“And tomorrow may rain, so I’ll follow the sun” — Paul McCartney

Beloved teacher, friend, and husband Mark Alan Schulz passed away at his home in Norfolk, Virginia on Thursday, March 31 at the age of 54 — or, as he would prefer to say, went to join the Viking warriors in Valhalla, where the good ale and champagne never, ever runs dry.

One of those lucky “born musicians,” Mark studied cello and jazz guitar at Baldwin-Wallace College and the prestigious Berklee College of Music before earning his Masters degree in Music Technology from the University of Akron. Though Mark was honored with two Tellys and two Emmys for his work as a composer, he was most proud of his teaching awards: an Award of Distinction from Kent State University, and the Shining Star Teaching Award from Old Dominion University.

A passionate professor beloved by his students, Mark taught music in Ohio at the Aurora School of Music, Stark State College, Kent State University (Stark Campus), and Malone University, and in Virginia at Old Dominion University. Over his career, he gave private lessons, led the string orchestra at Roosevelt High School, and served as the Senior Choir Director for St.Jacob’s Lutheran Church in Canton, Ohio for eight years. In July 2012, Mark also traveled to Zalecze Wielkie, Poland to help set up a music technology lab for the Summer Arts Program of The Kosciuszko Foundation, which he continued to help manage. On top of his teaching, Mark owned his own production company, Great Tunes Multimedia, and worked as a freelance composer, producer, and film-scorer.

Mark was a lifelong learner, talented sketcher, and not-so-talented (but enthusiastic!) opera singer. He never missed an opportunity for a good pun or chance to enjoy the beach on a beautiful day. Mark loved traveling to new places and especially enjoyed Europe, but was most at home with a guitar in his lap and a cold beer at hand, sharing songs and conversation with his friends and family.

Mark is survived by his wife Holly Benton (step-daughters Meghan Rutherford and Amy Rutherford); mother Nancy Barnett; father Jack Schulz; brothers Craig Schulz (Donna) and Harlan T. Bobo (Ann); nephews Mitchell, Corey, and Nino; cat Czerny; and many friends, bandmates, and students across the country who will carry his legacy into the future. We were all very lucky to have known him.

In lieu of a traditional Viking funeral, donations in his memory may be made to Habitat for Humanity, the St. Jacob’s Church music program, or the Lung Cancer Alliance.