Obituaries

Mark Thompson

May 17, 2015

Local projectionist, concessions manager and lovable curmudgeon Mark Thompson died at his home Sunday evening, May 17, 2015 after a brief illness. Mark was the reluctant face of Millersville’s Point of View Cinema, a semi-mythical place where multitudes of Lancastrians encountered touchstone films that changed the way they looked at their world. To friends, the projection booth of the theater was a place of mirth and philosophical waxing like no other. Despite an “abrasive” exterior, Mark was a lively, witty and deep-hearted man whose charm, insight and deep belly laugh will continue to resonate with all who knew and loved him.

He would hate this obituary

Mark is survived by the “Love of his Life” Mary Ruhl of Millersville; Father, John Thompson of Willow Street; Sister, Judy, wife of Frank Tidikis of Stuart, FL; Brother, Matthew Thompson, husband of Laurie, of Elizabethtown. He is preceded in death by his mother, Kathryn Thompson.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Lancaster Hospice & Community Care, 685 Good Drive, Box 4125, Lancaster, PA 17604 and/or (hopefully AND) the Hillary16 Campaign.

“Thank you for calling and have a great day”.

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Condolences to the Family

July 03, 2015

I have been away for a month and just learned of Mark’s death. I, too, spent many happy hours at the Point of View between late 1986 and when the theater closed. I always thought Mark should have been given some kind of award or public recognition from the Lancaster community for the role he played in enriching local culture. Although there are some new venues available for seeing independent films in Lancaster, sadly there is no real replacement for the Point of View. Indeed, NO ONE matches Mark’s skill in selecting and promoting good films. He was a master and a real gift to the community plus he was a fine human being. It’s a great loss. My sincere condolences to his family. 
-Judy Pehrson

July 03, 2015

Oh, I am saddened to hear of Mark’s death. We went to high school together, and I remember him so fondly. I was, however, somewhat mad at the fact that he could spend the entire physics class in the library (with the teacher’s permission), and only show up for the tests. He always got an A; me, not so much. He was, perhaps, the brightest mind I ever knew. I enjoyed our talks when he would join me as I served as “hall monitor” – a desk in a lonely hall. I saw him after high school, whenever we went to his theater. The world is a little darker without him. Rest in peace, Mark.
Lois Ann (Harris) Reed

May 22, 2015

Mark, 
Thanks for being the bright light of intellect. I will miss you. 
Love,
Kevin Fulton

May 21, 2015

I learned about good and great films at the Point Of View from the 1980’s until the early 2000’s. I haven’t lived around that area for years, but I remember Mark well and am so sad to hear of his passing. He was an amazing force who will be missed. 
linda Loftin

May 21, 2015

Thank you to Mark Thompson for bringing foreign and indie films to Lancaster County when we had no place local to see them. I spent many hours in that theater, and many more in the parking lot discussing the films with friends. We’d sometimes still be there when Mark was closing up the theater, and he’d come out and talk about the movie with us. In my office today, we’re reminiscing about all the great films we saw there … the real butter on the popcorn … and Mark there in the box office, tearing tickets, talking about movies. Condolences to Mary and the rest of Mark’s family.– Mary Ellen Wright, Lancaster, PA

May 21, 2015

I have so many fond memories of seeing great films at the Point of View.  
Quick story:  When I was a teenager, I worked at Pine View Dairy.  One day Mark left his wallet behind and I found it and returned it to him.  After that day, Mark would always say “free!” whenever I came to see a movie–even twenty years later, he still recognized me and would not charge me for a ticket.  He will be missed.   Shauna Frischkorn

May 21, 2015

I was in elementary school in the 1960s Mark was brilliant enough to skip a grade and join our 5th grade class. He wrote a series of short stories and we all looked forward to hearing the next episode of Mark’s stories. I am so very sorry to hear of Mark’s passing.  Joni Martin Shirk
 

May 21, 2015

M&M so many memories over the past 33 years I have known you, the dynamic duo!  I remember all of my conversations with Mark working at the concession stand at the Point of View and he always gave me a totally different perspective on things.  I first met Mark working at Funk’s Farm Market in Millersville as he would zip in to grab some young, small kernel sweet corn before heading to the theater. I remember he was a man of few words but over time I always made a point of greeting him and making small talk and eventually he offered me a second job at the theater, which I loved, great company and free movies!  His heart was big and his wisdom mighty. Mary he would always be anxious for you to arrive on Friday evenings, then the weekend was set!  Thank you for the memories…peace be with you dear friend. Diana

May 20, 2015

Thank you Mark Thompson for bringing so many wonderful, wise films to the Point of View. You made my life richer.
Jane Holahan

May 20, 2015

Matthew,
 
So sorry to hear about the passing of your brother, Mark.  Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Dan and Doreen Lake

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