Remembering Mark Lund (Chuckie)
Hello from the West Coast. It is with a heavy heart that I share the sad news of the passing of our dear friend, Mark Lund. Affectionately known as Chuckie, Mark died peacefully at home from natural causes. A true and loyal companion, Mark was a loving brother, uncle, and above all, a dedicated and proud father to his sons, Alex and Evan. You can find his memorial on our website and at https://lewischapel.com/obituaries/mark-lund-2025
His service was attended by nearly 400 people, including many from Kings Point, from left to right in photo are Jim Storey, Joe Maggiora, John Kimmerlein, Mark’s sons Evan and Alex Lund, Steve Hamre (KP ’82), Steve Kimmel, Jon Kjaerulff, and Bill Sliker.
Mark played a significant role in my life and was a dear friend. After our time at Kings Point, we crossed paths again in Seattle. Mark was responsible for introducing me to my wife, and he stood as best man at our wedding. We were attendants in his wedding to Darcy, and our families were closely intertwined. He is our son’s Godfather. Mark often joined us at our Northern California ranch, lending a hand with projects and enjoying many games of cribbage. Our 45+ years of friendship are filled with countless memories.
Mark’s intelligence, his knack for fixing almost anything, and his boundless zest for life—especially skiing—are legendary. With a strong sense of camaraderie, he was someone you could always count on. Mark worked hard and played hard.
If you’re ever in the Seattle area, please reach out. I’d love to see you and raise a glass to Mark. Many KP ’83 classmates are nearby, and it’s always great to catch up. My email is .
Mark’s presence will be deeply missed but never forgotten. Fair winds and following seas, buddy.
Swing Shift appears in this footage from a local Philly station, ABC 6:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FWOAa9zT_I0
*We were on the Eagle Float (#67) at this point in the broadcast: 1:18:40. I am wearing my USMMA ’83 jacket due to the cold & drizzly weather.
British Chef Robert Irvine is the numbskull who mis-pronounced my name; he was supposed to ride the float but went to the broadcast booth. Note that the speakers were on the back of the float, so you hear our voices when we pass by. We shared the float with Miss Pennsylvania in less than perfect weather & sound system conditions & the sound guy only brought one microphone that we had to share.
*The Merchant Marine Vets are right behind my float with a WWII veteran. I never saw the KP Color Guard; they either went to commercial or interviewed a vet when they passed by.
A.J. Murphy shares:
We’ve had a busy year in Houston, with a move end JAN. Time to get rid of those pesky stairs and save on the knees!
At the end of MAY, we headed to the great white north and spent almost 2 weeks in various AK towns like Seward, Whittier, Anchorage, Talkeetna and Denali. Had a great trip, celebrating my oldest son, Sean, earning his Ph D from SMU here in TX. My daughter, Cecilia also came along. Have been to AK several times, but this one has shown us that the hiking trails are starting to win – whew!
Made it toNew Orleans end OCT for a Quern daughter wedding and enjoyed seeing Jim Goulden, Rick Boudiette, Frank & Kim Liantonio and Mickey & Mary Kay Cunningham. Jim Quern was in fine form and dressed to kill in his James Bond tuxedo. Anne looked great and was very happy at the celebration.
In NOV, Gretchen and I made our anniversary into a nice trip to AZ. The hiking was more tolerable and with Help from George Toma, he gave us several places to make sure to see while there. We didn’t get to connect up as he was out of town while we were nearby. Stayed in Sedona for great hiking, went up to Flagstaff and almost to Utah, where we saw Lower Antelope Canyon. They are incredibly beautiful and just east of the Grand Canyon, just below Lake Powell. Will be heading back to New Orleans for Christmas and looking forward to seeing Jim and Anne again, more relaxed after all the wedding pressure is relieved.
The USMMA-AAF Space Coast Chapter hosted its annual Christmas Brunch on December 7 at the Indian River Colony Club in Viera, FL. Willie Barrere, AMO President, and I were the keynote speakers. Willie updated everyone on latest happenings in the maritime industry, including the SHIPS Act, and I focused on my advocacy role for the Academy on the Hill. After the brunch, we gathered our ’83 classmates for a picture. L-R: Joe Bishop, USMMA-AAF Space Coast Chapter President; Chris Thayer; Brian Foy; Willie Barrere; and Bruce Garrott.
The Class of ’83 was omnipresent for the Secretaries Cup Football Game at Historic Fenway Park. It was a fantastic event and one of the best KP football games I have ever witnessed. Pictured below at the after-party event are Brian Foy; Kevin Brofford; Bill Higgins; Rex Gundle; and Scott O’Connor.
Rex Gundle reports from Fenway Park:
It was great to see so many friends and classmates at the Secretarys’ Cup at Fenway in November. Thankfully the weather held out for our group that included Leslie and Bill Higgins, Susan and Kevin Brofford as well as Kim and myself. We decided to join the rowdy GA crowd that did include both KPer’s and Coastie’s for this great game and rivalry. Between dinner’s, breakfast’s, the game and bar afterwards, our group was also able to catch up with Scott and Glenda O’Connor, Craig Ellixson, Jim Goulden, Brian Foy, and Craig Matteson. I applaud the organizers for picking a location that made the decision to attend so easy.
The game weekend capped a crazy two weeks of adventure for us which included a week in Iceland; and if you haven’t been there, it is certainly worth the price of admission! I am really getting used to this retirement gig.
Lee Forsgren was also at Fenway and explains “I was at the game at Fenway but because I was in Secretary Duffy’s box (and was there in my official Army Corps Capacity). I really didn’t get a chance to see any other KP83 classmates.”
Ronda Cobb notes:
Surprisingly, I had a busy KP year. I spoke for the Congressman’s Academy Information Night, I attended the ceremony where the Nomination certificates were presented to the future plebes of all Academies, and I attended the NCAA women’s Basketball playoff game in Ohio.
And, my high school alma mater added my name to their Wall of Honor for those who have served the country with Academy or Military service. That was a great ceremony which made the local press, and included a blurb about Kings Point.
Thanks all for the input! Have peaceful and joyous 2026!