Remembering Mark Bayless

This was a nice remembrance of our good friend Mark Bayless who passed away a few months ago, written by friends of the store Ben Adler and Michaela Manago. It was published in Reptile Magazine and is currently on their front page. I cannot find a direct link to it so I will reprint it here.

Mark Bayless Remembered
Mark Bayless, a renowned varanid researcher and author, died Nov. 1, 2006, due to complications from diabetes.

Mark was a long-time and dedicated contributor to the reptile community. He collected every known account of monitor lizards and maintained the largest known compilation of articles, photographs and history of the Varanus genus. He generously shared his collection with anyone who showed the slightest bit of interest. Mark had a unique ability to make people feel they could do anything.

Mark was captivated by practically all subject matter, which led to impressive collections of B-movies, books and articles on cryptozoology, the giant octopus and many other oddities. His fascination with folklore and the unknown came out in the humorous fictional tales he told as if they were true.

Mark will be remembered as a brother and uncle, an amazing teacher and researcher, an obsessed collector, a prankster, and most of all, a dear friend to all those who crossed his path.

Thank you, Mark, for all your hard work and enthusiasm. We'll never forget the 150-foot snake that ate the whole village!
- Ben Aller and Michaela Manago