Saying Goodbye to My Friend Mark Thornton ​⁠

[@stuartloggins3691]

Thank you for being respectful. A lot of guys haven't been as kind as I think they should. I liked him and watched his show all the time.

[@christopherkennedy942]

Mark was a gentleman. Added a lot of value to this genre, helped a lot of expats. Genuine, caring, honest soul. May he rest in peace/

[@DavidIke07]

Finally someone who isn’t disrespectful regardless of differences. Good message!!

[@marierocher4422]

Theres a common saying in the Philippines, your forefinger is pointing to someone but the rest of the three fingers are pointing towards you. Nobody’s perfect.

[@jamiesimko]

Thanks for the kind words, John! Mark was a true gem and he will be surely missed. It was his videos that motivated me to come to the Philippines in the first place. RIP Mark!

[@davem8898]

Wow John a great message well delivered! Mark interviewed me in ‘22 in Duma before all the drama with that other dude. It was great meeting him and all the guys there really. I hope all of us older dudes don’t neglect to stay on top of our health, including systematic testing. I continued watching his channel. He had a calming, straight forward delivery. Prayers for Jen, Rogan and Mark’s family 🙏❤️

[@scottie934]

I was saddened by the news of his passing. A lovely tribute from you.

[@timothyrogers7874]

I normally watch and don't comment in Chat.... But today I will give you a big thumbs up on this.... 👍. I was very impressed with how you handled this ..

[@seandayma]

It is such a big loss. Condolences to Jen and Rogan and the rest of the people who cared for Mark.

[@kmilton1593]

Thank you John for those kind words. I think that Mark was the type of guy who many us could relate to, his content was always interesting, and it made me feel he was a friend of mine even if we had never met.

[@frankornelaz8234]

Mark rest in peace. Really enjoyed his channel

[@georgetinant9486]

RIP Mark - You were a good man and my wife and I enjoyed your channel , We miss you for sure !! We met you in Dumagette 2 years ago on the 30 th of Dec. Jenn interviewed my wife and enjoyed the short time we had together @ Ground Zero , thanks John for making this video , it's much appreciated , Merry Christmas and a healthy , happy New Year

[@WatchCaliforniaExpat]

Thank you for sharing positive thoughts and experiences. Merry Christmas and wishing you a happy healthy New Year’s as well.

[@whatsnext-007]

Great tribute John. You shared honesty that some did not know and are quick to tear Mark down, certainly puts things in perspective. None of us are perfect and neither was Mark. But as you pointed out, each of us is different and see things through a different lense. I was fortunate to meet Mark and Jen (and Jen's sister and future husband) in January on my first trip to the Philippines. He treated me well and shared our thoughts. Of course, Jen was showing her baby bump at that time. He truly was hoping to have at least 10 years with his son Rogan. Unfortunately, that will not happen. I really liked his many interviews and I am glad I got to meet him. I send my condolences to Jen, baby Rogan, and the rest of Mark's family....and also to you John. It is never easy losing a friend. RIP Mark.

[@jerrydurden]

Thank you for your thoughts on Mark. I miss him. Many of us felt like we knew him, having only seen his videos. 😢 Others expats should follow your example. Much respect ❤

[@WatchCaliforniaExpat]

Thank you Jerry. I miss him too. Appreciate your kind words and support.

[@stevelawson68]

Very well said, John. I will miss Mark's videos and his perspectives. Condolences to his family.

[@the_stoned_investor]

What a wonderful message and tribute. I enjoyed watching Mark's live shows and recorded episodes. I liked his perspective and the way he looked at the world, I'm really sad over his passing.

[@momoydacuycoy]

I have been Mark since the beginning. For me he's a good man, husband and always willing to helps others in need. Rest in peace . Condolence to his wife Jen and his family. 😢

[@ClaudeRosemondJeSca]

So sorry to hear this news he was a great guy and prayers for his family.

[@P-TownReport]

A great positive message. Much appreciated.

[@WatchCaliforniaExpat]

Thank you for your kind words

[@garykelder]

First time viewer. Your video was Nicely done on a sensitive topic. Regardless of whether they liked or disliked Mark, he was a devoted husband and father. He has left a grieving widow, a young child, and friends. Unfortunately, much of the negative discourse in the USA arrived here by some expats. We should show respect and sympathy for those loved ones Mark has left behind. I share your condolences and hope others are respectful. 🙏🏼

[@oncall21]

Beautiful words John. Mark was a great guy and interviewed me a couple of times. My condolences to Jen, Rogan and family and friends.

[@koufax174]

Always the most respectful of all KZbinrs. 🙏🏼

[@WatchCaliforniaExpat]

Appreciate that. Hope you are doing great

[@koufax174]

I’ve launched from the US since last time I responded. I’m a SE Asian Slow Traveler. It’s beyond anything I imagined. I❤my life. Perhaps one time we can meet. I’m from SF also. Happy Holidays

[@WatchCaliforniaExpat]

@@koufax174 I'm so happy for you. Would love to meet anytime you can. Please feel free to add me on Facebook or send an email (address in description) anytime.

[@WatchCaliforniaExpat]

@@koufax174 Happy holidays

[@gilmer3718]

I'm just finding out today about Mark's passing. I saw the video on his channel with Jen and one of his friends talking about him passing away and it was labeled Honoring his legacy. I am floored. I knew about his health problems in the past, but I thought he had controlled that with a good life and medicine. I'll miss his streams where he just answered questions and was pretty respectful on his streams. RIP Mark.

[@garolstipock]

Well said, and thank you for the kind words and expressions regarding your friend. I'll miss Mark and his channel. His journey is one that I think shares with all of us that a new path, and happiness is out there if we care enough to seek it. Every mans story, indeed. R.I.P Mark Thornton.

[@kc64cl76]

Thank you for this. I trust what you say about Mark. I watched him from the beginning and am saddened by his passing. The amount of ill-will and seemingly baseless speculation by some is sad too. But you’re a class act and I think Mark was too.

[@DManGrand]

Well said.. I didnt know him except for his channel.. RIP Mark... I wish the best for his wife and child...

[@markbrown1622]

A great tribute to a great guy. Every man's story has ended and he will be missed

[@toddsellars4694]

Mark was awesome. He was just talking about staying healthy a few months ago. So sad to see him go. RIP.

[@dmanmorales7385]

From what I saw of Mark, he was a good man that said what was on his mind, and never was insulting to anyone.

[@FaeDruid]

The first that I’m hearing about this is here on this channel. I’m so glad I heard the sad news from you John because you are such a decent person.

[@WatchCaliforniaExpat]

I’m sorry to be the bearer of sad news. Thank you for your kind comment.

[@LifeAsWestwood]

Very very sad, I used to watch Mark's videos before I moved out here to the Philippines to be with my wife. I love his perspective and strategy behind his channel, doing candid interviews, no fuss with edits or anything else, it was a refreshing approach. RIP Mark, and thank you for informing us here. My condolences to Jen and family

[@WatchCaliforniaExpat]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts on Mark. He will be missed.

[@JMgmkh]

Excellent video John. Happy Holidays Mark and I didn't know each other. I watched his videos , and he took time to answer the couple questions I emailed him. I liked him. A good guy.

[@WatchCaliforniaExpat]

Thank you very much and for mentioning that about Mark. Happy holidays.

[@milzchiveous2024]

Thank you John. Mark had so much respect in you when he was still alive and I’m sure he is so proud of you wherever he is now. You guys take care in the Philippines and enjoy life .

[@WatchCaliforniaExpat]

Thank you appreciate you saying that

[@jarlathquinn5722]

I really appreciate your video on Mark. Beautiful video. His passing has really affected me more than I expected. Mark along with others took the first step to become an expat during a time in my life when I was thinking very strongly of doing the same thing myself. I have managed to mend my marriage. I never say never, so I always leave that door open.

[@WatchCaliforniaExpat]

Glad you managed to mend your marriage. Thank you for sharing positive thoughts

[@franciscoaguilar123]

Great video and content. Its a humbling and sad experience to see someone that I watched many times on KZbin to take that final cruise.

[@JackWaller-g3c]

Thank you John. Finally some respect to a good man.

[@gregdixon5848]

Nice tribute John. I wish people would just appreciate vlogs as entertainment and education. Appreciate the positivity in the Philippines and the world rather than the petty excuse for airing personal grievances and negativity. Keep up the good work there and RIP Mark.

[@WatchCaliforniaExpat]

I appreciate that and feel the same way. It says a lot about people that they use even a tragedy where there are a lot of people in pain because of their loss to still make negative comments.

[@ScaleAutoGarage]

Another great video sir. I wholeheartedly agree with your thoughts and wish that people could just get along more than try to tear each other down. You are one of the good ones for certain. Shame about Mark, I didn't follow him or the Dumaguete drama that surrounded all that but the cruise ship stuff sounds amazing. To be a part of a job venture on such a scale would have been so exciting! You are the man sir!

[@WatchCaliforniaExpat]

Thank you very much for your kind words!

[@Jake-u2o]

Good Evening John... This got to me :( Even though I never had the previlage of meeting this Angel of a man, I felt like I knew him from the eloquent literature he would portray :) Mark was an Angel sent to us from the Heaven's to help us understand and Love this ever so precious country, that is a gift to all of us sent from God himself... Mark will leave a legacy for all of us to be better in content of our character, and gentlemen as well... "Rest in Peace" our Dear Friend :) Dave, IT Park...

[@WatchCaliforniaExpat]

Thank you for your kind words and support.

[@bayareatanders]

I have watched Mark for a long time even before the pandemic. I enjoyed his interviews with expats living in Dumaguete. I will miss his interviews and also hoping the best for Jen and little Rogan.

[@Iamkayaky]

I liked his most recent content...he was a thoughtful man.

[@AngeloHabib]

Top-notch video John. I hope we can catch up soon. Merry Christmas

[@WatchCaliforniaExpat]

Thank you, my friend. I was just in Davao for a short time for my company Christmas party and would have loved to have caught up, but it was just a very quick trip. Hope to see you soon.

[@TheWaterman2011]

Mark had great content and I specifically remember his thought process on having a baby at an older age. He really thought things through. He will be missed-

[@lowspark3958]

I had no father!!! Thought thru what. ... he was selfish and blind leaving a baby and knowing it. .. I wish I had a dad... I was 2 he had cancer!!!!! Oh I always wish to say dad!!! Bs

[@tedm4932]

@@lowspark3958 Mark, did it only for Jen. He told his group of friends he hung out with. He knew he was too old to be parent, but Jen wanted a child.

[@wayneedwards5589]

John. A wonderful tribute. People everywhere want to bring others down not just ex pats in the Philippines. Its harder to find decent respectful people these day. Merry Christmas

[@shasta8523]

Superb comments, John. Thank you for sharing, take care

[@mrdarcylifeeh5889]

Very nice tribute to Mark Thornton I could tell you're a true friend. I used to watch your videos about the cruise ships with him. Nice to see a tribute where it's someone not just looking for likes and views. Great job! Thank you

[@WatchCaliforniaExpat]

Thank you very much

[@marcofluff]

I was beyond crushed when I found out when he passed. Will miss his channel. Life is short, my friends.

[@pjasonq]

Mark will be missed. His KZbin channel (in my opinion) had the best expat interviews. He was kind, patient and a true gentleman when conducting the interviews. Mark was always happy to hear someone's story and put a positive spin on their future and had nothing but good things to say about the Philippines and the Filipino people. He was well spoken and always had wisdom to share.

[@Grandpa_Mike]

So far the best/kindest eulogy for Mark I’ve heard. I could tell it was from the heart. Thank you for being so kind and thoughtful.

[@WatchCaliforniaExpat]

Thank you so much for your kind words.

[@marcoexplores4175]

Well, my dear friend this is why we are diamond dog brothers. This video is John Smulo at his finest: deep, pensive, sensitive, reflective, compassionate. I did not know Mark Thorton, and only saw his channel a few times. I definitely join with John and sending supportive thoughts to his wife and child. This will be a tough Christmas for them.

[@tedm4932]

from Jen : kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZnaZn4hqmNirbK8si=lqxtHxlQHqMabXT_

[@tonymccreath4540]

Well said! Here, often in Costa Rica, my experience is very similar.Many not know the reality trying to get business going. Mark attacked his dream well, which exposed others failures in not trying to do their dreams. Mark was easy target for cheap shots. We all complicated creatures, make mistakes. People in publics eye easy targets and bear the brunt of others stupidity often. Respectfully said for others to consider Jen .

[@KOHTAOMURDERSDEATHISLAND]

Very respectful video Sir. Well done.

[@gregorypeter9719]

Well said John. That's a nice tribute to Mark. Just like many, I too will miss Mark. May he have eternal rest with the Lord!

[@WatchCaliforniaExpat]

thank you for your kind thoughts

[@jensen0818]

Great video John. Merry Christmas & prosperous new year. RIP Mark, condolences to Family.

[@WatchCaliforniaExpat]

Thank you. Wishing you the same.

[@DavidSmith0712]

RIP Mark @Every Man Has A Story. I watched his channel many times.

[@marriedtoafilipinachannel]

Thank you John!! Merry Christmas to you and your family

[@WatchCaliforniaExpat]

Thank you!! Hope you guys are doing great. Merry Christmas

[@michael_Jon7]

Well said, well spoken brother 🙌

[@BIGALINTHEPHILIPPINES]

I waa friends with Mark for 4 years on FB only and chatted many times through the years about life issues... i posted a video sending my condolences to Wife and family only for the 1st minute or two then wife and I continued talking about our life being old... Then I got blasted by a KZbin in Angeles accusing me of being a fake friend and used Mark to increase my channel and blocked me but yet she always did videos about Mark in negative ways at ground Zero and other topics... even continued after he died.. I agree what you said in your video, great job and thank you 😊😊😊

[@haroldholton1246]

Thanks John. You truly are friend to Mark. He will be missed.

[@WatchCaliforniaExpat]

Appreciate you, thanks for watching

[@liveyourlife_tv]

Sorry for the loss of your friend, brother. It hurts me to hear the emotion in your voice.

[@WatchCaliforniaExpat]

Appreciate it brother

[@user-ov5nd1fb7s]

There are 2 channels which youtube suggested to me "phillipine antics" and "sick grandpa". One was making funny thumbnails of Mark and putting out private information around his passing. The other, "sick grandpa" was actually laughing about Mark's death. It really made me sick. This person is an American currently located in Heilbronn, Germany. It is a small city and it wouldn't be hard to find him. He is posting from the city center almost every day. If anyone of you guys is in Germany, can we catch this guy for some ass kickin?

[@jasoncatron1039]

That guy is a total scumbag, he is the worst of the worst.

[@kenzyou2be]

So sorry to hear about the loss of Mark Thornton, condolences to all who are affected, and thank you for sharing.

[@WatchCaliforniaExpat]

Thank you for your kind words and support.

[@brianphuket5951]

How to say it better, nice message from you, John ❤

[@WatchCaliforniaExpat]

Appreciate that, thank you for watching

[@aumarigan]

Mark pioneered vlogging from the point of view of retired expats here in the Philippines, that's why what happened to him hurts a lot of his peers and will be a wake up call for many older retirees.

[@linenyueh2785]

My deepest sympathy , sorry to hear this sad news.. for our kabayan Jen her wife, my heartfelt condolences & prayers🙏🙏🙏

[@GeraldBeagan-ee6se]

My condolences to his family;he had a good channel

[@jossysullivan1642]

I will miss Mark. I know you're close friend. I watch his videos. Not everyday bec. I become busy but, before I try to watch his every post. I'm a filipino and never been out of the Philippines. And, I like his videos. One time I watched, around 4 mnths. ago. I was flattered. And I commented telling, thank you for good things he's saying about our country. And he replied saying, "No thank you for welcoming us to your country". And I felt it so real. So from then on I consider Mark as a friend. Even if we haven't met in person. I will miss Mark.. I already did..

[@WatchCaliforniaExpat]

thank you for sharing that story.

[@danielhuntington2116]

Great message John and tribute to Mark! Many of the men over there have been beat up....are and have been very toxic in their relationships...very wounded! For some expats it has been a new lease on life able to shed the burdens of their past....for many...these wounds are just so deep that they resurface in the Philippines. The old adage...you can run...but you can't hide is so true. Bottom line is...unless one is willing to go down and get to the root and dig it out....well you can keep mowing...but the weeds in our lives will grow back! Thanks for sharing and all the best!

[@apartparis]

May he rest in peace. I watched some of his KZbin programs. He left too quickly. Sorry to heart that and you have nice words about him as a tribute.

[@reelwrite]

A beautiful and heartfelt tribute.

[@monstadable]

Well done! Merry Christmas!

[@WatchCaliforniaExpat]

thank you. Merry Christmas to you too!

[@erikmichael3493]

I've watched Mark a few times and I'm sorry to hear of his recent passing. It's very sad to hear of an expat who's trying to promote the Philippines and who's roots are here in the Philippines 🇵🇭. RIP Mark Thornton.

[@markweslingstudio]

I remember your interview with Mark, nice tribute, Mark was a great connector and friend!

[@Dutchy-1168]

Oh wow …. First I heard ! My thoughts are with his family ❤❤‼️‼️🇨🇦🇨🇦🇺🇸🇺🇸🇵🇭🇵🇭

[@faronray5765]

Thank you for being respectful toward Mark. I didn't know him personally but have seen many of his videos. Some vloggers are making horrible bashing videos trying to destroy a DEAD man. He can't defend himself. RIP Mark and hope Jen makes it through this rough spot in her life.

[@daveid6244]

Mark was a nice guy i went to philipines a bit before he arrived his channel hit on a great concet he spoke well and always came across as a guy who tried to tell guys enjoy urr last part of urr life R.I.P. Mark

[@cryptomando]

Mark had the best KZbin channel, his interviews were very introspective and genuinely exposed both himself and his guests. The cruise ship thing was hilarious to me though 😂

[@ReddawnTubes]

Mark was one of the nicest human beings I have ever met. RIP Mark.

[@CharlesDuane]

Well done, John. Thanks, pal

[@WatchCaliforniaExpat]

Thank you very much

[@fuzznakano]

A great tribute to Mark. RIP Mark. I appreciate all you did.

[@Anthony__420]

Beautiful video John. Sorry your your loss buddy. Merry Christmas

[@WatchCaliforniaExpat]

Thank you for your kind thoughts..Merry Christmas

[@bertilseth7602]

Merry Christmas John! Mark, we will remember you....

[@WatchCaliforniaExpat]

Merry Christmas!

[@JaneTravisG]

Well said John!

[@roustabout4fun]

Good stuff and I really liked/enjoyed seeing the smile at the ending...here. It's nice to know that Jenn and her son will be taken care of regarding SS. Mark was on the mark with all the details and his love with care will keep on keeping on.

[@Stallion70]

Beautiful and well done

[@HenryWeems-kr9wr]

I liked Mark.

[@Whereisshellymiscavige]

Mark seemed like such a good guy. Will be sadly missed

[@richardwisneski7762]

I enjoyed watching his KZbin. RIP

[@BB-dp4kh]

The message that should be taken away from the passing of mark is time is precious and to procrastinate is a flight of fancy...

[@judekidder]

Very well said my friend

[@tonymars1093]

Thank you very much John for your kind words about Mark. This is a time to pay tribute to a man’s life. Say kind things or nothing at all. I for one am going to miss Mark’s channel and content. I pray for Jen and their child and family. 🙏 It is nice to hear a true friend who knew him share a few words about his friend. Mark would have liked your video very much. ❤

[@edsedlak6827]

Great message of solidarity. Well said.

[@linkinemerson8620]

I didn't know of his channel & with so much stuff in the world I was gonna skip past. I'm glad something got my curiousity because it is a good message, especially for me. I have become so hardened by life, when I was growing up & as a young adult I was ultra caring, I can't word it the best, but just super kind. I'm not sure if anyone I know in my life today would use the word kind to tell someone about who I am now. Sry to ramble, my long way of saying it's worth the video & a really good reminder. R.I.P. Mr. Thornton.

[@harrycarley]

Very nicely said. I enjoyed many of his videos. He seemed to be very down to earth and life-experienced, whether good or bad. It is unfortunate how things ended up for him and his young family. RIP Mark.

[@andrewkamchi7478]

Thanks for saying that John. I actually just said the same thing to Chris Stevens, aka Carefree Chris, in that I don't understand why so many expats are the way they are towards each other in the PH and it would be nice to create a community of men that aren't such dented cans. Keep bringing the voice of reason.

[@WatchCaliforniaExpat]

It's good to hear you feel the same way

[@stankroll8167]

Classy ….well done video….

[@Judes121]

🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼 for Jen and baby and for family and friends he will be missed

[@billyjohnson9166]

Hey John have a happy and healthy holiday. Oh and a great 2025. The best is yet to come.

[@WatchCaliforniaExpat]

Thank you my friend. Wishing you happy holidays and a wonderful year ahead.

[@philomenamagill700]

A nice tribute to mark , Merry Christmas to you John

[@michaellukehart4276]

VERY WELL SAID.. PRAYERS for Jen and Rogen😢

[@LivingTheLifeRetired]

That’s a nice message John. We should take Mark’s passing as an opportunity to reflect on our own mortality and look what we can do in our own lives to reduce the risk of stroke or heart attack. Some of the leading causes of stroke are lack of exercise, obesity, excessive alcohol use ( though I would say any alcohol use), high blood pressure, diabetes, smoking. These factors are in us to control and we should take a hard look at our choices in life.

[@davem8898]

Agree and I hope guys on TRT keep up with routine blood work, as it causes high red blood counts and thickened blood