MixMatters is very sorry to announce that our good friend DJ Mark Christopher has past away. Mark died Jan 14th 2003 at 11:30 am in a Bay Area hospital from heart failure. Many of you know Mark as a very talented Radio and Club DJ who has worked at KDON Salinas, KWIN Stockton, KZQZ San Francisco and numerous night clubs in the San Francisco Bay area. Mark also worked as a mixshow promoter for McClusky and mixed for MixMatters. Mark will be greatly missed, our thoughts and prayers go out to his family. We have dedicated this page to Mark.
MixMatters.com
BIOGRAPHY
Its no surprise to the people who know him that Mark Christopher has achieved national recognition for his work in radio and the mix show world beyond. It all began in the mid 1980's and Mark has been rocking dance floors and air waves with his always funky collection of the popular, the obscure and the cutting edge. Today the music has evolved, the technology continues to reach higher levels, but the passion has never changed.
Reaching higher levels is what Mark has been doing since he first started making mix tapes for local break dancers in the East Bay Area. His parents claim the fascination with records and music started even earlier as the San Francisco native used to drive them crazy trying to touch the record player as their favorite records played.
Mark landed his first club gig at the age of 18 playing in a 21 and over night club, where management listed him as a bus boy so he could work legally (sort of) in the bar area. Not long after, Mark's lifelong interest in radio inspired him to try out and land a weekend on air slot at KKIS Am/Fm in Concord, Ca. Mark worked his way up to Afternoon Drive and Music Director. He also held down air shifts and mix show duties for years at KDON in Salinas / Monterey where the station dominated with #1 (Arbitron) ratings on the Central Coast of California.
After KDON and the chance to have his mixes heard on the air, Mark was hooked more than ever. Moving on to KWIN in Stockton, live mix shows and on air shifts pulled Mark deeper in to the world of radio and dance music.
Guest spots and syndicated shows came next where Mark's mixes were heard on some of the nations most respected radio stations such as, KSFM - Sacramento, KYLD - San Francisco, KKXX - Bakersfield, KYLZ - Albuquerque, and more.
Most recently, Mark held down an on air slot at KZQZ (Z95.7) In San Francisco as well as Mix-Show Coordinator duties. Marks Noon Workout scored the 2nd highest rated hour in a 24 hour period at the station, keeping the Bay Area moving during the lunch hour. The 5 O'clock mix was also Mark's responsibility, mixed live on the air just like the Noon Workout. Mark helped create the "Friday Nite Hot Spot" mix show along with Dj Suavecito and Davey D!, where he hosted the high energy live mix show.
Throughout his years on various stations Mark's interest in the entertainment and recording industry also expanded to radio and television commercial voice overs as well as music production. Starting with local hip-hop remixes, Marks music production has graced the Billboard Charts and received praise from most every major music publication. Marks remix of the 80's dance classic "Catch Me I'm Falling" was featured on a VH-1 documentary as well as several compilation cd's.
Other popular remixes and edits include "Private Dancer" by The 2 Live Crew, "Open Up Your Mind" by Eyes Cream, "Groove Jet" by Dj Spillier, "Take Your Time" by The Love Bite, "Searchin' For A Moment" by The S&M Project, "Planet Of The Breaks Dj series" and more.
Marks status in the dance music and radio business has been recognized by the Recording Academy with his position as a voting member. Mark has written feature articles for "DJ Times" magazine as well as yearly showcases at the Winter Music Conference in Miami Florida where he also has been a member the mix show panel.
Keeping clubs rocking from coast to coast, Mark has spun at some of his favorite spots like, The Limelight, BackBeat, Sound Factory, Ruby Skye, Groove Jet, "N", The Beach, City Nites and more. Mixing at big clubs is a Dj's dream, but Mark was blown away when he mixed for a packed house at the San Jose Arena for over 16,500 people in 2000.
The crowds are bigger, the music is different, but the kid who cranked out mix tapes from his bedroom for the break dancers and girls at school, hasn't lost sight of what of what got him started in the first place. "Just bringing good music to good people is what it's all about."
Read this article that Mark wrote exclusively
for Mix Matters
MixMatters Interview with Mark in June 2001:
Q WHEN IS YOUR B-DAY?
A. August 28th
Q. WHERE DO YOU LIVE?
A. East Bay Area
Q. WHAT GOT YOU STARTED IN DJ ING?
A. Break dancers in the school cafeteria,I made tapes from the dope new beats I got. People responded, I played 'em in my car, people responed, I loved the recognition and started booking parties. Cameron Paul and Michael Erickson mixes would get me inspired, now I do what they did, what a trip! .
Q. WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE GENRE OF MUSIC, YOU LIKE TO PLAY?
A. It depends on my mood. From new Jazz to 80's hair bands, Prince to Bon Jovi, Ratt to something mello, I love it all. I really have grown to love filter disco, funky house...anything with a melody. I have to show love to Cameo, The Gap Band, Roger And Zapp, Prince, The Dazz Band and all the other O.G. funk bands I've been influenced by and had the opportunity to work with, your the best.
Q. HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN DJ ING?
A. Since about 1984, first paid gig, backyard house party. One TT with pitch controll, one belt drive home pile..it was all about the music. I used to throw my own parties and make big $ back then, way before RAVE was ever invented.
My parners and I became local legends, providing the soundtrack for parties in our area.
Q. WHAT TYPE OF EQUIPMENT DO YOU USE?
A. I use my O.G. Technich's 1200's. If I'm not live on the air, I dump my s$it to a Sony Mini-Disc and burn a fat cd.
If I need to drop trax and bust a remix, I'll use my AKAI DR-4 and JS-30 sampler with my ALISIS Keyboard and Midi-Verb for effect. Voices come through my Audio-Technica A441, the mix down is through my Makie board.
It all comes together if you use each component to it's fullest.
Q. IF THERE IS ONE THING, THAT MOST INFLUENCED YOU TO BECOME A DJ? WHAT WAS THAT?
A. I'd have to say Cameron Paul, a Bay Area mix show icon. Michael Erickson from KSOL them KMEL, he was/is so smooth. My day would revolve around the noon mix, it blew me away. The inspiration was priceless, I'm glad I grew up in the Bay. The response from the locals to the tapes I would make was priceless. To hear my mixes going down the street at full blast was all I needed, the ultimate satisfaction. I had a girl show me a tape I made her back in 1987 recently, that was all it took to know that I made a difference around here.....somehow that matters.
Q. WHERE ARE YOU CURRENTLY SPINNING, WHAT STATION (S) OR CLUB
A. I am currently spinning at Z95.7 San Francisco on the Noon Mix, The BackBeat in Santa Clara Ca and City Nites in San Francisco Ca, Both are legendary clubs that do House music right. Too much fun for one dj..
9. DO YOU HAVE A FAVORITE DJ YOU THINK IS THE S—T?
A. I think you sould look up to anyone who can rock the tables in your area. Kids have given up the electric guitar for a set of 1200's, admire anyone who makes you feel good, and knows how to rock a crowd. The bottom line is how your crowd looks at "last call" .
Q. HAVE YOU DONE ANY MIXES FOR ANY ARTIST-IF YES WHO?
A. I did a remix in 1998 for Pretty Poison's "Catch Me I'm Falling", breaking the Billboard Dance Charts and SalesCharts. 2 Live Crew Remix, Spiller Edit, Love Bite Edit, Eyes Cream Edit, as well as several local remix records and more..
Q. A LOT OF DJ's HAVE THEIR OWN MIXED CD's IN STORES--DO YOU HAVE ONE?
A. I have produced several mix tapes and cd's here in the Bay. My biggest being "Funky Charms" mix cd, selling in the top ten in the Bay Area. "Funky Charms 2" is on the way.
Q. WHAT HAS BEEN THE HIGHLIGHT OF YOUR CAREER?
A. Mixing for 16,500 people in the San Jose Arena, that was a blast! Opening for Prince in 2000, dream come true.
Q. WHAT WORDS OF ADVICE WOULD YOU OFFER A YOUNGSTER THAT WANTS TO GET IN THE GAME?
A. Find out what type of music you love and go for it. There will be a following for whatever you like to play, play your heart out for them, your time will come. Always have fun with what you do, when it's not fun anymore, quit and go back to school. This is one of the hardest things you will undertake, so realizes that and go for all you can. Keep a solid perspective, hobby or career, decide now 'cause it will consume you.
MixMatters.com visitors about Mark Christopher
honestly im in a state of shock ... mark was always there for me and did his best to help me excel ... he is truly sorely missed
randy taylor-weber <randygalaxy@yahoo.com>
san leandro, ca USA -
Mark Christopher was an important player in the Bay Area music scene as well as a person who was a solid and dedicated friend. The years that I've known Mark were solid and successful. As a neighbor, industry associate and friend, I will truly miss his desire and love for the music, on all levels. May he rest in peace. Slammin' Sam <rhythmslam@attbi.com>
Pittsburg, CA USA -
I never met Mark in person, but talked to him on the phone when I worked at Powerspan Promotions. He always called back and gave me honest feedback on the records I pushed. He was always respectful to me and it felt like a push to the stomach when I received the email of his passing. May God Bless him.
Reno U. <reno@rhythmdrive.com>
Alameda, CA USA -
i never met mark in person but i felt like i knew him pretty through his mixshows on the Z. i used to live in the bay and then moved to school in AZ, but i still used to listen when i could. we used to email back and froth, talking shop, dance music, life and all. he was a really cool guy and i know this world is a lil lonier now that he is gone. he was a great inspiration to up and coming djs like myself, and i am grateful for our friendhip. my prayers go out to his family. RIP mark....u will remembered whenever i play one of your signature tunes!
Rik Lal <dj_frisco@hotmail,com>
Phoenix, Arizona USA -
I have known him since 1994 when I did mix show promotion for Metropolitan Records. On January 14th I was sitting at my computer reading my email when I received the message that he had passed away. Mark was a very talented dj/remixer and also one of the nicest people in the industry. To Mark's family I am extremely sorry for your loss and God Bless all of you.
Laura DeStefano <ldestefano721@aol.com>
Turnersville, NJ USA -
TODAY ASHLEY SAID TO ME, "MOMMY, I MISS UNCLE MARK". SHE'S ONLY 2 AND 1/2, BUT KNOWS SOMETHINGS NOT RIGHT. AND ISTN'T THAT THE TRUTH, GOD TOOK OUR FAVORITE COMEDIAN, A MAN WHO COULD ALWAYS MAKE EACH AND EVERYONE OF US LAUGH, UNTIL OUR SIDES HURT. HE TOOK MY DAUGHTERS UNCLE, WHO SHE JUST LOVED, HE TOOK MY HUSBANDS BEST FRIEND, AND TRULY THE CLOSEST THING TO A BROTHER A MAN COULD EVER HAVE. AND FOR ME, WELL MARK WAS THE WHOLE REASON WHY TIM AND I HAVE BEEN TOGETHER FOR ALMOST 10 YEARS, AND HAPPILY MARRIED FOR 6. HE WAS OUR BEST MAN AT OUR WEDDING, AND JUST "THE BEST MAN" PERIOD. I KNOW ALL OF YOU WILL MIS MARK IN YOUR OWN WAY, BECAUSE IN JUST A SHORT LIFE SPAN, MARK TOUCHED MORE PEOPLE, THEN MOST PEOPLE TOUCH IN A LONG LIFE TIME. I THANK GOD FOR BRINGING MARK INTO OUR LIVES AND KNOW HE WAS ON THIS EARTH TO SUCH A GREAT MEANING. , BUT JUST LIKE MY DAUGHTER ASHLEY, AND MY HUSBAND TIM, I MISS MARK####### GOD GIVE AUNTIE RAQUEL, LINDA, STEVE, CAROLY, KIM, JENNIE, AND JOE KITTY THE STRENGTH TO GET PAST THE HURT AND THE COURRAGE TO REMEMBER THAT ALL SO FUNNY GUY, MARK CHRISTOPHER ENGLER. LOVE SHANI, ASHLEY, AND TIM
SHANI AND ASHLEY DUNCAN <ASH9112000@AOL.COM>
MARTINEZ, CA USA -
I am truly sadden to hear about the sudden lost of a fellow DJ. I have never spoke or have meet Mark, only in his music. From that, I can say that Mark and his talents will be greatly missed by me and the music community. My heart and prayers goes out to his family, loved ones and friends. Tony Jr. <tonyjr@mixmatters.com>
Los Angeles, Ca USA -
When Harry Towers called me to tell me that my brother from another mother was gone, I cried my eyes out. I then had to break the news to Jade who nearly lost control of her car, she pulled over and we cried together. We've been very close friends since we met at WMC 1997, Jade & I would stay at Mark's house when we were in the SF, party with his friends and chill w/ Joe Kitty. Mark was like no one I'd ever met in all my years in this business. He cared so much about dance music and lived to spread the word to his listners whether in a club or on the radio. As much as he was such an important figure in this industry, he was even more a best friend to us. He took the time to remix our biggest hit Catch Me I'm Falling coming up with "Catch Me 98" which charted all over again. He was solely responsible for attracting VH-1 to do a segment on us in their "Girlpower" special, and he was the first to play everything we've released ever since. Mark was such an inspiration! His love of life and his friends, family and esp Raquel and Joe Kitty helped to show me that nothing matters as much as appreciating life and those who mean the most to us. Mark & Raquel called me on Christmas Day, I was in the studio and planned to call him after the new year, in fact as I erased that message from my answering machine last monday, I made a note to call Mark. I can't express how much I wish I had taken a minute to call him sooner. Our condolences go out to the Engler family, his daughter Krista, Raquel, Joe Kitty, all his friends & this industry who has just lost a giant. If anyone in the Bay area cares to do a benefit to raise money for the American Heart Association in Mark's name, count us in. whey cooler & Jade Starling <chemikalrecords@hotmail.com>
Philadelphia, PA USA -
THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH FOR SHARING YOUR EXPERIENCES AND THOUGHTS ABOUT MARK. THIS GIVES COMFORT TO US DURING THIS DIFFICULT TIME. MARK NEVER LET HIS ILLNESS SLOW HIM DOWN NOR DID IT AFFECT THE QUALITY OF LIFE HE SOUGHT. HE HAD THE BEST OF FRIENDS TO SHARE HIS LIFE WITH. HE ALSO LOVED HIS CAT--"JOE KITTY". I MISS MY SON EVERY MOMENT--HIS COURAGE AND HIS LOVE WILL LIVE ON WITH ME....AS IT WILL WITH ALL OF YOU....THANK YOU AGAIN FOR THIS WONDERFUL TRIBUTE.
LINDA ENGLER--MARK'S MOM <ACCORDION5@EARTHLINK.NET>
MARTINEZ, USA -
I NEVER KNEW MARK ON A PERSONAL LEVEL. WE WERE ON AIR COMPETITORS. HE DID THE NOON MIX FOR Z 95.7 AND I DID THE WILD WORKOUT AT NOON ON WILD 94.9 IN SAN FRANCISCO. THEY SAY THAT COMPETITION KEEPS YOU ON YOUR TOES, I WOULD PUNCH OVER FROM TIME TO TIME JUST TO HERE WHAT HE WAS DOING AND BELIEVE ME...HE KEPT ME ON MY TOES. I ONLY MET HIM ONCE AND THAT WAS AT THE WINTER MUSIC CONFERENCE IN SOUTH BEACH OF 2003. HE CAME UP AND INTRODUCED HIMSELF TO ME AS A FELLOW DJ IN THIS WORLD OF RADIO. I COULDN'T BE MAD AT HIM FOR THAT...FROM THAT POINT ON HE HAD MY RESPECT. MY PRAYERS GO OUT TO HIM AND HIS FAMILY....THE DJ LIFE AND CULTURE IS ABOUT SHARING OUR TALENTS AND LOVE FOR THE MUSIC WITH PEOPLE...AND HE DID THAT TO THE FULLEST!
JOSE MELENDEZ <JOSEMELENDEZ@CLEARCHANNEL.COM>
S.F., CA USA -
I would like to thank each and everyone of you who have given Mark's Family and Me all your well wishes...To this day I do not know how I will go on without my bestfriend and soulmate. I know mark would not want me to cry a lot. And I think that by your thoughts and prayers I am getting lots of help..I talk to him everyday and I pray that he gives me stregnth to go on!!!!! I just want to say that he not only LOVED his MUSIC!!!! He loved each and every person that was his friend he TRULY DID!!!! I was with him for the last 3 years and I never knew a person to have to many friends and so many fans!!!! thank you guys!!!! sooooo much!!!! and I guess I keep thinking that someone up there needed an extra D.J. to start the party, so who else but Mark Christopher. I will always love you BABE!!! Joe kitty misses you too.....
raquel garcia <hhmbaby@aol.com>
Martinez, ca USA -
I was lucky enough to know Mark as one of our talented Mixers on KWIN back in the day. We had one of the most incredible line up of Mixers at that Station and Mark always brought incredible tracks to life in his Mix. I knew then he would go on to do big things... The last time I saw Mark he was with the group Pretty Poison at a show we were doing at KWIN, he had remixed a couple of there tracks and he was working on some more cool projects. Mark you will be missed, and you work lives on. God Bless Ya Brotha. ThatGuy Steve Wall <wallsteve@aol.com>
Pensacola, Fl USA -
I had the honor of working with Mark twice in my radio career. We first met 7 years ago at KWIN in Stockton, CA and then most recently at Z95.7 in San Francisco. From the first day I met him until the last time I spoke to him Mark's passion and knowledge for music kept growing. If I was producing a nightclub spot or needed a music bed I knew Mark had the answer. He was always kind and generous with his time and talent. Mark also had a deep passion for great sounding radio and knew exactly what it took. We spent hours talking about all the legendary radio stations and personalities that we both grew up listening to in the Bay Area. I'm a better person for having known Mark and I will miss his encouraging words. I know Mark, Rick Chase and Jam Master Jay are throwing one huge party in Heaven right now. I will continue to pray for his family, daugther and Raquel that God bring them comfort and peace in this time of pain and heart ache.
Rodney Miller <my3girlscig@hotmail.com>
Sacramento, CA USA -
I'm truly saddened by this. Really don't know what to say here. I met Mark about 6 0r 7 years ago when we both worked at KWIN/Stockton and we've been cool ever since. Knowing how much Mark knew about dance music, He was definitely one of the few people I would run my demos by for his opinion. I felt like we had alot in common and that's why we were friends. Stuff like Dance Music, cool cars, and Prince (he's got a poster of Prince that I thought no other guy would have besides myself!). Above all, He was definitely one of the nicest guys I've ever met. He was always cool to me. I always hoped he'd get back into radio. I thought he was great on the air. This is truly our loss. My prayers to his daughter, girlfriend and family.
Morris Knight <kissmorris@aol.com>
San Francisco, CA USA -
I am soooo sad to hear the news about Mark. Mark and I worked together at Z95.7 and had lots of fun times together. Mark loved music and loved to DJ. I am happy knowing that he was able to spend his last years doing what he loved to. My thoughts and prayers go to his family.
Stephanie Saporita <stephsaporita@hotmail.com>
San Francisco, CA USA -
I will always remember the times that I rode in mark's cars , whether it was one of his cal bugs or the IROC he would always have the music bumpin'. These rides and hours spent listening to him mix in his studio were the only times I listened to this style of music, being a metalhead and all I guess this says alot about what kind of friend he was to me . We had our different tastes , but damn I could appreciate his love for music and I could see how much it meant to him . Mark and I spent many hours talking about our passions in life and we each had a dear respect to continue our passions, he believed in me and the feeling was mutual towards Mark and his music. Nearly 20 years ago Mark was scratching records amongst our friends on weekends , and it was fun to watch him.Only recently did I really admire the fact that he held on to his dream and definetely made his musical dreams a reality.I will truly miss him, but his perseverance has always inspired me to do my best , and to stick with what I love in life ,he will always be with me.My heart goes out to Jenni,Raquel,Kim,his parents , friends and Joe kitty.
Bill Surges <squaw57@aol.com>
Martinez, CA USA -
I met Mark 20 years ago. I was a freshman at De La Salle High in Concord and he was a sophmore. He was there for my high school years, he was my co-worker at many goofy post-high school jobs, he was there when I entered the military, he was there when I came back, he was there for my wedding and just about every birthday celebration of mine after the age of 15. My parents loved him like a son and I loved him like a brother. Unfortunately, our lives got busy and took turns in opposite directions. As a result, we didn't get to see eachother very much recently. 20 years ago, today and forever, Mark is my brother and my friend. I miss him terribly. My thoughts are with his parents, his sister Kim, Raquel and the rest of his family/friends.
Marty Molina <mm1343@pbi.net>
Concord, CA USA -
If you met Mark Christopher Engler in the last 9 years you were REALLY lucky. - You see Mark got a second lease on life 9 years ago when he had a heart transplant. You got the privilege of knowing him in the last 9 years and I got the privilege of being friends with him 9 extra years because some kind person generously had signed up as an organ donor. Yep, when they died, they generously passed on their heart so that great guys like Mark could live! God bless them for doing so. Just think, a great guy like Mark wouldn't have been here past 1993 if it hadn’t have been for another generous person donating their heart to him. I encourage everyone to sign up as an organ donor so when it's your time to pass on – another person may live. I first met Mark around 1988 through a mutual friend. The first time that I met him I immediately liked him. He was very friendly, and funny and the first white guy that I knew who was into mixing. We maintained a friendship over the years. Even worked together at KKIS –FM. He had an amazing creative since of humor and told some funny stories that I still remember quite vividly to this very day. We had a lot of laughs! The last time I spoke with him we had a fascinating conversation about his Saint. Saint Augustine that sent a Dr. named Dr. Augusto to save his life 9 years ago when his heart first failed. It’s very odd that our last conversation which started with music would end being about life and death. I think my last words to him was something like, "Thanks I’ll be in touch." If I knew it would be the last time we talked, I think I would have said something more profound. Though I am quite saddened by his passing. I know his spirit will always be around. Now he's up in heaven with Wolf Man Jack, and all the other radio and music greats. My heart goes out to Mark’s family. Rest in peace my friend. -Chris Cady
Chris Cady <chris@775.net>
Reno, NV USA -
Mark was like a brother to me he was my best friend.We all loved him very much and he will be missed.We send our love and prayers to marks family.I know raquel will miss mark very much too..
Tim Duncan <timjduncan>
Martinez, ca USA -
I remember working on his web page for the article he had sent to MixMatters and thinking to myself:"what an intelligent writing! I have to email him telling about my admiration by his versatile talent" because I enjoyed his mixes too. I actually never emailed him, hoping one day to meet him and tell him about it in person. Now I feel sad that it is too late and I'll never meet him. Mark's death is a personal loss to all of us at MixMatters. We will miss you, Mark, and we will remember you. R.I.P.
Stasys Balciunas - MixMatters
Los Angeles, CA USA -
I met Mark over a year ago through DJ Keltech at Z95 in San Francisco. It was noon and he was on the air mixing, he left a big impression on me, this guy knew his stuff. He was one of the most genuine persons you ever wanted to meet. He will be missed by all. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family.
Sam Hernandez <Sam@mixmatters.com>
L.A., CA USA -
I was saddened to hear of Mark's passing. In the time that we worked together at Z95.7, I came to know Mark as a talented and passionate person with a wonderfully "giving spirit". I send my deepest condolences and heartfelt sympathies to Mark's loved ones.
Donna Hall <donnagh99@hotmail.com>
San Francisco, CA USA -
Mark was a personal friend of mine. I had lots of fun just being in his company because he was a good person to hang out with. He was not only a good mixer, but also a talented air personality, and a friend. Rest in peace Mark!
Ray <rayhall159@hotmail.com>
Oakley, CA USA -
Our thoughts and prayers go out to Mark's Family and especially his daughter. (Krista) I worked with Mark on the cover design of his last CD Funky Charms as well as at Z95.7. His Presence will be missed. (Charleen) My condolences and his playful personality will be greatly missed.
Krista & Charleen <krista@radio.fm>
San Francisco, CA USA -
I met mark, where else, at the club! I was mixing and Z95.7 was doing a promotion there. He liked what he heard and got in touch with me. Mark believed in my talent and put me on the air at Z95.7. Mark Christopher was an awesome person. He gave you an honest answer when you needed one. Mark knew alot about the industry and music. I loved picking his mind apart about what his thoughts were about music and life. We worked together on several projects, including a now very special remix, "Searchin for a Moment" -the S & M project. My biggest memory is when Mark and I mixed in front of 20,000 people at the Jingle Ball at the Shark Tank in San Jose. Thank you bro for building fun memories!
SUAVECITO <svcto@aol.com>
San Francisco, Ca USA -
I was absolutely floored when I got the news about Mark. He and I worked side-by-side together at Z95.7, when I hosted the "12 Noon Workout" and he was the show's amazing mixer. I had the best time doing that show... I still miss it, and people still ask me about it. One of the things that made the show so much fun was Mark's incredible energy. He was a truly wonderful person and a good friend to me, and I just can't believe he's gone. Mark's family is asking that donations be made to the American Heart Association on his behalf. I'm writing my check today, and I ask that you please do the same if you can. We'll miss you, Mark. R.I.P.
Katie Mason <KatieNeedsaJob@aol.com>
San Francisco, CA USA -
Mark and I had an awesome phone relationship but two years agao I had the pleasure of meeting him in person when I presented him on the Mix Show panel at the Winter Music Conference. He was a great panelist and represeted the Bay Area proudly. His knowledge and passion for music was only matched by his responsibility in reporting playlists and getting the information back to the labels whose need for it is cruial for them to do their business. In short, he got it. His passing will leave a void in my life and on the DMA Reporting Panel that can never be filled. My condolences go out to all his friends and family and the entire Bay Area who I suspect like me will be running at least one beat per minute slower from here on in. Harry Frank Towers <ploondeet@aol.com>
Staten Island, NY USA -
Mark was one of the funniest people I have ever known. Even on the worst days, he could make my sides ache from laughing so hard. He loved what he did and showed a true passion and talent for it. I remember how excited he was when his first cd came out. I know that I will never forget him and what a unique and talented person he was. My life is truly better for having known him. My thoughts and prayers go to his family and especially to his daughter . His face would light up whenever he spoke of her and I know that he loved her more than words . . . .
Michelle
San Francisco, CA USA -
Mark Christopher was a ginuinely great person. i met him many many times. had him on the air. spoke at length about future plans etc... i'm proud of all he was able to accomplish in such a short time. he made the most of every opportunity and always worked to be better. he was one of commercial dance music's biggest supporters and i'm very grateful i was able to learn from him. i would like to give my condolences to all of marks friends and family. remembering the bright light that burned inside of mark will help us all gain peace from this tragedy.
jazzy jim <jazzymix@aol.com>
USA -
I met Mark at KZQZ (Z95.7) in San Francisco, where I did the nightshow from July 2000-February 2001. While I lived there, we lived not 10 minutes apart..he knew I was an east coast guy & showed me the ropes of the west coast, even invited me into his home for Thanksgiving when I was 3,000 miles from family. He was easily my "bestfriend from Cali" as I called him. Mark was great, I drew from his experience not only in the radio station but in life. He taught me you didn't have to live life @ 100mph (except when he was on his bike) He was the type of person who went out of his way to help others...and then there's his work simply put he was phenominal.. he worked hard and it showed! It's hard to think he's not here today but I have memories of him that will last a lifetime! So many nights goofing off at work, at the clubs are sorely missed. To the Englers, his daughter and girlfriend Raquel my thoughts and prayers are with you. Stick "On The Radio" <Radiostick@aol.com>
New York, NY USA -
Mark was one of the most talented people I have ever known, as a DJ, writer, and visionary. He also was a person with great respect for others, kind, humorous, a man of his word and a very hard worker. I am grateful to have had his friendship and inspiration. Marks presence will be missed always by the Music Industry, the listeners, and most of all by me. My thoughts and prayers are with Marks girlfriend Raquel, Marks daughter Jennifer, his family and Friends.
DJ Keltech - MixMatters
Los Angeles, Ca USA -
I'm sorry to find out about Mark. He was a cool cat.My prayers are with him and his family. Another lost to the DJ world.
M3
San Antonio, TX USA -
Most recently, Mark held down an on air slot at KZQZ (Z95.7) In San Francisco as well as Mix-Show Coordinator duties. Marks Noon Workout scored the 2nd highest rated hour in a 24 hour period at the station, keeping the Bay Area moving during the lunch hour. The 5 O'clock mix was also Mark's responsibility, mixed live on the air just like the Noon Workout. Mark helped create the "Friday Nite Hot Spot" mix show along with Dj Suavecito and Davey D!, where he hosted the high energy live mix show.
