Mark Vincent Looper
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February 25, 1958 – August 6, 2017
Mark was born in Muskogee, OK to Charles and Billie Looper. Mark is survived by his loving husband, Joao Lacerda, Jr., his mother, Billie, his brothers, their spouses and children, and many, many friends.
Mark was a talented and gifted Architect. Most recently, he worked as the Director – Store Planning/Design at Payless ShoeSource in Topeka, KS. He led a worldwide team through creativity, collaboration and empowerment. Mark truly loved design.
Mark was a wonderful man, who had a positive impact on our world. He is loved and missed.
A celebration of Mark’s life will be held on Wednesday, August 9th at 2pm at Warren McElwain in Lawrence, KS.
Contributions in Mark’s memory may be made to JDRF Kansas City chapter and may be sent in care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary.
I’m so sorry for everyone’s loss. Mark was a wonderful man. and I’m so happy to have many memories of spending time with him. He was so happy with his life and
So thankful for Joao. He told me a wonderful story of how they met. And he couldn’t believe this handsome man was interested in him.
And I will always remember his lovely smile and how he always made me laugh too. i’m also thankful that when I was in town last summer I was able to spend time with him and Joao.
Liliana Bernal
It was our privilege to have been able to share precious moments with Mark and João!
Mark is one of the most amazing people we ever met and we will truly miss him!
Jim & Liliana
Mark was my coworker, but first he was my friend. We learned, laughed, and sometimes even cried together. At times we had healthy debates though we would always strive to leave understanding each other’s position, with a smile and greater respect for each other. Mark was always willing, and even excited to teach others, and he had so much talent to share. My heart is broken that he’s left this world so soon. Joao, know that he loved you beyond measure and he beamed whenever he talked of you. I know he’s painting the skies in heaven right now, just for you! Much love to his family and friends, you are all in my constant prayers.
To his friends in the retail design industry, Mark was a familiar, supportive and always friendly face. I have known him for more than a decade and always looked forward to our chats about family, about life. I was deeply saddened to hear of his passing. He will be truly missed, by myself and thousands of others whose lives he has graced over the years. Rest in peace and know that you were loved and respected by many, Mark V. Looper!
Mark, I miss you so very much. You were a wonderful man, and a true friend. You’ve been such an important part of our lives, we were family. I cannot process this, my heart is broken. I take comfort in the many calls, texts and emails coming in from all over the world. Each of the people you touched in this world knew you as a good, kind, loving, creative man. You are missed. Rest In Peace, my friend.
I worked with Mark for several years and he was such a warm and wonderful man. I cannot believe he’s gone. My heart is broken for all of his loved ones and all who knew him. We will all miss you, Mark! A hole has been left in this world. Good-bye, friend!
Mark was a wonderful person, he was an incredible mentor and friend. We continued to stay in touch after I moved away from Kansas and still connect at retail events. The last time I saw him he was so excited to talk about his mom and how well she was doing in Mesquite and how she was even on a billboard. He was with Joao and his niece and her family. That is exactly what he loved, his family. He loved spending time with them and was so proud of everyone in his family and that he loved. His heart had a place for everyone in it. Such a great person that had an impact on so many lives in this world.
Mark was such a great person. Was more than a co-worker, he was a family friend and neighbor. Always positive, always smiling someone you liked to be around. He will be greatly missed by so many. Our heartfelt sympathies go out to Joao and Mark’s family.
Although I haven’t seen you in a few years, I still remember your smile, you so loved your family and I know you had a big homecoming with everyone that have gone before you. My heartfelt sympathy to Joao, Billie, Dave and John and families. Till we met again fly high Mark.
Its hard to believe that someone with so much life and energy as Mark is gone. Our industry is very close knit and I always welcomed our industry events as a chance to connect with him and catch up with he and Joao. He was warm, funny, positive and very well respected as a leader. To Joao and the family, my deepest sympathy. May his memory live on within each of you. I will be forever touched that he counted me as a friend.
Words cannot express how saddened we were to learn of Mark’s passing. He was such a kind and loving man. Our hearts go out to Joao, Billie and all who loved him during this sad time.
Mark and I shared a work environment but also held dear many of the same ideals and principles for living. The compassion he demonstrated for others and his passion for life will leave an indelible imprint. I am proud to call him a friend and will miss his undying exuberance. I extend my heartfelt condolences to his dearest loved ones. Please know so many held him in deepest esteem.
I am so sad to hear if Mark’s passing. He was always a joy to work with at Payless. My condolences to his family and may your memories provide comfort.
Sheryl Stanley
Seattle, WA
I am so sad to hear about Mark. He was a gifted professional, an amazing human being and a gift for all those he touched. I cannot fathom the loss to Joao, his family, colleagues and friends. He will have an indelible memory for me and our business. My heartfelt condolences to Joao, his family and all who loved him.
Mark and I were good friends for over 20 years – we shared many good times together both professionally and socially – we spoke often and we supported each other throughout our careers. He will be missed by all – my deepest condolences
to Joao and his family.
Mark, was a solid architect with a can do attitude. I thoroughly enjoyed working with Mark and team while heading up the Store Develioment team at Payless. He embodied team work and showed a deep caring heart for all. He’s gone way too soon. My deepest condolences to Joao and his family.
Mark, obrigada por fazer parte de nossas vidas. Obrigada pelas alegrias proporcianadas a João. Você continuará sempre em nossas lembranças. Como diz na oração de Santo Agostinho “…. que meu nome seja pronunciado como sempre foi, sem ênfase de nenhum tipo. Sem nenhum traço de sombra ou tristeza…” Apenas saudades
I am so terribly sorry for everyone’s loss. To Joao and the rest of Mark’s family, please accept my most sincere condolences.
It was only a few years ago that I came to know Mark, but seeing him was a always a high point of professional functions. He was always thoughtful, genuine and full of humor, and will be remembered and missed by the many like myself who’s life he touched.
My deepest condolences to Joao and family and those closest to Mark. My memories of our shared time at Tiffany and Co are always fond. He was a talented designer and a good person. You are in my prayers.
I only had the pleasure of working with Mark a brief time at Payless, but his kindness was overwhelming. I’m so sorry for the loss of this wonderful person. My thoughts are with all who knew and loved him.
I was so saddened by the news of Mark’s passing. I have served on the Retail Advisory Board for Design Retail magazine for many years and was always energized and positive after spending time in his presence.
A talented and good man gone way too soon.
My deepest condolences to his husband and family.
I am heartbroken to hear of Mark’s passing. For the past couple years I had the pleasure to see Mark daily at the Payless Fitness center. Not only was he an inspiration in his dedication to his health, but he also always brought such a positive attitude. The second he stepped in the door, the place always got brighter and happier just by his presence. Such a truly amazing that i feel blessed to have known. Rest in peace.
I am shocked by the news of Marks passing. He was truly a friend that could always brighten a room. My condolances to Joao and his family.
My thoughts and prayers go out to Mark’s family, Joao, and all his co-workers & friends. He was always such a true professional to work with and always made people feel at ease. Mark, you will be missed.
The great legacy that Mark left with Tiffany and Co. is immeasurable. Especially, the accomplishments we have done for the Japanese market are still firmly formed, and many customers visit there every day. Tiffany Marunouchi Tokyo, Roppongi Hills, Osaka Umeda, Shinjuku Takashimaya, etc. have not lost their shine even after more than 10 years. Mark, the era when I worked with you either day or night is our treasure I will never forget. Again I send my sincere gratitude from the bottom of my heart. My deepest sympathy, I pray for your souls.
Hide from Tokyo
We knew Mark for nearly 10 years. We were neighbors first then quickly became friends with him and his beloved Joao. His porch – which he and Joao so beautifully decorated with flowers and tasteful accessories everywhere (there’s that designer coming out of him, I’m sure) – became a nexus of our Lawrence social life. Through them we had many great times and met other friends through their vast network of friends, colleagues, and anyone lucky enough to have drifted into Mark’s orbit. Mark told us so many times, “When we’re out on the back porch, feel free to stop by anytime”, and we took him up on his generosity untold times.
He was incredibly smart and talented. We enjoyed sharing silly, strange, and wonderful stories at low-key casual get-togethers and full-on parties, including Mark and Joao’s joyous wedding reception in 2013. In particular, I remember a few years back talking with him several hours one night about how he designed stores, which stretched into how he decorated the house he and Joao so proudly showed off. Eventually, the conversation morphed into how design can make life better, and how he wanted to improve the world through design and simply being a good person. Heady stuff for a warm summer Saturday night, but it crystallized for me his essence – generosity, a great desire to do good in the world, eagerness to share knowledge, and pride in a job – and a life – well done.
It is very sad to look out on their porch and gorgeous garden and know Mark will no longer be there in body. I can take a little comfort in knowing that his spirit will always be there in the soft music wafting from the porch, in the gorgeous flowers in the planters ringing the porch, in the soft music lilting through the air, and in the sight of soft light backlighting good friends enjoying good times.
Goodbye, old friend.
Please accept my condolences for your loss of your loved one. May God give your family strength and comfort. Philippians 4:6,7
My deepest condolences to Mark’s family and friends. I had the privilege of working with Mark at Payless and saw his generous and kind heart in action each day. I will be praying for peace and comfort for the family. Rest In Peace, Mark.
Our thought and prayers are with Joao and Mark’s family.
No one could ever say a bad word about Mark. He was a loving man, collaborative and supportive co-worker and always friendly to every person he encountered. The world is missing a wonderful person but I’m sure Mark is spreading love in heaven. We will miss Mark and all he brought to the world.
João,Bille, é difícil falar nesse momento de dor e tristeza para todos nós, mesmo assim agradeço a Deus por ter colocado Mark em nosso caminho.Saudades vai ser muita.
Sempre lembraremos de você,no céu, na terra onde for……
Mark, pessoa linda por dentro e por fora. Estará sempre em meu coração, saudades eternas!!! Love you❤️
Mark was a very Special person… And Will always remembered with much love, I am grateful to have you known and enjoyed your Company.
“You Will always be with us…listening to the palms…”
My sincere condolences to Mark’s family, friends and colleagues. We have all lost a wonderful friend who could see the beauty in all things…with a very special talent to transfer his beautiful visions to paper…
I had the privilege to work with Mark years ago at Tiffany & Co. and have nothing but very fond memories of an always smiling designer, ever working hard at his desk and laser focused on the work at hand. He never made you feel small when you worked with him. He welcomed you into his vision, leading you through every element with such grace and skill that you always felt Mark could pull the perfect design for any situation. No problem was too tough. For Mark, there was a solution for everything. It was a skill I came to admire and would try to emulate myself. Mark will be truly missed.
To one of the most gentle and authentic souls I’ve ever met, may you rest in peace.
I am pleased that I was able to work together.
We pray for the souls.
from tokyo
I had the opportinty to work with Mark for 7 years at Payless. A great person and a profesional to learn from. We will miss you Mark thanks for you kindness that you sheared with us. My condolences to his family.
My deepest condolences to Joao, Mark’s family, and friends.
I had the privilege of working with Mark in the industry for the past several years. Mark was a giver of joy no matter the circumstance. I learned much from his design wisdom and his passion for retail. I will miss him very much.
I will continue to pray for peace and comfort for the family.
I thank God to have the opportunity to know Mark and share good moments with bom and João. He will stay forever in our memories and heart. Brazil, specially Serrambi will miss you, but, as Patricia said, the palms will sing for you.
A great friend is gone.
Leaving an emptiness in our hearts which, I hope, will gradually be filled with the good memories of his quiet and gentle way and the many pleasant moments in his company.
Today, the coconut trees are quiet.
But soon we can hear them again, whispering tributes to you.
Um abraço, meu amigo
Um grande amigo se foi.
Deixando um vazio em nossos corações que, espero, aos poucos seja preenchido pelas boas lembranças de seu modo tranquilo e gentil e dos muitos momentos agradáveis em sua companhia.
Hoje, os coqueiros estão silenciosos.
Mas, logo poderemos ouvi-los novamente, sussurrando homenagens a você.
Um abraço, meu amigo
Mark and Joao took me into their family and hearts, I am forever grateful. They will always be a special part of my life. I will fondly miss Mark’s football banter with me for all the “red” teams – Oklahoma, Ohio State and Alabama …. and I am sure that Mark agrees with that order of the teams.
HIs eyes that twinkled with that special smile and his warm, generous heart and soul are the happy memories that we will carry with us forever. Mark will be deeply missed and never forgotten…..
It was a joy to work with Mark. His positive spirit made life better for those who knew him. I’ll never forget his kindness.
I will miss Mark so very much, he was my colleague and a great friend. We met back in 2000 during my time at Tiffany & Co. and we have supported each other through good and bad times. We’ve shared so many great memories professionally and personally. I’ll never forget the fun times on our business trips to Brazil and Japan. Mark was a talented architect who had a passion for design. He was a great mentor to so many, including myself. He leaves a legacy of excellent design and beautiful architecture but more than that, he was a compassionate, warm and loving friend. I will miss his presence, his beautiful smile and his great big bear hugs. My deepest condolences to Joao, Billie, and family. I’m sending love, support and prayers during this difficult time.
From the Lacerda family,
Our hearts are heavy and aching today. Dear Mark, we will cherish all the memories and moments we had with you. While in Brazil or at your home, which was always open for anyone of us at any given time. Thank you for your generosity and for always thinking of João in all you did. We all appreciate the love you had for him and how you’ve always taken care of him. Your smile and happiness will never be forgotten.
With love,
your Brazilian family.
I will always remember Mark as standing tall with confidence and warm smile. Even his voice was inviting….you wanted a hug from him. His warmth and passion will live on in all of us who knew him. Many hugs to his family and his forever love, Joao.
Joao I am very sorry to hear about your beloved Mark. Mark was a wonderful person. Mark’s hugest joy was to make you happy. I will always cherish Mark’s memory. Com muito amore.
Joao we are very sorry to hear about Mark. You are in our thoughts and prayers along with both your families.
Some people just leave a footprint on your heart. Mark was that person. We were blessed to know him.
Our thoughts and prayers are especially with Joao and his beloved mother, Billie, and his brothers, John and David and all his family. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
João, que o Senhor Jesus Cristo te dê o conforto por esta perda tão doída e lamentável.
A sad news has traveled the globe. Hearing Mark’s passing is so tragic for all of us.
Years ago, I had the privilege to work with him. I was proud of sharing the same business goals and working on the same projects.
It was a short period of time; however, it was a very productive time.
We all miss you, Mark. Please accept my condolences.
Kazumi Iijima of Tokyo, Japan
I am Sano, Director of TOPINTERIOR, CO., LTD. which was the construction company for Tiffany Marunouchi shop.
I met you in Japan, in around 2004. I owe you a lot at that time.
I am very sorry to hear about the passing of you.
I extend my deepest sympathy to you for your terrible loss.
Sincerely yours,
Sano from.Tokyo
Many of achievements in Japan Tiffany Project have made by your great contribution.
It was such an honor for us working with you, and the each of the memorable lesson taught from you then have still been priceless for us.
We would like to offer our deepest condolence.
Sincerely yours,
Atsunori Terasawa from A-FACTORY Japan
I WISH THAT I COULD HAVE HAD MORE TIME TO GET TO KNOW MARK. I GOT TO MEET HIM AT BILLIES 90TH BIRTHDAY PARTY. HE WAS VERY OUTGOING AND LET ME KNOW THAT IT WAS OK WITH MY BEING HIS MOTHERS GENTLEMAN FRIEND. MARK HAS LEFT A GREAT CONTRIBUTION IN THE BUSINESS WORLD, HE WILL BE MISSED BY ALL. GOD BLESS HIS FAMILY!!!
Mark was a perfect example of kindness and talent. His passion and enthusiasm were contagious. It was a privilege to work with him. His smile brings many wonderful memories.
I remember Mark as the good looking young man who carried out my groceries and couldn’t wait to become a architect. My condolences to Joao, and to his wonderful mother, Billie and his brothers for your loss.
I still cannot believe Mark is not here anymore. He was the most caring, loving and sweet man I ever had the pleasure of knowing. I will miss your smile, your thoughtfulness and your hugs. Sending love, hugs and prayers to Joao and the rest of his family.
Joao and Billie and Family:
I am so very sorry for your loss. I know how much Mark loved you all. He was a great friend, coworker, husband, and son. My heart aches for all of you. My family is praying deeply. Please feel free to reach out to me, if you need anything. I wish I could have been there for his service, unfortunately living in Colorado does have some drawbacks. Just know how deeply Mark impacted my life, just as each of you have, as well. May you find some comfort in knowing he is in no pain and is watching over you all. God Bless!
We know God extends unlimited mercy to all creation, but my prayer is, “Dear God, in your son’s name, I pray you will extend an EXTRA LARGE measure of your GRACE to Mark Looper, his family, and loved ones.”
To one of my biggest fans. Rest in peace my friend. Libre Para Sempre.
Eric Reinitz
I am so saddened to just hear this news. I have known Mark for 25+ years and reconnected with him at a trade conference in Las Vegas. He loved Fire Island and he almost came with Joao for a visit 2 years ago but it did not work out. He was a wonderful guy and my heart goes out to Joao and his family. What a huge loss. So sad!
I cant believe I did not see this.
Mark was a wonderful man.
Mark radiated positivity. He was a pleasure to work with at Payless. There wasn’t a challenge he wasn’t willing to take on, always with a smile on his face. It was an honor to know you, Mark.