Dave Marks died March 27th, in Jamaica, at the age of 28.
He was an only child and leaves a his loving and supportive family, co-workers and many, many friends with grief and memories.
Four and a half years ago Dave submitted his resume to us as a new graduate from the University of Toronto's Computer Science department. No experience, but a determination to succeed and make his way in Canada.
We had no office for him in that first year so he literally worked in a closet, his chair in the hallway. And he learned, fast.
He shadowed me. He would take on any task he was assigned and either figure it out on his own or seek help from internal and external sources until it was completed.
I quickly grew to trust him, to reply upon him.
He found his niche in the firm as a specialist in the 'applications' side of the firm. He specialized in Lexis' TimeMatters and CaseMap products, taking the certifications courses as soon as he could. He eventually lead the Practice Management department of the firm.
He enjoyed the work he did. I think he took the greatest pleasure in helping a client do something better or faster, helping people. For Dave it wasn't about the hardware or the software, it was the people.
He had a strong sense of connection to his home country, Jamaica. One of his dreams was to bring the skills and expertise he acquired in Canada to his homeland, to help his country prosper using what he learned.
Three years ago, while still quite 'green' he convinced me that Jamaica and the other Caribbean countries would be a great market for our services. He saw that the law firms of Jamaica were just starting to consider how technology could improve their practice and he wanted to help them with the lessons he had learned.
Dave had me come to Jamaica to give presentations. Together we saw half a dozen firms in a few days. Everyone we met was excited about the leap in productivity and process that we offered.
There were issues; cost, lack of infrastructure, 'newness', so the journey was slow. Slow. But Dave had a dream and he believed he was offering his country the opportunity to improve. He continued to knock on doors. He continued for three more years, undaunted, spending large chunks of time down there to get the message out. Lots of excitement but no sales.
On this last trip, Dave went to Jamaica in early December and worked on every law firm in the country, learning about them, meeting with them, explaining the possibilities, tailoring the offering to better meet their requirements and constraints.
In early March we agreed that he needed to come back to Canada and shift the focus of his attention back here. He was booked to return early April. Then...
Finally, finally, only a few weeks ago a firm said 'yes'. A dream come true for Dave.
His dream, right from the day he first left home to attend a Canadian university, was coming true. He was going to have the opportunity to bring his skills back home and help. It had begun.
On Sunday, March 27, on a road outside Kingston, during the day, while he was returning to the city with friends the vehicle he was traveling in left the road and Dave was ejected from the car, ending Dave's young life. He was 28 years old.
Those affected by his passing are many. He will be sorely missed.
He was determined, ready, willing and able to work hard to realize his goals and dreams.
I have watched him grow from a wide eyed student to a seasoned professional consultant; a party loving youth to an adult considering his first home purchase; a junior staffer to a leader.
Dave Marks was my friend, I was proud to mentor him and privileged to participate in his growth.
Be at peace Dave
Steve Ellwood
March 28th 2011