Donor: Jillian Cook, Mark's Spouse
Tree Species: Flowering Dogwood
Cleveland Metroparks gratefully acknowledges Jillian for her support of the Legacy Fund. This gift supports reforestation in Cleveland Metroparks now and in the future.
One of 6 children, Mark grew up on the west side of Cleveland and enjoyed many adventures in the Metroparks with his neighborhood friends. When he married his wife of 46 years, Jillian, they took their wedding photos in Cleveland Metroparks and continued to enjoy many years and happy times in the park.
Their dogs, Samson and Sulli, also enjoyed regular visits to Cleveland Metroparks—especially after Mark retired and could take in the beautiful scenery during his daily trail walks, often letting Sulli swim in the river along the way. Mark liked to take videos of Sulli swimming and would post them on Facebook noting they were “For Dog Lovers Only.”
His wife, Jillian, felt that donating a Legacy Tree —a white flowering dogwood— in memory of her loving husband would be the perfect way to memorialize him. It gives her a beautiful place to go and sip the many memories they shared during their marriage. Family and friends will also have a place to visit and remember him. Because Mark had arranged to donate his body to Case Western Reserve University Department of Anatomy upon his death, this Legacy Tree will serve as a lasting, living tribute in his memory.
Mark's Flowering Dogwood tree was planted in May 2025 near Cottonwood Picnic Area in Rocky River Reservation.
Tree Coordinates: 41.433333, -81.846389 (41°26'00.0"N 81°50'47.0"W)