Mark stands with fellow volunteers at the Fall 2011 Town Hall

 Dear Town Hall Members,

It is with a heavy heart that we report that Mark Hummels, a gifted lawyer, loving father and dedicated Town Hall volunteer was fatally injured in the senseless shooting that occurred this past Wednesday. Mark's death is a devastating loss to his family, his friends and colleagues, and to all of us at the Arizona Town Hall. 

Mark believed strongly in the Town Hall's mission of civil discourse. He supported that mission by giving generously of his time and his prodigious talent: serving as a recorder, report chair and permanent member of the Training Committee.  

Anyone who has ever attended a Town Hall knows that the roles of recorder and and report chair are the most difficult.  Mark willingly volunteered for these roles, emanating a humble calm and humor during the most stressful Town Hall moments while brilliantly crafting language that united diverse viewpoints. 

It is a tragic irony that he was gunned down at the very moment that the Town Hall was in communication with his office about having him once again volunteer his skills to help unite a divided community.

The final report from the 99th Arizona Town Hall on Energy was in its final stages of publication. It will be dedicated to Mark, who served as a report chair for that Town Hall.

Services for Mark will be held  at the Orpheum Theater (203 West Adams Street in Phoenix) at 4:30 PM, Tuesday, February 5.  A reception will follow in the adjoining Phoenix City Hall atrium.

Members who wish to express formal condolences to Mark's family can send them to  Mark's law firm, Osborn Maledon, 2929 North Central Avenue,
Phoenix, AZ 85012-2793. Osborn Maledon is also gathering pictures. If you have some to share, please email them to  webmaster@omlaw.com, along with a brief description of the timeframe and people involved. 

Perhaps the greatest action that any of us can take is to be inspired by the life Mark led and the example he set.   

Mark, members of the Report Committee, Board Chair Ron Walker and President Tara Jackson at the plenary session of 99th Arizona Town Hall.  (Fall of 2011 at the Grand Canyon)

Mark and Tara Jackson during the plenary session of the fall 2011 Town Hall, Arizona's Energy Future.

Mark and Matt Bailey crafting language for the recommendations report at the Fall 2011 Town Hall

Mark attending one of the meal programs at the 95th Town Hall on government revenue (Fall of 2009 at the Grand Canyon)

Mark in the work room with fellow report committee members during the Fall 2009 Town Hall