USA
The Association for Linen Management (ALM) has announced its sadness at the death of board member Mark Mann, who passed away on 14 January. “It is with a very heavy heart that MIP announces the passing of Mark Mann, vice president of MIP’s USA Business Unit. Mark had been with MIP for 29 years,” said Gabriel Boardman, MIP vice-president product development. “He was one of the people most closely associated with MIP and its success, and one of the first individuals whose name comes up whenever someone thinks of MIP. Many of us sought his industry expertise. We will miss an individual that was larger-than-life with his colourful anecdotes and stories. Mark leaves behind his wife Caroline, five children, and four grandchildren.”

ALM board president Richard Bott shared condolences from the Board. “Mark was not only a knowledgeable and devoted director on the ALM board, but a valued colleague and friend. His insight, leadership, and friendship will be greatly missed by us all. Our prayers and support are with his lovely wife Caroline and the family he loved dearly.”

Mark’s involvement with ALM spans years of education, programme development, and speaking engagements as a long-time supporter of ALM and its mission. 

“Mark’s passion was for people, and it was evident by the valued relationships he built with those he met,” said ALM executive director Linda Fairbanks. “Always someone that could be relied on for his expertise with textiles, his contribution to the betterment of our industry, and, most of all, his dynamic and uplifting spirit that inspired all who knew him. To say he will be missed greatly is a vast understatement.”

Mark’s friends and family will gather from 2-6 pm, Saturday, 22 January, at The Hitchin’ Post, 176 West Specht Road, San Antonio, Texas, to celebrate his life.