It is with a very heavy heart, that the Romaric family mourns the loss of Mark David Swanson, Co-Founder, Board Member and former Vice President. On July 28, 2020, Mark passed away peacefully in his home at the age of 53, with his wife Zahra, his mother and two sisters at his side. Mark struggled with health issues over the last several years and shockingly discovered he had stage 4 cancer earlier this year. After unsuccessful chemotherapy, he spent the last five weeks of his life on hospice care, but still contributing to corporate initiatives (at his insistence).
Everyone who worked closely with Mark was deeply influenced by his dedication to ongoing personal development, his absolute commitment to quality, his infectious positive attitude and his enthusiasm for life itself.
Romaric evolved into the company it is today, one of the fastest growing private companies in America for three years running, largely because of Mark’s personal sacrifice and dedication, and sticking with it during lean years and difficult times.
When I first approached Mark and Eric Baggaley in 2000 to join me in a new endeavor, which became Romaric, Mark and Eric had never met in person (Mark was living in Korea), though I had worked with each of them for seven years. I assured Eric that Mark would be a great leader over our technical team. Eric has often expressed gratitude for the deep friendship that he developed with Mark. It is not often that three persons who start a business together develop the strong, sincere friendships that the three of us have shared. Mark is greatly missed.
In honor of Mark’s life and commitment to excellence, Romaric will be announcing the creation of the Mark D. Swanson Scholarship Fund. This is intended to be an annual scholarship given to a qualified undergraduate student attending a four-year college in the State of Utah, studying computer science, who can demonstrate a similar determination and commitment to excellence that Mark unwaveringly exhibited.
The logo above, which will only be used for special occasions, is to illustrate and happily acknowledge that Mark Swanson was, and will continue to be, the heart of Romaric.
Eric Baggaley and I wish to express our love and appreciation to Mark, as our business partner of 19+ years, and more importantly our friend. We have been tremendously blessed to have shared these years with, and been taught by, him. As I’ve often said, Mark never looked for a job, he needed a cause. The Romaric family is grateful he chose us.
– Rory M. Gagon