Mark's Funeral Program

Witness to the Resurrection

A Service for the Praise of God
In Memory of

Mark Christopher Paine
November 2, 2006

Entrance of the Family

Prelude Blessed Assurance

Call to Worship John 11: 25-26
Invocation
Shout to the Lord
Blessed be the Name of the Lord
Wonderful Cross
Prayer of Praise
Reflections

Eric Benson
Wendy Weikel

Lord I Lift Your Name on High

Brigadier General Charles Brower IV, US Army Retired

Colonel James B. Hickey, Commander

I Can Only Imagine

Brandon Paine
Snapshots of Mark

But One Thing I Do Rev. Dr. Michael J. McClenahan
Philippians 3:7-14

Prayer or Thanksgiving

Let It Rise

Benediction

Please join us in the Narthex to share memories of Mark’s life.

God our Father announces the arrival of His child
MARK CHRISTOPHER PAINE
into His kingdom on October 15th, 2006

A Celebration of the Resurrection
and
Thanksgiving of the Life
of
Mark Christopher Paine
June 26, 1974 – October 15, 2006

Mark Christopher Paine was born June 26, 1974 in an Army hospital on San Francisco’s famed Presidio. Today, the site—long since retired from military service—is home to George Lucas’ movie studios. To know Mark was to know a life that was marked by service, joy, and yes — drama.

Mark grew up in the San Francisco suburb of Lafayette, CA.. From an early age, he showed an aptitude for outdoor sports and an intense fascination with history, storytelling, and fiction. As he matured, Mark became a student, a Boy Scout, an athlete and a leader. Throughout his young life, Mark showed a talent for amazing mischief that could only be surpassed by an equal or greater act of kindness. It is fair to say, Mark learned to walk a fine line of grace early in life and only mastered the skill as he matured.

It is not surprising given Mark’s talent and drive that he was admitted to West Point in 1993. He was quickly recognized for his unique combination of intellect and military acumen. When Mark graduated in 1997 he was already an officer in everything but title. And he couldn’t wait to get started.

Mark’s nine year military career was brilliant. He served in South Korea, Kosovo and two tours in Iraq. His list of accolades (including several of the Army’s highest awards for valor) are surpassed only by what he might have achieved with more time. In 2005, Mark assumed command of Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 66th Armor Regiment in the 4th Infantry Division. It was the penultimate highlight of Mark’s Army career; the ultimate rush—as he would often say—was to witness greatness in each and every solider when it mattered most.

Captain Mark Paine was killed in action on Sunday, October 15th in Taji, Iraq - the victim of a massive IED that detonated beneath his Humvee in a coordinated enemy attack.

Captain Paine is survived by his mother, Kairyn Paine, his father, Roger Paine, his Grandmother Joy Rose, and his brother Brandon Paine.

In his adult life, Mark was a selfless servant, bound by a deep sense of duty to our great nation. He was a naturalist who celebrated God most joyfully in the outdoors. He was a deeply committed friend who’s generosity and devotion knew no limits. He was a two-handed raconteur who wouldn’t let the facts get in the way of a good story. Most of all, Mark was a brother — in every sense of the word — who inspired us to be great, yet never missed an opportunity to seize a hug or evoke a laugh

In short, it can be said that the green, idyllic Presidio site where Mark’s life began aptly embodies his spirit. He cultivated heroism, exuded courage, and yet — in mind and deed — followed the example of a humble Judean carpenter.

Any comfort that we feel comes in knowing that Mark was not killed; he gave his life to Christ a long time ago. We like to think that on October 15th Mark was greeted like a favorite son on the 18th green of Augusta—surrounded by applauding friends and embraced by the Almighty with the only words truly worth hearing: “Well done good and faithful servant.”