photo: http://www.Rickspringfield.com
On Sunday we got some terrible news...our friend (and my husband Jim's boss) had suffered a fatal heart attack. Mark Zweidinger - husband, son, father, brother, friend...the list goes on. But the title I best knew Mark - Vice President of Operations at PSA Airlines/US Airways Express.
Photo: PSA Airlines, Inc. 
Now when some people think of a "V.P." many may think of some old stuffy higher-up mean dude. This was certainly NOT the case. He was just the nicest guy...always willing to help you if he could....extremely professional and friendly. THAT was PSA's Vice President of Operations.
And he was only 52 years old.
To watch his wife Melanie standing near where Mark had been placed at the funeral home...standing there grieving the loss of the love of her life with her two children Jenee' and Michael thanking friends and family for coming. It made me cherish my life and my loved ones all that much more.
Last night as those who were closest to Mark and his family gathered at the funeral home, I saw so many familiar faces. If you don't know, many years ago I also worked at PSA and though I never worked with Mark, we shared many friends. It was so nice to see these people who had also come to pay their respect to Mark! As I looked around at these familiar faces, a question came to mind. Why do we wait for these terrible things to happen to get together? The common statement "wish it were under better circumstances..." just sealed it for me. We need to take the time to get together with people we care about. The saying "well, life happens" is no longer a valid excuse. Because sometimes, it doesn't. Cherish those you love because each day is a gift and tomorrow is not a guarantee.
I want to share with you a note from the President of PSA, Keith Houk to the PSA employees. It was read at the Mass service this morning:
To the PSA family,
This week the PSA family lost an outstanding leader and friend with the unexpected death of Mark Zweidinger. Mark was not only a great leader, he was also a great person and a personal friend. I consider myself fortunate to have had the privilege to work with Mark throughout his career and observe his love, passion, and true concern for every employee to which he came in contact. It is that concern that made him respected and loved by everyone.
When Mark arrived at PSA he had a vision for the Flight Department. Mark was a true professional and wanted PSA crews to be respected and recognized for their professionalism and the important roll they play in the success of PSA. Mark went about this in many ways. He was very visible, attending as many initial/recurrent training classes, graduation ceremonies, and crew room visits as his schedule would permit. In addition, Mark was a constant advocate for the employees of the Flight, In-Flight, OCC, Training, and Scheduling departments; always quick to make sure he secured the resources needed for those departments to run smoothly. However, I believe the initiative that best defines what Mark stood for and believed in was his work with the "C3" (Cultural Change Committee). Mark believed that the culture of PSA needed a positive change and he worked with all the departments within the company to bring about that change to foster mutual respect and appreciation for the job performed by each "team" member.
Mark touched many employee lives and we are all better for knowing him. Today, the company distributed ribbons to be worn in Mark's honor. I ask that you wear them with pride and professionalism that Mark would expect from all of us. In addition, to honor Mark's commitment to professionalism, we feel it only fitting that the newly expanded and refurbished PSA training center be dedicated in Mark's memory and be hence forth referred to as the "Mark Zweidinger Professional Learning Center" to remind all present and future employees of Mark's many contributions to PSA Airlines, Inc.
Finally, please join me in a prayer for Mark's family; wife Melanie, daughter Jenee' and son Michael, to give them strength to endure their unfortunate loss.
Sincerly,
Keith
I also consider myself better for having known him. Jim and I have made it clear to Melanie that we only live 5 minutes away and will be there if they need us. I have come to know Melanie as she and Mark would host a Christmas dinner for all of the Directors who reported to Mark and their spouses. She asked that we not stop flying over their house in the airplane - something that Mark always got a big kick out of us doing (we met their neighbors last night who also asked us to not stop as their boys love to see the airplane). Just to show you how really sweet Melanie is...when I hugged her last night I told her we are here if she needs us - could we do anything for her? She looked at Jim then looked at me and said "take care of HIM".
Rest in peace Mark Z - you will certainly be missed.
