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ddssdv
04-17-2008, 12:42 PM
Another friend and warrior leaves the Team area.



Saturday, April 12, 2008
By ELYSSE JAMES
The Orange County Register

Brooks Street in Laguna Beach was lined with flags fluttering in the warm breeze Saturday afternoon. They were placed there by neighbors in memory of resident and U.S. military contractor Mark Barry Metherell, who was killed Thursday in Baghdad by a roadside bomb, according to family and neighbors.

Metherell, 39, was working on training efforts with the Iraqi forces, said father-in-law Peter Ochs. The former Navy SEAL would work about two months in Iraq at a time, and would come home in between to spend time with his wife and daughter.

"He was a wonderful, godly guy and a loving husband," Ochs said. "He was a gentleman in every respect."

He and his wife, Sarah, moved to Laguna Beach about 6 years ago, he said. The couple adopted a 1-year-old girl, Cora.

"He's just a nice guy," said neighbor Belinda Grosher. "He would say hi and chitchat. That's one of the things I'm going to miss."

When neighbors learned of Metherell's death, they staged an impromptu vigil Friday night. They placed candles, flowers and signs in front of the couple's home. One sign read, "The ultimate sacrifice for the world's freedom. Our condolences to the family of a true hero."

Clarke Brogger, who lives nearby, said he grew up with Sarah and met her husband after the two married.

"This has sent a shock wave through the community," Brogger said. "The street was packed with people who knew him and that speaks about what an amazing person he was. He was really inspiring to a lot of people. I'm super glad to have known him as long as I did."

Metherell, who grew up in North Laguna, attended Cate School, a private boarding high school north of Los Angeles. His parents and in-laws had been friends his entire life. He and his wife married in May 1999. Family members said they were very adventurous people.

"I'm so sorry this happened," said neighbor Harry Clurman, "He was always in harm's way."

Metherell is survived by his wife, Sarah; daughter, Cora; parents Alex and Pam Metherell; sisters Caroline Campbell and Alison Metherell; in-laws Gail and Peter Ochs; and sisters-in-law Kristi Young, Tori Cloud and Abigail Frederick.

The following was posted on his memorial website (www.markmetherell.com)

The memorial service for Mark will be at Mariners Church in Irvine, California this coming Saturday, April 19th, at 10am in the main sanctuary. Please visit http://www.marinerschurch.org/ for directions.

BURIAL IS SET FOR MONDAY, APRIL 21, 2008 AT 11:00 AM AT FORT ROSECRANS NATIONAL CEMETERY, SAN DIEGO, CA. For more information on directions, please call the cemetery at 619-553-2084.

overcome.101
04-17-2008, 04:11 PM
God Bless Mark and his family. May his services never be forgotten...RIP brave warrior.

ddssdv
04-17-2008, 11:29 PM
I haven't posted most of the day. Mark's passing is way ****ed up. I wanted to tell you all that I have been to too many funerals for fallen comrades over the last few years. The last time I spoke with Mark was at one for another bud, Chris Mueller who perished in Af****astan. I can't even keep the names on both hands anymore. Its a serious job and I hope you all see the importance for paying attention to detail and getting it right the first time. Maybe when you ***** about small things here and in your lives, you will understand that it may keep you alive someday.

lisalynne10
04-18-2008, 08:47 AM
Godspeed........RIP Warrior.

ddssdv
04-20-2008, 01:06 PM
Went to the Memorial yesterdsay. Amazing. Not a dry eye in the house. Caught up with alot of folks I haven't seen in years. Funny that things like this seem to bring us together. The burial is with full military honors Monday. I suggest anyone who can attend.