

Marko was kind and generous, having my wife and I as guests at the Fire Island house and then just a couple weeks ago greeting my mom and kid as they tagged along with me on my food delivery.  It is hard for me to imagine what the house is going to feel like without his energetic presence.  My heart goes out to Christiane, Isla and Cully as they adjust to this new normal. I hope hearing how many people loved Marko and will miss him is a small bit of solace. 

As his chef there wasn’t much call for me to take photos of Marko, but I do have this one of a surprise Mother’s Day brunch he planned for Christiane. 

Alexandra Mack

I think it was clear to all that met him that Marko was passionate about many things.  Topping the list were the very general categories of: his family, various art forms, physical activity, travel and nature. But I really enjoyed watching and hearing Marko get excited about specific (sometimes recurrent) subjects.  No matter how well he already knew a topic, when something caught his attention in a new way or for a new reason, he began to dwell on it, researching it, inevitably discovering all kinds of new information and reaching a new level of understanding.  He dug into the nuances and delved into the details, forming new thoughts and opinions – both positive and negative – along the way.  Here are just a few of my favorite topics about which Marko waxed poetic during the 20+ years I knew him.

• The perfect wave
• The appeal of ales versus lagers
• The reassuring nature of heated floors
• The magic of finding space in what seems like a full car trunk
• The merits of one dog breed (often the Husky) over another
• What makes a compelling fashion accessories photograph
• The complexity of Oaxacan black mole
• Hidden meanings behind the noises made by breast pumps (specifically those used when Cully and Isla were newborns)
• The genius of Dolly Parton
• The best routes to take when cross-navigating Los Angeles
• How to identify Lyme disease
• The superiority of vintage Leica cameras
• The sins of Mitch McConnell
• The surprise and delight of whole house audio systems
• The hedonism of deep-frying meats (especially whole turkeys and prime ribs)
• Mosquito prevention
• Bluegrass music
• The benefits of hot yoga
• The requirements of a good breakfast burrito

The breadth and depth of his knowledge was mind boggling, and I am sad the world has lost one of the rare people whose curiosity never runs out. 

Henry Personnaz

Marko, Markito…

Some thoughts and memories are coming back to me

Tribeca: showroom invaded by young models. You were the conductor managing the models and shooting them with pleasure.

Nobody knows that you were really patient sometimes : above all when you were speaking to a Frenchie.

Fire Island: a nice smell of barbecue on the terrace, you being the cook. Always welcoming nicely the weekend guests. Thank you for that.

Paris: a trip together to the flea market. You were interested by everything and sharing your remarks to all of us. We were pleased to listen to them.

Last thing: thank you for being a great father to the children. They were amazed by your energy.

Take care Markito. See you soon.

Tawnja Pflueger

Courtney Mace

Two weeks ago, over coffee in Brooklyn, I asked Marko what his superpower would be. 

He paused and said, “Hmm that’s hard… Ok, it’s probably stupid…  I’d want to be able to create peace between people.” 

I beamed and reached across the table for his arm, “it’s not stupid at all, Marko.” I couldn’t wait to tell him that my imaginary superpower was the same thing! We’d met that day to talk about a new project we’d been fleshing out. It was going to be a space for community, innovation and cultivating greater states of consciousness. A place for connection and healing. A place for Peace. 

I met Marko more than a decade ago when he was a yoga student of mine. I taught a hard class and was a hard teacher back then. Marko loved it. He gave it everything he had and never complained. Maybe because he always gave 100%. He was generous with his energy, and perhaps too, because he was hard on himself. 

He returned to my class years later and recognized it had evolved. He sensed the ways I had grown through the way my approach to teaching had shifted. He said he could feel the love in the room, and he celebrated it. I mention this because self-compassion as a practice, was something that called to him now. He was intrigued to discover his own compassionate inner-voice and the ways it might transform his life and the spaces he was a part of. 

This past year Marko spoke often (well, in general as you know, but specifically) about what was most important to him. 

He talked about his children, his home and his gratitude for the life he and Christiane had built together. He was proud of it. He was proud of his kids. He talked about the kind of father he wanted to be and the kinds of relationships he wanted to foster with his children. 

He spoke of his desire to do something new. He felt ready and excited to step into the unknown and put his whole heart and many talents into something meaningful. Conversations circled and returned to a central theme; what we are, as Souls in the world, and why we’re here. 

He talked about wanting to create a legacy of community, where he belonged. This was paramount for him. 

Reading through the words and ways that he was loved and regarded by his friends, family, and neighbors, I hope he has the perspective now to see that he already had. I’m guessing he always had. Marko was sparkly and kind and his warmth and open heart were magnetic. It was safe and good to be his friend. It was inspiring. We were lucky.  

I’m still in disbelief that he’s gone. 

We met at Cubana Café for lunch on Thursday, the day before he left us. The owner must have come to our table 5 times before we’d stopped talking long enough to order. Marko mentioned that he’d eaten the Best Salmon of His Life! the night before (credit to Amy Blackburn). 

We sat outside in the unseasonable warmth, as he told me the story of his morning routine. He liked to begin his day on the deck, in his favorite chair, where birdsongs and wind-chimes invited him to just, Be… Where he’d sit shirtless in the sun and receive. He said sunshine felt like food. He confessed (forgive me Marko) that if the mood was right, he’d drop his pants and let the light shine down upon ALL of what the good Lord made. He assured me this particular place on the deck was private and impossible for his neighbors to see. (He showed me the chair later that day and I was not convinced) 

What struck me was his ability to be present to the sublime pleasure of the moment. Marko experienced the richness of life’s simplicity, and he was fulfilled by it. He lived in Gratitude, and in this way, Marko was my teacher. 

Over the past 6 months I witnessed Marko walk to the precipice of a new paradigm. He was excited, and a little scared, and courageous. He was ready for something Radical, Loving and True. Maybe it was something bigger than this world had to offer…

I’m sharing a few images from a scouting trip we took to Marine Park for a photo shoot last Summer. We sweat our way through the wildflowers and low tide, following butterflies, talking reoccurring dreams and past lives. Half the locations we chose were under-water when we returned to shoot them. We had a good laugh about that, and Marko commented that “Christopher would have known better.” (He was always singing his praises) Marko was THE BEST field-trip companion. A fearless trailblazer, and as you’ll see, a natural-born supermodel.

I’ll miss you for the rest of my days, dear friend. I’m heartbroken you’re gone and uplifted to think about what’s possible for you now. 

May your superpowers be unlimited and your journey, an adventure  

May you feel ALL the Love of Creation 

May you know you were a gift to the world 

May you know that you belong

Patrick O’Connell

Back in my long ago Vogue day — when I was very lucky to enjoy Christiane and Marko gorgeously often — I lacked the prescience to snatch Marko’s camera and turn it on him, freezing for a moment this coruscating dervish. Still, my memory is flooded with pictures of Marko; movies really. Looking back across them now, I eagerly concur with this devotion’s leitmotif: Marko was magnificently ebullient about practically everything in life. I can’t think of a topic that wouldn’t arouse Marko’s vehemence. Accordingly, it was not possible to not be called, swept up and ravishingly enlivened by this sunlit wave of a man — laughing and loving and living in the clear. The wave’s rolled on ahead now, though calling still. We’ll catch up and catch you there, Marko. For now, thank you (and wow, so well done). 

Caroline Wolff

I met Marko shortly after Christiane gave me my first job in New York. I was wide-eyed, naive, and more than a little nervous! Marko instantly made me feel at ease. He was warm, funny, wise, extremely enthusiastic and genuinely interested. I used to love seeing his 718 number pop up on Christiane’s landline caller ID because that meant I got to say hello to him! Marko and Christiane gave me a Yo La Tengo album that became the soundtrack to my late 20s, and I’m listening to it now in his honor…

We kept in touch over the years — with Marko, that was easy to do. I absolutely loved looking at his latest photography, learning about his adventures around the world, all his ideas, the next project he was going to tackle, hearing about his friends and colleagues — but especially hearing about Christiane, Cully and Isla, of whom he was endlessly proud, whom he worshiped and adored. Marko and Christiane were great mentors to Drew and me, surely much more than they realized. They were in our lives at a very formative point and were a brilliant example of love, friendship, hard work, hard play, knowledge and commitment. We are forever grateful, and will be toasting to Marko’s beautiful life tonight. 

Lauri Freedman

So much about this photograph captures the Marko we knew and loved.

That smile. That shirt. That finger point.

What exactly he was motioning towards is lost to the annals of time, but it was no doubt in a gesture of making his final, declarative point about a subject that he knew nothing or everything about, had cared about deeply for years or just discovered moments ago, and was certain he had just encapsulated in a moment of singular genius.

A true dreamer, Marko was the rare human who was incapable of bullshit because he believed every single big idea—his or yours–was the real deal and was all in on making it a reality.

You will be missed. Our laughing, dreaming, beloved friend.

Lauri, Douglas, Jack, Lucy & Henry Freedman

Christopher Batenhorst

Marko’s workbench as he left it.

Matt Novogratz

The first time I toured our future house on Douglass, I stepped onto the back deck, and I was met by a shirtless, smiling Marko looking over fence saying ‘heeeyy’. I had no idea that was going to be how I started most days over the following decade, or that he would become one of my best friends.

I had never met, and I still don’t know anyone like Marko. His smile. His spirit. His stories. Lots of stories. Tons.

I’m going to miss him terribly. It’s been a week and I can’t stop seeing his face everywhere I go.

As much as I laughed with Marko – and we laughed pretty much nonstop, I learned a ton from him. He helped with lessons on how to be a young dad. He was so good with my kids. And man, did he love his.  I learned how to be better neighbor – and how much a block meant. I also learned to turn off my outdoor speakers before going to bed.

He was California breezy cool in Brooklyn – but he was super handy, stylish, funny, weird, and thoughtful. He cared about his family, his block, his health and spirit…I could go on. He was an incredible neighbor, and believed in community. He willed Douglass street into one.

Music was a frequent topic. From GnR to Waylon to George Jones. He loved George. I’ll link a video at the bottom that feels appropriate.

Marko saw beauty where others didn’t. I will never forget him, and I’ll always miss him.

Michael Philouze

Dear Marko,

A wedding shoot for men brought us together. Encased in the former Condé Nast office in Times Square, you and I worked together on delivering the best repertoire for a groom on a special night from “over-the-top soirée” to “black tie fête”, “country club affair”, “garden party” to finally “city hall ceremony”, we nailed them all with panache. It is then that I first got to know your passion for photography and your unparalleled sense of humor.

The visuals you forged some years later for my client ATM are unmatched, and again it was your devilish humour and kind soul that ushered the magic felt in the images. This photo I chose of Laura & Garrett, from one of our most recent shoots together, tells it all. It was as if you were everyone’s best friend on set. You made sure everyone laughed, that they were taken care of and that they were devoted to the editorial mission. Your prowess behind the camera reflected your free spirit and joyous energy outside of the studio that will continue to beat on in my mind without end.

Lots of love,

Michael

Steve Stillman

I met Marko thru my best friends Todd & Geoff when they warmly welcomed me into the moto group. I learned that we all shared the passion of riding, surfing… and all that’s related to a thrill seeking ride. I could feel Marko was a good soul and he always had the time to give a warm hello filled with the stoke of pushing away from the moto shed for another ride.

My last time with our friend was during our Outlaw race. I didn’t race but was a self appointed photographer. The temps were in the 90 degree+ range. I was fortunate enough snap a pic of our friend before he wisely dropped out due to heat exhaustion and likely dehydration. As we sat off the track we shared our same thoughts on the conditions and agreed too damn hot and no shame. Post race we shared a chilled beer with the group and again exchanged our thoughts on the day.

Being a friend and a local I felt compelled to visit Markos site to offer respect and wish him well on his spirit journey. Upon departure while walking down the quiet desolate road a big white tail deer hopped away from me down the road approx 100 feet then stopped, turned and stared at me for a minute…..then walked calmly & contented back into the woods from where I was…..

This was ….the “Spirit de Marko”. 

Rest peacefully friend.

Margot Nightingale

August of another summer, and once again
I am drinking the sun,
and the lilies again are spread across the water.
I know now what they want is to touch each other.

                                               — Mary Oliver (The Pond) 

Marko was a man of summer. 

A man of ideas, actions and movement. 

Sometimes a man of concentration and meditation. 

A man of patience, however, was not #1 in his wheelhouse, although there are others who would disagree with me on this point, my husband for starters. Maybe we could say Marko’s patience and quiet attention was selective. And why not? The world could be a frustrating place sometimes. 

There is one memory of Marko, however, where he reserved some slow patience for me and I am grateful. 

Sunday. 

Brooklyn. 

Cooking brunch in the kitchen of the home he shared with his one in a million wife, Christiane. 

Marko was cooking eufs cocotte for the family and his hungry guests. It’s a simple recipe on the surface, but as usual, Marko knew the devil was in the details. He calmly answered my persistent (annoying) questions detailing exactly what ingredients he was adding at what stage. *spoiler alert, don’t forget to season with salt & pepper and add the butter, milk and parmesan cheese. Again, it sounds too simple. But Marko knew how to surgically measure the proportions and as usual, the result in our mouths was flawless. 

Thank you for those delicious eggs Marko! I will try to make them every year on your birthday. June 20th. A man of summer. 

Marko’s legacy will live on in every inch of that brownstone in Brooklyn, in every grain of sand on Fire Island, in every cell of Isla and Cully. The exuberance, the breath of fresh air in Nature, on the water, on the bike, in the jungle, in the air, on the wave.. always with a camera around his neck. The amazing images live on from the man of action.

A bientôt Marko, we miss you. 

xoxo Margot, Martin & Henry

Marc Mondor

What a shock!  Mark was so full of life.  All of these testimonials amply demonstrate this and how he truly touched people.

With Mike and Mark (as he was known then), we traveled through England and Wales, walking through Bath; seeing a David Bowie concert in Cardiff, then taking the bus to the outskirts and camping in a big field; hiking to the beach in Swansea to camp in an endless field of big stones, where Mark would talk of Dylann Thomas’ stories of the lorries by the shore.  In London we walked through museums by day and watched bands at night.  We hung out in Amsterdam walking the canals for hours.  Mark visited me in Bordeaux and I have a great picture of him in my girlfriend’s loft (if I could only find it).  Hanging out in Biarritz where we watched a US band play in the same cafe days in a row.  We converged in Pamplona where we took in the running of the bulls and watched a bullfight.  We made our way to Lisbon in the middle of an intense election, then to the beach where we watched windsurfing and could finally afford good food and beer.  Being Californians opened so many doors which allowed us to have so many deep conversations with the locals.

All of this was during a few months in the early Summer of 1987.  While our lives took different orbits after that, I was always pleased to hear of your life through Mike.  I remember a guy who was cool and laid back, but always interesting.  Never idling and always thinking about big things, all behind a huge smile.  I will miss him. 

Mike Hagerty

Millie Tran and Brian Rosenthal

The first time we met Marko, he looked into our souls and predicted the future. It was July 2021, a glorious afternoon in Brooklyn, and we went over to their family brownstone for dinner. While Christane prepared these perfectly summer orange cocktails, Marko told us about growing up in California and all his hobbies. Who knew you could surf in New York City? Then it emerged that Brian did not eat seafood, and he suddenly got serious. With a hint of devilry in his eyes, he declared that would soon change. Someday, he said, we would be on a beach in Greece celebrating a big story, and Brian would be moved to try some branzino, and he’d love it. He described the scene so convincingly that we believed it — and we still do. After our cocktails, we went around the block to dinner at a local restaurant, where we enjoyed some strong drinks and delicious food. But the highlight was Marko, regaling us with stories into the night. We will never forget it.

Leah Goldwhite

I don’t know quite what to say this is taking me by surprise I was blindsided with this information just about 10 minutes ago. My memories of Marko are filled with laughter marijuana smoke and car rides to Vogue or into the city. he was one of the nicest people right away we got along really well and I’m truly devastated for his family. however I feel that to honor him properly the energy has to change up a bit… of all people he seemed to embrace life and he exuded beautiful energy  so Marko, see ya on the other side eventually and smoke some huge fatties for me with Bob Marley preferably.

Stevie Howell

The world has certainly lost a very bright light. It’s been a gift to know Marko and I am forever grateful to have been a lucky recipient of his generosity, support, enthusiasm, and talent. Starting when I first met him in Brooklyn around 2005 to more recent shoots in Ojai and NYC, he has been behind the lens of my most cherished photos. Marko filled a room with his smile, passed his love of his family onto others, worked tirelessly to get great photos (once with a broken foot), had the gift of making people feel comfortable, and was an absolute joy to spend time with. He will be very missed by all who knew him.

Lawren Howell 

Marko once took a photo of my sister Stevie and I, we were at Prospect Park, and it was freezing. He captured us in a very strong and intimidating pose, but once you look closer you can see the vulnerability and insecurity in our faces. It was a real moment he captured. We were in our mid 20’s, still new in our careers and adult lives, but enjoying the comfort of a sibling nearby. He captured that moment of time, and I look back at this photo a lot and am so grateful to have it. Marko was so generous with his time, his spirit, his energy. He came to Ojai to photograph our home, and work on a shoot for my sister’s clothing line. We worked hard on those days, but it didn’t feel like work. Marko’s inspiration and enthusiasm were contagious. Marko was a gift to anyone who encountered him, spreading his kindness, silliness and enthusiasm to those around him. I will forever cherish those encounters and the photos I feel fortunate to have come away with.  

Amber Olsen

Giovanni and I have lost part of our digital archives and sadly could not find the photos of Marko that we would have liked to share. What we do have, though are some very special photos taken by him over the years. Reading through all of these memories of Marko over the last days, what is striking is how much of him comes through in his photographs: down to earth simplicity, a sense of joy, natural ease, and always a golden glow The picture in white was our first portrait taken as a family. It was a spontaneous “Mexican” blessing of our youngest on the North Shore of Oahu. Marko embraced the ceremony with his signature enthusiasm and waded into the water without a second thought to get the shot. The others were taken on a visit to Spain where he managed again to capture what was purest and most precious and then gifted it back to us in boxes of thoughtfully edited and beautifully printed photos. We will miss you, dear Marko. 

Maya Virjee Ranselaar

My head is full of memories.

My heart is very heavy.

Thanks for all the fun and laughter.

We sure did have a lot amazing adventures together!

I’ll always love you.

RIP Mark

Christopher Donnellan

What a truly lovely and perfect way to remember a man who plied his trade as a purveyor of visual art and was, himself, inclusive.  The attached photo of Marko and me attending the US Open documents one of my fondest memories.

The very first time I met Marko I could not believe that one person could have that much energy.  I also loved the fact that he could make Christiane laugh so frequently!

While no one would accuse Marko of being the king of brevity, he almost never used the word “I.”  From the moment he met people he would engage them and make them feel the center of his world for a while.  He certainly loved to entertain people, but he was also entertained by people.  And he actually listened.  I remember when he and I were walking to the Open he was relaying back to me things I had told him months before.

Marko’s commitment to democratic ideology mirrored his commitment to people.  His social media made it clear that he believed in the rights of the people, and his actions showed he was willing to put his money where his mouth was. 

In my last conversation with Marko he was telling me everything to expect from my knee surgery, which he had previously undergone.  His primary focus was to make me less anxious and stressed.  And while he may have given more information than I needed, his energy and enthusiasm never waned.

In short – Marko was a good guy who really tried to do the right thing, and I will miss him. 

Michael Reynolds

As I sit and write this, I must admit that this all seems absolutely surreal to me. I am still in a state of disbelief that Marko is no longer here with us. For me, this is in large part due to the fact that Marko’s personality was larger than life. He was truly a force of nature. What you saw was what you got unapologetically, but that was the beauty of Marko in my opinion. He was authentic and he was REAL. You either wanted to hug him, strangle him or
in most cases, do both. He was old school, uncensored, passionate, frequently hotheaded, but hands down always hilarious. Never one to surface feed, with him you could dive deep. I can’t fully recall when I first met him, but it would have been shortly after he entered Christiane’s life. Christiane and I have been friends for close to three decades now, having first met on staff at VOGUE in the early 1990s. My guess is that Marko and I knew one another for almost two of those decades, but it wasn’t until more recently that we began collaborating with one another professionally. Six years ago I began assigning him photographic portfolios for Wallpaper Magazine. The majority of them were design-centric with an occasional portrait thrown into the mix.

Each shoot was a success and accolades inevitably ensued. He poured his heart and soul into our collaborations and this was never lost on me. I always made sure to give him a long leash creatively and pushed him to experiment in ways that often challenged, frustrated and I’m sure even sometimes terrified him. But he always rolled his sleeves up, rose to the occasion and
delivered. I know that there were times when I made him sweat bullets on and off set, but it was always for his own good and there was nothing more entertaining than watching Marko scramble! Working together always guaranteed to be an unpredictable journey (think three stooges), but we repeatedly managed to arrive at our destination, albeit sometimes worse for
wear, but tremendously proud of what we had accomplished. I did my best to speak to the artist within him. He wanted so badly to be recognized for doing good, strong, creative work and I believe that together we achieved that. I will seriously miss our time together, our creative collaborations, our long talks (we both suffered from diarrhea of the mouth), our sharing of confidences,
and the judgment free zone that we afforded one another. There is nothing that I could say to Marko that would or could ever shock him – he always got it, he always understood. Over time we developed a brotherly bond that was infused with trust, adoration and loyalty. And then there was the laughter. Always about something naughty and very often about something downright
nasty – there was never a shortage of belly laughs when we were together. Laughter hatched from an irreverential view of life that we both shared and that bonded us. In the end, laughter was the glue that cemented our friendship, it was our therapy and it was the gift we gave one another. So until we meet again Marko, and I know that we will, I will always remember the laughter.
 
            Speak to me heart
            All things renew
            Hearts will mend
            Round the bend
            Paths that cross, cross again
            Paths that cross, will cross again

            – Patti Smith, Paths That Cross

Lawrence Dembo

Marko was life.

He couldn’t, literally couldn’t live any other way.

He knew the importance of skateboarding and surfing, and riding bikes and living the moment.

Marko taught me to rollerblade and helped me understand that picking up the stray dog in the desert could end up meaning you finding a best friend for life.  He loved Angie and she him.

Marko could be oh so annoying – just one more round of photos to get it jsut right.  Again!  He couldn’t bend to fit in with what he “should” do when he knew what was right for him wasn’t what was right for “fitting in”  He followed his own counsel.

Marko was a very nervous man before Cully was born – how could he do it?  Be a loving dad.  He thought himself too selfish or not loving enough.   Sometimes he could be very wrong. He could’t take his eyes from Christiane and he looked at Cully and then at Isla with the deep love and joy that only a man who loves like Marko could.

This death is too soon and is wrong.  Through the memories and the stories, we can keep him alive and with us.

From the other side of the world to NYC – we miss you buddy

Annemarie, Lorry, Zoe and Drew

Carolyn Cowles

To our Marko, we send forever love.  Mom, Jill, and Mike.

Alvia Urdaneta

Marko,

It’s two weeks to the day that you have pass, and I’m sorry to you, your family, and to the friends that have reached out that it’s taken me this long to write something. To tell the truth, your passing has impacted me in a profound way for multiple reasons that’s been hard for me to put in words. Even at my age, and even through the Pandemic, I’ve been lucky  that no one I have known closely or cared for has died. Your unexpected passing shocked me to the point where I didn’t know how to deal with death, let alone your passing. 

It may be strange to say but my family and I came to call Marko my “New York Dad.” I was just 23 years old in 2015 when Eddie and Marko took a chance on me and hired me as your Studio Manager and Producer. Those years came to be so special and formidable for me so young in my career. 

Everyday I learned something new working side by side with Marko. You taught me the ins and outs of the industry, everything you knew about fashion, I felt so lucky to be working alongside such a talented Artist. I will never forget the days you took me to Vogue, it was like a dream come true for a small town  Pennsylvanian girl. But working with you on “Digital Girls” was by far the highlight of working at the studio, it was a priceless experience. 

But it was more than the photography experience, with everyone Marko worked with you treated them with care and respect. Whenever I worked late at night Marko offered me a car home, you teased me about how I wore all black and called me “fake punk” and taught me about “real punk music”, when I told you about a serious breakup I went through you gifted me a spa certificate to take my mind off of things. 

It may be cheesy to say but Marko showed me at the early stages of my career that our industry doesn’t have to be stressful, that it doesn’t have to be cruel. I take the lessons you taught me with me everyday in projects I do now. 

And so what I’m learning now with death is that maybe this isn’t about saying goodbye, it’s about saying thank you. So thank you for everything Marko. It’s because of you that I am where I am in my career, and life, and it means the world to me. 

Xx, Alvia 

Lee Gross

Marko, Marko never said anything in ten words that he could say in twenty.  He loved communicating. He loved words. I, too, love words. In this age when images, silly ones, are replacing words, I was glad to discover a fellow word lover. It didn’t matter the subject — surfing, photography, his family — Marko enjoyed talking about it. That is what I will remember, Marko’s talking and his exquisite smile. Too soon gone. RIP.

Leeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee

Liz Pitofsky 

I’m not lucky enough to call myself a friend of Marko but I was beyond fortunate to be a recipient of his generosity- Marko donated several of his stunning photographs to my organization. His work is bold, it’s beautiful, and it captures his striking sense of adventure that so many have described here.  The subject and scale and perspective of his art was simply breathtaking.  I will be forever grateful for his kindness, which meant that NYC kids could help share their stories and make their voices heard – another of Marko’s infectious qualities that friends have shared.

Sending much love to Christiane, Cully, Isla and all of Marko’s dear family and friends. 

Josephine Schiele

Dear, dear, sweet Marko! What a smile! What a joy to be around! Such a generous and caring friend. 

I got to know Marko while working beside him (or within walking distance) at a photo studio over several years. Our sons, Cid and Cully, developed a sweet friendship when they were little, so I had the pleasure of spending time with Marko and Christiane while our boys played. I watched Marko as a sweet and loving dad. We spent days chasing our little ones around while the big kids did bigger kid stuff.

What I keep seeing in my mind as I process Marko’s passing is bumping into him in a hallway or cafeteria, and there he is –  all smiles, so happy, wanting to catch up and talk. So thoughtful, so inquisitive. He was such a beam of light, really. 

Sending my love to you, Christiane, Cully, and Isla.

Laura Kauffman

Thich Nhat Hanh wrote “by living your life, by producing works of art, you contribute to the work of the collective awakening of others…a work of art can help people understand the nature of their suffering and have insight into how to transform the negative and develop the positive.”

Marko was good at this, good at being awake, good at creating art, living artfully and transforming negative into positive.  I am grateful to have been able to witness this beauty in you and I will miss you deeply.  You had a deep understanding of this lesson ~ If you’re happy, if you know how to live deeply in every moment of your life, then deep understanding, joy and compassion shine through.

I met Marko through Christiane in 2007 and we became fast friends and regrouped in the summer on the boardwalks, beaches, paddle SUP’s and the ocean surf of Fire Island. 

Your love of yoga and self care are what knit our friendship together,  your enthusiasm for healing your body made you a natural at understanding your limits, while moving forward with them regardless. Our texts over the years are like one long poem about healing, yoga, photography, schedules, food and of course Fire Island beach set up.

What I am most grateful for in this short time we knew each other are the memories I can fall back on.

Long conversations at the beach, beer in hand, picking up where we left off.

Yoga on various beach decks – Atlantic and Pacific 

You were my summer brother, and such a dear friend, we would paddle together, eat ceviche and damn good grilled food from the BBQ, swat flies, mosquitos and sand fleas and laugh, laugh, laugh.

It is because of you I have a pinch bowl full of cumin next to my stove to “bring out the flavor in things” is how you explained it, especially chicken (your secret ingredient!)

You showed me how to SUP, I showed you how to headstand on the SUP when we took our yoga to the Bay.

You attended my very first yoga retreat in Nicaragua and were the life of the party (no surprise) and saved the day …a few times (also no surprise)! 

You always traveled with an incredible playlist setting that forever casual cali vibe no matter the place. 

The soft slight “s” in your speech.

The way you talk with your hands, even when cooking, with sharp utensils in hand and big bright eyes.

70’s rainbow board shorts.

Cheap sunglasses.

Your laugh.

I will miss you dearly, and each time I paddle out onto the glassy bay off Fire Island, I will carry these memories with me.

Rest In Peace my friend, we will miss you and we will meet again.

Laura, Brad, Natalia

Kirsten Haas

It was such a pleasure and joy to meet Marko and his beautiful family last year.  My best friend Jill –his sister–had talked to me often about Marko, and I frequently had layovers in NYC, so it was natural to want to meet him.

I was in Brooklyn last year on cinco de mayo, and that was the day I got to meet this beautiful family.   Of course Christiane made AMAZING margaritas that I’ll never forget.  Both Marko and Christiane were generous with their time to invite me into their beautiful home to meet a perfect stranger. 

I will NEVER forget their hospitality and how kind everyone was.  What a kind and fun human Marko was… and I only knew him one day.

I am deeply sorry for this huge loss!  May peace flood your home. 

Sending love from Oregon!

Nelson Hume

Reading the tributes here has been a great comfort. I am still stunned that Marko, this giant, irrepressible presence on our block is gone. How he lived and how his life ended remains an ongoing conversation in my mind.

My family and I moved to Douglass Street in 2007 and quickly became aware of Marko. He was always out there, finessing the details of his front yard, sitting on the stoop, dog in lap, chatting with neighbors. He drew us in, he said hello, he asked questions, he laughed a lot. He invited us newcomers to a party at his house. He gave me a tour and showed me his “man cave”. I had never heard that term before. I remember his response, “Dude, you got to get a man cave!”. I had a home office – a man cave sounded much better, much more fun. That, I realized, is what this guy is all about, fun. He’s one of those people who embodies the obvious notion that life should be fun. I made several stops over the years at his garage across the street, something of a headquarters/workshop for the pursuit of fun, stuffed with motocross bikes in various degrees of assembly and an admirable quiver of surf boards, (all this in NYC!). He would explain with giddy excitement the perfection of the storage boxes he just sourced, ingenious shelving systems, rolling worktables, essential power tools. He was so jazzed. So stoked. He had a plan for making it all even better. It always cracked me up and left me inspired and, to be honest, a little envious. 

We went surfing a couple of times. I was a beginner and he was a product of the California dream but any anxiety I felt was erased on the drive out by Marko’s sheer enthusiasm and self-deprecating humor. There’s a lot one can be frustrated or intimidated by in surfing if one focuses on that. Marko didn’t. The struggles, humiliations and the moments of sublime perfection and bliss were all one and the same for him. They were all awesome and hilarious and the thing of life. We paddled out, I remember it was a beautiful sunny day with clean, imposing, slightly overhead waves. I caught a couple, he caught more. His whoops and jubilations rang out across the water. We had a really fun session. I wish we had more.

Matthew Cohen

I don’t remember the first time meeting Marko because it was so long ago and there have been many happy and stimulating encounters ever since. 

He was a regular guest at our family thanksgivings. 

He was a summer neighbor and fellow cocktail reveler on Fire Island. 

He always cut an impressive silhouette paddle-boarding tirelessly in the Long Island sound.

He brought the kind of energy into a room that I looked forward to – One that was gregarious, warm, a little mischievous, and infectious. 

We had many debates and conversations over the years from the personal to the political and I loved our exchanges. Some don’t want to talk about challenging subject matter at social gatherings, but Marko seldom shied away.

While his loss was too soon and too sudden – something that takes time to process – I’ve learned over the years that what matters in the end is holding the memories close and I’m grateful that I have them from my times with Marko and his beautiful family. 

Rest In Peace and love, Marko. 

Geoff Haenn

The date was April 2, 2017.  I was told a couple of Brooklyn guys were coming down to ride. This was my first time meeting Marko.  

“BRAAAH……”

With an infectious grin and an exciting shake.  “How are you? Where are we riding today?”     He had an infinite amount of energy.  As he talked and talked, I knew we were cut from the same cloth.  We quickly learned that he knew people I knew, surf spots around the world that I had, and shared similar passions.  

We spent countless days exploring New Jersey’s back country.  Year over year racing motocross in New York and New Jersey.  With each adventure, Marko’s stoke was constantly abound. 

We didn’t speak on a day-to-day basis but when we were together it was pure brotherhood, rooted deeply in the passions we shared.  He was continuously stoked to explore and see new territory. He was always dreaming up the next adventure. Surf trip to Mexico, maybe a Moto trip to South America, a heli trip to British Columbia, the list was endless.

Marko had an uncanny ability to connect with anyone he met.  His talents and quick wit were only a few of the reasons he was loved by those he knew for a lifetime and those whose lives he simply touched for a few minutes. 

I will miss his energy and creative spirit.  I’ll miss his sense of humor is infectious laugh. But mostly I’ll miss my moto friend. My most sincere condolences to Marko’s family and to all the lives that are empty right now that he is no longer with us.  He will be deeply missed but know his spirit will live on in all of us.   

RIP my brother.

Preston Davis

Marko was fun and funny and patient. We did a number of shoots together and I just wanted to be done, but Marko was a perfectionist and made sure he got ‘the’ shot. It is a lesson I learned from him and has served me well. A tremendous loss.

Allison Brown

In my memories, Marko is always smiling, laughing, and telling an incredible tale. Often, a twinkle in his eyes revealed his puckish spirit. His booming voice would echo through walls when a story was in progress. Long days at Condé Nast would whiz by when Marko was on the scene. I loved hearing him talk with humor and humility about being a dad to Cully and Isla. He clearly adored them and his incredible wife, whom he spoke about with so much admiration. One day he chuckled as he told his story of meeting Christiane. If I recall correctly, it sounded like he had tried to entice her into a debate even though he knew she ultimately had the upper hand. 

Marko always struck me as someone who believed in himself. Generously, he believed in other people as well and helped them find their way. He and Christiane helped me find mine and I am forever grateful. Their home always felt like California to me, relaxed and warm. 

I am heartbroken to know that Marko is gone. It is a shock. The kind of shock that makes you wish you had kept up better and spoken more. I am so glad to have had the chance to know his energy and spirit. 

Sending lots of love, 

Lauren Sanchez

In a move to impress the ‘boss’ and her husband, I invited both Christiane and Marko to my housewarming party with my roommates. I had pulled out all the stops. With my 20-something budget, I managed to hire a violinist off Craigslist and had a friend sweetly greet guests at the elevator with a tray of Prosecco upon entry. Marko and Christiane made no qualms about making the trek out to our humble abode in East Harlem. As soon as they walked in, the mood changed for the better. This is where I get to the best part—as the violinist hit the crescendo of his playing, it was almost too loud to bear. As everyone cringed in unison, Marko yelled, “You know what this place needs…more violin.” Laughter erupted like no other. Marko had an innate ability to read a room and lift everyone’s spirits. Thank you, Marko, for all the laughs xx

Addie Mrosla

I was the goofy younger girlfriend who followed her boyfriend to New York during an economic crisis, deeply insecure, embarrassed and frustrated by my failure-to-launch. Christiane extended me a generous professional kick-start, and it’s still paying dividends today, and I will forever be grateful. Marko provided me kindness, laughter, a sense of normalcy in a world that made me feel abnormal and small during those fragile early years of adulthood.

And it was no big deal for either of them. But boy, what a big deal they were for me.

We can only aspire to leave an impression on others that Marko has left for so many. He embodies what matters most.

Xavier Gonzalez

Sitting alongside my beautiful baby boy born just two short months ago, I think of Marko with Isla and Cully, hoping to experience that love and adoration so powerfully felt when in their presence.  Marko showed me the Dad I want to be, and those memories will forever help shape me.  I’m eternally grateful to him.

Grace Fuller

I am devastated to hear about Marko. I just read and heard the news. He was simply a wonderful man with an earnest and kind approach, always happy and excited to take on a project with a joyous attitude. I will never forget meeting Marko and getting to know him on set over the years. He had such a calm and natural feel for taking photos and he exuded confidence to whomever was on the other side of the camera. A massive void he has left on the earth…

Know he will always be with you. I imagine it will surprise you seeing him in ways when you least expect it.

I lost my mom in august and I feel her everywhere in nature, the place where she enjoyed most.

Sending you my condolences and love to you and the kids.

He will live forever in my heart and memory.

Jennifer Mederos

Marko meant so very much to me, and since hearing about his death, I’ve been reflecting on how important he was to me, both personally and professionally. I was the Creative Director at aden + anais when Marko was our main photographer. He taught me how to light a set and to this day, I hear his voice in my ear as I build a photo shoot. He took pictures of both my babies (see attached) when they were born, and I saw first hand how he made models of all ages feel good and comfortable. I think of him often and can’t believe I’ll never get the chance to speak to him or work with him again. He was an incredibly special human being and I loved him very much.

all the pictures