In Memory of Mark Gilliland, former CLSA member
Pete Japikse
This past week a former CLSA sailor, and brother of current member Tim Gilliland passed away. Tim sent us this message from the Gilliland family, to help remember the good times and what Cowan Lake meant to his brother. Please join in thoughtful remembrance and consideration of Mark’s passing.
In memory of Mark F. Gilliland
Mark Gilliland, who suddenly passed away April 14, 2012, is survived by his wife Julie and daughters Lee, Ann, and Toby. Mark began sailing with his parents at Cowan Lake in Ohio and loved to sail Thistles at an early age. Mark participated in Cowan’s junior / Teen sailing training, Sears Cup events and crewed for great Thistle sailors like Jerry Ficks. Mark sailed actively for about the next 20 years, and recently only sailed selectively in San Diego.
The Gilliland family would like to thank the Thistle Class Association for a family friendly one design class that continues to today to be vibrant and challenging. Mark always loved this aspect of sailing and the associated mental processes around preparing and conducting successful sailing racing. Mark sailed many events but some Thistle racing examples are:
Thistle Class Association national championship:
1976 – 1st , 1977 – 2nd, 1978 – 3rd
1978 and 1979 - TCA Barnett trophy for the highest finisher, last three TCA Nationals
1973 – 3rd, 1979 – 5th, 1983 – 2nd
Mid Winters East : 1974 - 1st, 1979 - 1st
Great Lakes Championship: 1972 – 1st, 1979 – 1st
In memory of Mark, please help support junior training in lieu of flowers or gifts by sending contributions in his name to Cowan Lake’s charitable education and training (501c 3) foundation:
CLSA-T
6033 Trent Court
Lewis Center, Ohio 43035