An Accident Takes the Life of Carolan's Friend Mark Slovich

Carolan received word of the the death of her friend Mark Andrew Slovich, a young fellow who worked with her 2 years ago in the Montana Conservation Corps. Mark died a couple days ago in a fall in Utah. After he fell, one friend, Jeremy I believe, stayed with him giving him first aid while another friend ran 20 miles to get help for Mark--but, alas, to no avail.

Mark was from Holland, Pennsylvania, near Philadelphia, and was a genuine mountain guy--beloved by his fellow mountain and wilderness workers in the US Forest Service and the Conservation Corps.

This was a terrible blow for Carolan and all Mark's former colleagues. They become a tight family in their work in the wilderness--it's like losing your brother.

Our prayers are with Mark, his family, and his many friends and co-workers.

Here is an obituary:

Mark Andrew Slovich of Holland, PA died suddenly in a hiking accident on Wednesday, April 18, 2012, in Utah. He was 22.

Born in Langhorne, PA, he was the beloved son of Richard M. and Marie T. Scanlin Slovich.

Mark was a resident of Holland for 20 years. He graduated from Council Rock South High School, Class of 2008. An avid outdoorsman, Mark joyfully hiked the Appalachian Trail. He joined the Conservation Corps, a division of AmeriCorps, and served for two years in Minnesota and Montana. Presently he was employed as a forest technician with the U.S. Forestry Service. He was an experienced hiker who sought out beautiful and serene spaces to play musical prayer from his Indian flute. He will be sadly missed as a loving son, brother, grandson and friend to all who knew him.

In addition to his parents, he is survived by his brother, Michael J. Slovich and his wife, Jessica, of Mohnton, PA, his two sisters, Katharine G. Slovich of Philadelphia, PA, Anna E. Slovich of Holland, PA, and his cherished girlfriend Emily Hayes of Duluth, MN. He was the maternal grandson of Helen Scanlin of Buckingham and John J. Scanlin of Tioga County, PA and paternal grandson of Rose R. Slovich of Erie, PA and the late Frank Slovich. He is also survived by many aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Relatives and friends are invited to call on Thursday, April 26, 2012, from 10:00 AM until his Funeral Mass 11:00 AM at St. Bede the Venerable Church, 1071 Holland Road, Holland, PA 18966. Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to Churchville Nature Center, Churchville, PA.