Mark Paulson (Saildoggie)

I don't know details, but Mark Paulson passed away yesterday.

wow. just wow.

Wow. If you find out any more details, please post. Condolences to his family and friends.

How very sad. Never met him, but have enjoyed reading his posts. Condolences to his family - and the dogs too.

Just saw it on Facebook. I have lost a true friend.

So sad....he was a great guy and will be sorely missed.

wow, so so sad my deepest sympathies to his family

Oh no....can't believe it! We spent a week with Mark and had a great time with him. My heart goes out to Nicole and Lynn. May he rest in peace.

I just can't believe it. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/cry.gif" alt="" /> This is so incredibly sad.

Very sad. I only met Mark a handful of times, but his big personality is not easily forgotten. I know he was well-loved and will be dearly missed!

Felix (Kris)

I am speechless right now, as Glenn said he was a true friend. Mark would walk to the ends of the earth for the people he cared about. He loved his BVIs and all of the people he met along the way. He will be missed terribly. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Sad.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Sad.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Sad.gif" alt="" />

Wow! I am very sad to hear this. Also saw something on facebook. My thoughts and prayers are with his family. Saildoggie was a joy to be around.

Sad day for his family and friends. Happy Sails Saildoggie!!

no doubt he would go out of his way to help people, RIP Saildoggie

Never met him, but chatted with him here many times. Sad.. RIP.

Not sure what to say...one of those amazing larger than life characters that seem to go too soon and leave a void impossible to fill. Saildoggie drove us all crazy at times and yet we loved and embraced him for all his quirks..I guess my imitation of him would be in really bad taste right now!! All love to Nic and Lynn...

Perfectly stated Mal. And no, your imitation would be fine - the last thing the Dawg would accept is for us to get serious, and forget his true spirit; NOT reverent at all!

I never met him, but "larger than life" is the expression I also thought of. A loving, giving, living life to the fullest kind of guy. Enjoyed his posts here and photos. RIP, Saildoggie!

Shocked and saddened. Much love to Lynn and Nicole.

I'm totally floored. He will be very much missed by many people... And his beloved dogs. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/cry.gif" alt="" />

Dogspeed, my friend. Hope you are rubbing Trinity's belly at the Rainbow Bridge today. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Sad.gif" alt="" />

SOOO sad to hear this news. He was indeed a character and will be greatly missed. My sympathies to his family

....He would probably LOL....

VERY sorry to hear of the Dawgs passing as he was always friendly and full of hell in a great way! Sincere condolences to all the SD family.

This is very sad. He was one of the most enthusiastic and generous people I've met. He will be missed.

I am so saddened to hear of this news.

We have spent several BVI cruises knocking around with Saildoggie (Mark), Lynn, and Nichole. The Dingy Poker Runs and sailing flotillas he helped organize through TTOL were legendary. There are many memories from these trips that I will treasure for the rest of my days.

I send my love and prayers to his family.

Love and prayers to his family and friends.

The Dawg was not one for flowers so I just made a donation to VISAR (a service he had been on the verge of needing on more than one occasion) in his memory.

Good idea! I'm sure he would have approved! Scroll down totally to the bottom of every page on the BVI forum for a link for VISAR..

And a donation in memory of Bill Hartzman is also in order, who truthfully might have had some issues with the Doggie, but no issues with support of VISAR... <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" />

Unbelievable.

Mark will be missed. Many happy memories of time spent with him and his family.

Sad to hear about this. Mark was a fun guy to be around, always made me laugh when I saw him. SIP.

When he came onto Anegada, he was larger than life. May he RIP..
Condolences to Lynn and Nicole..

Took my breath away when I read this news. I never met Mark but feel like I did, thanks to his wonderful contributions here. My heart goes out to all who knew and loved him.

Dan

I am so sorry to hear this... my heart goes out to Lynn and Nicole... I only had to meet Mark a few times to know we were similar souls, and I enjoyed every moment I spent with him... even trying to carry his drunk [censored] home from my boat at Leverick Bay... the fun never stopped around Mark... but nothing was more important to him than his family, and his friends... RIP buddy.

It didn't matter what boat he skippered, he was one of the best competitors and most genuine friend.

I hope that he is starting a flotilla with Walt.

Cat Fight 2011 Free Will

Interesting you should mention the great Walt Bohren..when I heard this news today I could not put either of them out of my mind. So many folks leave a tiny footprint..others like those two..stomp an impression in the ground and on those they meet that never goes away. I hope we can all learn to love and embrace life like those two maniacs!

I came to know Mark in 09 when he was planning the Flotilla for that year. I recommended a customer on Tortola to do the shirts for him. When they fizzled out on him he called me in a panic to get the shirts done in time. I volunteered to do them myself and got dragged into that crazy fun time (as Twanger would say) in the Flotilla where I had a ball with Mark and all you other folks of the TTOL BVI family. He really worked a lot harder than most folks know to make the Flotilla fun for everyone. Fair Winds Mark. Prayers for Nicole and Lynn.

We had the privilege of spending a week on a boat with Saildoggie, and what a week that was. We had a great time and got to know him well. He was a very kind soul that loved to have a good time. He loved his wife and daughter, it was very evident. We walked away very good friends that kept in contact through the years. I will miss him dearly.

I have been thinking about him all day -- and all of the hard work he put into those flotillas and how much fun we all had.

Ah wow... what can I say. I think Malcolm summed it up perfectly. He was one of those people with whom you feel lucky to have crossed paths, a character larger than life.

For our honeymoon my wife and I sailed with him in the 2012 flotilla. I still recall being at the end of the T dock at Leverick and being able to hear his laugh all the way from the bar... and how that made me smile. We won the Anegada Lobster Regatta that year, double-handing a 50' cat through three squalls with pouring rains and sustained winds in the 30's and gusts into the 40's. What a trip!!

Mark also opened his house to me on a few occasions when I could break free from business trips to California. He was an incredibly generous person, absolutely irreverent, and a total blast to be around.

He will be missed... sorely. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Sad.gif" alt="" />

Collin, you and Mal hit the nail on the head. If it were not for Mark, I would know know any of you folks! If it were not for Mark I would NOT be sailing period!

And with that said I want to share some memories that Mark created with many of us TTOL/BVI folks in this short video. Click the picture to start.

You will be missed!

So sorry to hear this. Many great memories of the early Flotillas... one or two memories best forgotten as well but that was always the way with Mark <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/toast.gif" alt="" /> Sympathy to all family.

Very sad news. Thoughts and prayers to Marks family and friends.

That was so beautiful. I only knew of Saildoggie through his posts here on TTOL but your gorgeous video reduced me to tears. It made me smile to see all his happy times on the islands he loved. May he rest in peace.

Great video, Steve.

Thanks for the video, that's the "Dog" everyone knew. He will be missed dearly.

An amazing, beautiful photo tribute Steve..better than any words..thanks..sail on Dawg
....thinking we should maybe do something to honour Da Dawg at the next Catfight..most outrageous sailor award????I'd suggest best Dawg ipersonation but I know I'd win!

Such sad news to hear. Mark was such a great help getting us to the first flotilla many years ago. He was passionate about TTOL and its people connecting. I have many fond memories of him. Condolences to Lynn and Nicole. He will be missed.

but I know I'd win! [/quote]

Agreed Mal! Maybe a quick non formal poker run in June (any friends that are around at that time, we had one last year with 3 dinks ) and then somthing during Cat Fight. Maybe donations to Visar at that time or any benefit that may be announced by Nicole.

Wonderful video and photo tribute. Sorry I never met Mark ~ looks like it would have been a great time. Best wishes to all of his friends and family. Always a very sad reminder to enjoy the day and cherish your family and friends.

Just got the news. In the BVI at the moment. I can't believe it. The Catfight will never be the same without Mark. Regrets to all friends, family. Donation to VISAR on the way.

Kevin and Michele

So sad to lose someone so full of life.

May a stiff wind move you up high Saildoggie! And thoughts and prayers for the family struck with such a loss. May you find peace.

Lisa

Perhaps the Cat Fight should be the DAWG Fight this year? <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Grin.gif" alt="" />

I vote for that!!

Kevin

Bridget, that's a great idea! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Smile.gif" alt="" />

I think it's a fitting tribute!! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/toast.gif" alt="" />

Real sorry to hear of this loss.....Heartfelt condolences to the family.

So sorry to hear this. We met him years ago. He was quite the character. First, it was Bill, then Alex and now Sail Doggie. Hope they are all sailing on the other side.
God be with his family.

I'll admit that I've never participated in the Catfight and don't know all that much about it. My first search on the internet pulled up this 2012 article. An excerpt....

"“[It] has seen steady growth over the last several years to become the most popular catamaran event for cruising multihulls in the Caribbean,” according to a WEYC press release. “Much of this growth can be attributed to Mark Paulson, a.k.a ‘Sail Doggie’ a regular contributor on Travel Talk Online who has fostered much enthusiasm and support for the event from fellow TTOL’ers, many of whom travelled from great distances to race in their third, fourth, even fifth Catfight.”

When is the next Catfight? Anyone need crew?

I never had the pleasure of meeting Mark in person, but i know he was an outstanding person just from our on line conversations. I'm at a loss for words. Sail on Saildoggie. You will be missed by so many.

I had shared this on Facebook but wanted to duplicate it here:

Hey gang, I spoke with Nicole via FB chat, they are having a celebration of life out there on Feb 27th for Mark. She will post details on his Facebook page so I can re-share here for anyone who is able to attend out there. He will be cremated and they wish to scatter his ashes in the Sir Francis Drake sometime in the future, she said possibly the summer. They are all still in shock as you can imagine but have a lot of support from the community there. I told her the BVI/TTOL family were here for anything and would absolutely help facilitate the BVI ceremony as some here have already offered to do. She was very appreciative and thankful and said they would definitely need the help with that. Other than that, they are just so sad/shocked but that all of the pics and videos on Facebook are really lifting their spirits, to see how much he meant to people. I told her about all of the postings and support here as well. Peace and love BVI family xoxox
Laura

I never met Mark. But he was always so gracious about my blatherings concerning the 'old days'. Several times he PMd me to learn more.

I know that so many of you knew him as a gregarious social creature. That's such a great tribute, and I wish that I experienced that side of him. I knew him only by pen (keyboard) as a gentleman.

Because we shared a love for the 'big dogs' I guess I found him to be a kindred spirit.

Dogspeed, Dawg.

Saildoggie... a sweet and generous soul.

Here is a tribute I think he would approve. He kicked everyone's transom Cat Fight 2010 even after discovering Dawg Rock on Sandy Cay during Cat Fight.

I suggest that we install a "navigational hazard" bouy at Dawg rock with his name using a sand screw and chain and make it part of the Cat Fight race course from here on out. We could have a dedication ceremony on the eve of Cat Fight this year at Sandy Cay.

I'll volunteer to purchase the sand screw, chain, and navigational hazard mooring and install it from Kittytonic using SCUBA.

This navigational buoy will serve as a memorial for Saildoggie, will be part of the race instructions for all future Cat Fights, and may save VISAR from a trip to the East End of Sandy Cay in the future.

We could make a contribution to VISAR in Saildoggie's memory. VISAR made a heroic trip to Anegada that fateful night of the medevac and have been there for so many responses for strangers and friends in need.

Thoughts?

Count me in Dirk! Great idea and great way to remember Mark.
I was part of the crew that year we hit dawg rock! Came out of knowhere and needs to be marked! I am sure Glenn will agree!

Awesome!

Fantastic idea...love it..I too was part of the crew that memorable day..please count me in..

Definitely! I had originally thought that was the place to spread some ashes but a marker is a much better idea! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Thumbsup.gif" alt="" />

Love this idea! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Thumbsup.gif" alt="" />

It is so sad to hear of Mark's passing. In addition to all the great stories and tributes that have been said I wanted to add that he was so kind and supportive last year as I battled Lukemia.

I certainly agree with and support the ideas offered above. I would add one more suggestion. If the Cat fight wanted to create an annual trophy in Mark's honor Kristine and I would happily fund the cost of the trophy in his honor. Just let us know whatever we can do to help honor this friend.

Doug

What the hey????
I am very sad... really enjoyed the TTOL Luau (we were the entertainment... but Saildoggie and the guys in hula drag were really the entertainment) and several other events with Saildoggie.

Steve thanks for the video and Dirk I think its a great idea...I have delayed posting on this thread as I really did not know what to say. I guess I started adding it up and have spent at least 30 days on a boat with Mark. Bonnie and I were out of town when we found out and it really hit home.

I still remember when Mark showed up on TTOL...his often rabid goofball postings and unique A.D.D. type style...that we all grew to love...frankly at first mods had to train him by moving or having to delete some of his stuff something that is rare on this board and taken very seriously when it happened...then we all met him as time went on...I remember the first encounter and all my perceptions changed....Mark was a giving soul who never wanted anyone to be unhappy and lived his life like that...I hope I can be remembered the same way. Rest in Peace my dear friend.

We could help facilitate spreading SailDoggie's ashes in SFD Channel this summer, as we plan to be there in late June / early July.

Also love the Dawg Rock buoy idea and would certainly chip in on that. Just let me know.

Awesome video Steve. Perfect tribute.

So sorry to hear this. His avatar always brought a smile to my face. He will be missed.

We can too - we are in California and will be heading down on 5/26.

Saildoggie was an original, he offered (and I accepted) to give my family a lift from CGB to Leverick, as they had an extra cabin available (2007?). My wife's reaction to the offer was "You met this guy on the internet? And we're getting on a boat?" It worked out great, it's a story we tell to this day, one night and two almost full days with his family (and Trish/Tommy too). I had hoped I would be able to get to a Cat Fight and crew with him. He will be missed, glad I had a chance to grab lunch with him in SoCal a few years ago. Love the ideas for a tribute, maybe I can make the Dawg Fight. Vaya Con Dios Dawg!

I think the bouy idea is great, we could raise a toast to the Dawg everytime we sail by it.

I also like the idea of the Cat Fight (Or Dawg Fight) being done in his honor for 2016. If that is the case, we will have to find a way to come down for it this year.

Let me know if I can help in anyway.

Thanks for that, Laura. Keep us posted - and I'll keep an eye on his FB page - I plan to be there!

Totally shocked. My prayers are with his family. We lost a great guy.

Ugh! I am saddened to read this news.
Had the pleasure of meeting him on our last BVI visit (8 years ago??). We were on the same flight (his connector) out of Boston. That night we met up at The Elm for Friday night BBQ and a drink or 10 with Mal, Tradewinds, sail2wind and the young Air Force boys (which my wife still refers as "yummy",lol).
Loved the photo tribute.
Thoughts and prayers to his family. RIP Dawg.. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Sad.gif" alt="" />

Linda - Brian and I will be there next weekend as well. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Thumbsup.gif" alt="" />

Haley is going as well.

The Loyal West End Yacht Club and family regrets the passing of Mark Paulson. Condolences to family and friends....We will be most pleased to honor him at this year's Cat Fight.....jollylou

Thanks! you guys are a class act, glad to hear it!!!<img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Clapping.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Joy.gif" alt="" />

<img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Thumbsup.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Thumbsup.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Thumbsup.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Clapping.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Clapping.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Clapping.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/toast.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/toast.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/toast.gif" alt="" />

That's good news! It will be bitter/sweet seeing her this time, though xx

At " The Elm" tonight Steve Davies called me over and asked what song they," The Elmtones", should play to honour Da Dawg..as we scratched our heads Steve decided with the classic " Lashing Dogs" hit (Bassman and singer George is the star of that band too).." Drunk and Disorderly"...is there are more perfect tune to honour our pal???

Yeah I concur, that's a good one. He would love that, he was always the first to admit a gravity storm might be imminent! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/toast.gif" alt="" />

I keep a little Facebook page of BVI stuff for fun and just noticed Mark posted something about a year ago. Here Is his link to the 2014 Cat Fight pics for those of you who are his friends and know him best. Looks like some good pics of him. Again sorry for the loss to his family and friends.

Mark Paulsons pictures

Mark's daughter posted this on FB:

To all of Mark Paulson's friends and family,
Thank you for all the support and love you have shared for my father. It has been great to hear all of your stories and memories of him and it just shows what he meant to so many of you.
There will be a celebration of my dad's life on February 27th. It is open to all of his friends and family.We would like it to be a casual gathering to celebrate his beautiful life where we will share stories and his best memories.Please comment below if you will be coming or message Nicole Paulson personally if you have any questions.
Horsethief Canyon Cubhouse
13289 Mountian Road
Corona, Ca, 92883
Febuary 27th at 1pm
Dress: casual colorful attire

------------------------------------------

She was very touched by all the comments and will bringing her dad's ashes in the next few months, no date set yet as she is in college.

I suggested she reach out to this group, as there would likely be many people willing to help her when she gets to the BVI's.

We live close by, in Corona, and are headed to Jost in a couple of weeks.

Im very saddened to hear of the passing of Mark! What a shock!

When I first joined TTOL in 2008, he was always quick to answer questions and provide so many useful tips! We actually met him at the end of our vacation and said hello and thank you for taking time to respond to our questions.

I remember hearing that when visiting Tortola he would take a day and visit the local animal shelters, playing with dogs and purchasing food for them. Quite a big hearted and generous man.

RIP Mark (Saildoggie)!

yeah everyone here has been amazing as usual. I have been in contact as well, Nicole and my daughter are besties thanks to the Dawg and his amazing generosity to invite Haley each year to join them down there on their summer family trips. I have also passed along to Nicole some of the ideas and offers that his BVI / TTOL friends here have floated. Sort of letting things settle a bit there, I told her no rush. Just the same thing, we are all here for them.

Sorry, but I find it difficult to let this thread die. Leaving the BVI tomorrow, but it will never be quite the same when I return knowing that Mark will not be back this October for the Catfight.

KF Quinn

Catfight will never be the same without him. That event will always provide a reminder of all that he has contributed to bringing friends together in the Ilons!

Logged in after a long absence and saw this. While I never met him I enjoyed his posts and hearing about his trips. I wish our paths had crossed. Sending condolences to his friends and family.

Good morning everyone - Brian and I will be heading to the "celebration of life" that Mark's family has arranged for him today. Linda will be driving up from San Diego as well. We will try to get some idea of their plans for the BVI and make sure they are aware that TTOLers would like to plan some sort of tribute at Cat Fight in October.

Thinking about all of you today as you celebrate Marks amazing spirit and passion......love to all <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Kiss.gif" alt="" />

Love to one and all at the celebration..please let us know how it went..

Haley sent me some lovely pics of the displays and pictures they have up at Mark's celebration, very touching and heartbreaking. Thinking about Lynn and Nicole , sending them so much strength and love right now. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/cry.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/cry.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/cry.gif" alt="" />

It's kinda surreal for me. My older brother died 8 years ago today and Mark's celebration is today.

Chris. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Sad.gif" alt="" />

It was a very nice memorial. Lots of funny and touching stories were shared. I got up and represented for the TTOL crowd and the family was very pleased to hear about the forthcoming tribute to the Dawg at the Cat Fight and the plan to hopefully put the "Dawg Rock" marker in place. Linda, Brian, and I hung out for a bit afterwards at a nearby watering hole.

Nicole and Lynn are going to try to get down to the BVI during the summer, I believe. Nicole graduates in December so I think she wants to make sure they are able to get down to scatter some of his ashes there since October might not be possible for her. The plan would be to leave some ashes in the BVI for whatever is planned for October as well.

Bridget nailed it, but I wanted to add that when she talked about the TTOL plans for tributes to Saildoggie, the love was felt! Mark's friends and family were clapping and cheering - it was really cool!!
Re the funny stories - anyone ever heard the 'Boomer' story? It was told by one of his sailing buddies here in SoCal.
Re the watering hole that we visited - in honor of the Dawg, dark and stormies were the order of the day!!
All in all - an emotional, but uplifting day - so glad I was able to be a part of it.
You are missed, Saildoggie!

so great to hear Linda! I remember him just saying he was called Boomer because he always got hit in the head with the boom, I'm sure his buddies had the long version, you will have to share LOL! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/toast.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/toast.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/toast.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/toast.gif" alt="" />
cheers to the Dawg <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Cheers.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Cheers.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Cheers.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Cheers.gif" alt="" />

Laura, Haley was the first person I saw that I knew when I walked in to the room, and hugging her at that moment was so wonderful, but sad, and then wonderful again! Your girl represented well!!

aww thanks Linda, she said it was truly a nice uplifting celebration of life, that of course it was emotional but there were many funny stories and a lot of laughter.

Nicole and Lynn are concentrating their efforts now on getting their affairs in order, as many know that can be daunting especially with a sudden death so they are bit overwhelmed right now with that and she is also trying to finish her semester. So their trip to the BVI to scatter Mark's ashes is still in the idea stage.

I know they are super excited though for the TTOL Cat Fight gang to continue with the Dawg rock marker/ tribute plans for that time late October time period, with or with out them. They realize it is the most convenient time for a large group from here and will decide further down the road about whether or not they themselves are able to participate in that.

I showed Nicole the thread here with the picture of the marker - she loved it!!

Wow, this is really hard to believe. Such a guy full of life. Wow,
let me know about this summer. Wow. Hard to believe.