Artist & Writer Mark Kneeskern Killed in Train Accident

This morning I read the horrible news in The Mountain Mail that artist Mark Kneeskern was hit and killed by a train last Sunday, at 4:15am, in Fairfield, Iowa.  He was 42.

I can’t say that I knew Mark well.  But I can say with certainty that he had bigger than life talent, and a personality to match.

I first met Mark at his July 2013 book reading at the Book Haven’s Dies Librorum event.  He read selected passages from his book, “The Last American Hitchhiker: Tales of Wander.”

Mark was the last of four authors to present, which was a good thing, because he would have been a hard act to follow.  He didn’t just read passages from his book.  He incorporated what could best be called a stand-up comedy routine, and held the audience captive and in fits of laughter.  He was so charismatic, you couldn’t help but like him.

Although I had no intention to buy Mark Kneeskern’s book prior to his presentation, there was no way I could walk out of the Book Haven that evening without a copy of it. 

Mark Kneeskern signed my copy of “The Last American Hitchhiker.”  He simply signed, in a lower corner of the first page, “Use your noggin!  Peace, Mark" and drew a peace sign.

The last time I saw Mark in town, he asked me if I’d read his book.  I answered honestly.  “Some of it.” 

I think I’ll finish that book now.  Sadly, it will be a different read.  And I’m left to wonder why he signed it, “Use your noggin.”