We can all play some sort of Charcater in the world of make believe, whether it be in one of the Disney Parks. or that other one down the Interstate! But the reality of life is this…. God knows our True Character.

One of my greatest memories of Mark was when he played “Gold Dust Gus”. I was in Frontierland heading towards Big Thunder. When I started to hear all this clanging and clamoring behind me. I turned around to find this old Prospector with the fuzziest mustache, a goofy hat, tooting his Bugle!

I began to laugh and as he walked towards me, then he said “Hey stranger, what brings you to these here part of the Canyon? By the way…My name is Gold Dust Gus, What’s yours?” I said “John, as replied…. Nice to meet you John, where ya from? I said Winter Haven.” Then I said to Gold Dust….”If you tell me where your claim is, I promise not to tell any one!!”

Gold Dust squinted his left eye, tilted his head, looking straight into my soul, by saying….”Now you think I am going to tell you were I hide my claim, you gotta another thing comin!!”

I said..”Ahh come on Gold Dust, I promise I won’t tell a soul!” He said “Iffin I tell you, you will go up the mountain and steal my claim, I ain’t a tellin you nothin!” He was a remarkable man who could put on of of his many hats that was displayed at the church, and when that hat went on his head, he instantly became the personality that belonged with that hat!

The greatst thing about Mark Priest was that, when you met him, you never forgot him, you never fort your conversation as well. His life would ear-mark your soul, whether it was only one time meeting him, or a 10 times meeting Him! You knew you were met by the Markster! He never would forget you either!

Whether you are 1 year old or a 100 years old! One of Marks gifts in life was that,he know how to treat you! He treated you with dignity & respect! Then when he came to Jesus, He realized just how much he was loved by The Lord!

Yes, the lord truly prepared a place for him!!
I Loved him as a brother, and will always Miss you Mark, until we all get to the other side in the Kingdom of God.

Love ya Mark!
John
Winter Haven, Florida