TravelTalkOnline Forums Travel and Vacation Forums British Virgin Islands Mark Paulson (Saildoggie)

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="" />