Markus meant an incredible amount to so many people as a friend, mentor and perhaps most/least importantly as the chief whip of the oceanography and friends all-star soccer kickaround.
Join us at 3pm on the Dalhousie Wickwire field to play, watch or just laugh at us play a football dedicated to his memory. Doctors Without Borders Canada (Médecins Sans Frontières), was Markus' favourite charity and we hope that along with the show (of the comedy variety) we can raise some money for a great cause, so we are asking players, spectators and anyone who can't make it to contribute toward this cause. After the game we will head over to the Oxford Taproom to raise a glass in memory of Markus.
Writing into words how lucky we are to have met Markus is difficult. It is rare that a person is so easily able to make you feel at home, to offer sage advice, and flip on a grin that could make the rainiest day feel warm. But all of these came naturally to Markus, and would often all occur in the same 2 minute conversation as he patrolled the cavernous halls of the life sciences building. We should all strive to be a little bit more like Markus.
Many a person has been a victim of the relentless pressing in the hallways to join our weekly soccer game, only to be pressed even harder by the very same Dr. Kienast on the turf. The corridors of oceanography will never feel full without the ominous sound of Markus whistling as he approached on a rainy Wednesday morning in November. The existential dread as you tried to think of an excuse better than "it's disgusting weather and I don't want to get cold". Markus would rouse the crowd (those stupid enough) to play in all conditions: rain, hail, sun, wind or snow. No kit, no excuse, some have even turned out in wetsuits. And the rain? Well, it isn't even that bad today!
Not many weeks went by without the sight of Markus running with a full head of steam (quite literally in the winter) up and down the line and I know that the thought of watching us do this across the full size of the pitch would bring a smile to his face. Not to mention the fact we get one over the Dalplex with formal ownership of the field (just don't wear any Wanderers merchandise, please).
If you can, join us for our memorial soccer game at Dalhousie's Wickwire field for a showcase of the worst of the worst soccer talent Atlantic Canada's oceanographic and assorted friends have to offer. Bring your chicken wings to bribe the opposition, and remember, there's no offside for the over 50's.
Thank you for your support!