Hello,
My name is Liz, and I lived with Mark for several months at 708 Haight in the late 80′s. I just found out today through complete circumstance that Mark Dienstag is gone. I’m devastated to hear of his passing. The last time I saw Mark was in the late 90′s, and I always thought I’d see him again someday. Mark was one of the most intelligent, witty, irreverent, inspiring and handsome men I have ever known. My relationship with Mark absolutely transformed my life for the better and I’ll never forget him. I have some EXCELLENT pictures of Mark I will post here as soon as I can find a scanner.
I first saw Mark at Double Rainbow (where I worked) in the upper Haight in 1987. I remember thinking that he was the most handsome man I’d ever seen, and there was no way a guy like that would want to be with me. But we started chatting and really clicked, talking about music and philosophy. He asked me out and I nervously said “yes”. I’ll never forget our first date. He was so generous, romantic and treated me so well – he was a dream. He showed up in the most beautiful black suit, hailed a taxi and took me to see the SF Opera! We stayed up late talking incessantly, smoking cigarettes and listening to old jazz. I still have one of the tapes Mark made for me – full of really rare, exquisite jazz music from the 30′s. We would put it on and dance together.
Mark introduced me to the Velvet Underground too, which was THE catalyst in my life. The first song I ever wrote was in that room at 708 Haight. I’ve gone on to play in a few bands and I’ve written many songs, and Mark is one of the inspirations that motivated me to do it. We totally fell in love with each other, but then he went to India – a trip that had been planned before he met me. I’ll never forget seeing him off at the airport. I was lost and heartbroken for weeks afterwards, but also SO young. I think I was 23 years old… and by the time Mark got back my feelings had changed. I wish I had been more mature and had stuck with him. Mark was one of the best boyfriends I ever had.
I can’t write anymore right now. Just know that my hearts are with all of you and I share in this great loss.
Hugs,
Liz
