SURFING SOAPBOX: A man full of honor

The purpose of life is not to be happy. The purpose of life is to matter, to be productive; to have it make some difference that you lived at all.

— Arthur H. Prince

Mark Metherell was doing just that — making a difference — when he died last week in Iraq. He was a former Navy SEAL and an elite Special Forces advisor to the U.S. government. Sadly he was killed by an IED (improvised explosive device) with seven other Iraqis while riding in the lead car in a convoy.

I had met Mark only a couple of times, and what I admired most about him was his quiet demeanor.

You know, the type of person who takes the time to listen and think before he or she speaks.

To me, that is the mark of a great man.

This is a man who leads by example, moving through life and touching others.

Judging by the outpouring of love and support that transformed the neighborhood of Brooks Street into a candlelight vigil wrapped in American flags, Mark not only touched those neighbors and friends, but made a difference in their lives.

Some of the qualities I have heard in describing Mark begin with honesty and loyalty; a devoted husband and father who hated being in the spotlight.

Driving up Brooks Street last Friday evening and seeing all of those American flags flying at half staff made me very proud that a man like Mark lived in our town.

Thank you for living your life and making a difference to all of us.

There will be a paddleout ceremony for Mark Metherell at 4 p.m. Saturday at Brooks street. See www.markmetherell.com for more information.

Peace.

JAMES PRIBRAM is a Laguna Beach native, professional surfer and founder of the Aloha School of Surfing. He can be reached at [email protected]