At the young age of 18, I created excitement when we eloped to be married. We worked hard and would own the first advertising and public relations company. We raised a beautiful family. This morning that love showed as they all reached out to comfort me long distance. I am so happy you were writing for them your Cayman story. As a family, your joy was to have us all together for mealtimes. We shared memories and made memories then. We would have our last call just before… I know our love for each other and our family was your joy in life. We enjoyed with you until that last call. Rest in peace now.
Ann Rice – loving wife of 41-years of Mark Thomas Rice
MARK THOMAS RICE was former President and Managing Director of Graffix Ltd. passed away on the 13th of July. at his residence in Tampa, Florida.
Left to mourn are his wife of some forthy-one-years, Anne Rice, and six children: Niakonnie, Matthew, Christopher, Joshua, Ryan and Wade. Mark is the son-in-law of Mary Lawrence, former Speaker of the House. He is also served by seven grandchildren: Tahan (2019 Carifta athlete), Konnor, Cole, Addison, Cason, Natalie and little Kylian. All of whom he absolutely adored.
Many will remember Mark as the brains behind Graffix Ltd. a printing and marketing company located behind the Cayman Compass building. He operated there for over 20-years beginning in 1980.
Mark came to the Cayman Islands in 1970 as a young college exchange student to help build the ICCI college. He lived among the locals, hitchhiking, swatting mosquitos, fishing and free diving for the next meal. He met many lifetime friends along the way. Many of whom are now mourning his loss with his family.
Mark and Anne, started the first public relations and advertising agency in 1980 from their dining room table. As their business took off they required office space and staff which was facilitated by moving into the Compass building.
Mark was known for his strong marketing communication expertise. A graduate of Portland State University, Portland Community College and ICCI, he had been an important partner with the Cayman Compass on advertising, radio, and journalism-related matters from 1980 until the office was destroyed by Hurricane Ivan in 2004.
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Mark was also known for his work ethics, his ability to find humor in everything and his great love of family. He talked proudly of his wife Anne and his six children. He spent many hours creating family memories that they will always have to cherish. They fondly remember numerous discussions at the kitchen table, his workshop and enjoyed many family laughs (and some serious debates) around the dining table. He will be greatly missed by family and friends alike.
The outpouring of calls and messages speaks volumes for the Caymanian life he lived. Mark Rice touched and helped many people and families during his lifetime.
He will be missed but never forgotten.
Because of the Covid-19 pandemic, Niakonnie and Kyle, Mathew, Joshua, and Belinda could not travel to Tampa and view his body for closure. He died unexpectedly and he would have wanted his place to be home in Cayman.
- Fascinated
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