Dear Friends and Cousins, A little while ago I received this message from Joan and Dave Sisson -- > Please pass the word: Mark [Joan and Dave's only son] died this morning of complications with diabetes. We're so glad he had the opportunity to attend the last Gathering. Isn't it ironic that after all the years of research we've done, we'll have no one to pass on the name from our line. I wrote them to say -- > I am very saddened to hear of Mark's death. I am so glad I had a chance to meet and work with Mark in 2002. [Mark is the one who video-taped much of the 2002 Sisson Gathering, leaving me free to do my thing.] He was so eager to help and was indeed so helpful. I liked him very much. I hope I remembered to thank him. > I can't imagine what it is like to lose an only son. I have had horrible nightmares and day-time worries that one of my sons has died, and that is bad enough, but to know in broad daylight that your son is gone from this earth must be way beyond horrible. You have my deep sympathy. Mark is in my prayers, and so are you both, and Becky [their daughter]. > Your name - our name - has been passed on to a great many people who would not otherwise have known of their Sisson heritage, had it not been for your great and lengthy work in Sisson research. We are all your "adopted" sons and daughters. You are the ones who gave your work - if not your genes - to your Sisson kindred. We are now as good as your sons and daughters, having inherited our roots from your work. You have enabled many others to stand on your shoulders in reaching for our parents. We join Mark in calling you our genealogical parents. We thank you, along with him, for nurturing us." I suggest that you not use email to express your condolences. Their street address is David and Joan Sisson 2750 Marina Avenue Livermore CA 94550-9612 Yours, in sorrow, David Arne Sisson