Mark Bruzee left us May 20, 2022 with his husband by his side. I can barely comprehend the loss to the Audio Drama Community. Mark was a stalwart, tireless, creative dynamo. He would have laughed if I called him spritely, but looking back that’s the energy he had. We would text back and forth through social media sharing ideas, conspiring for new projects, and delving into each other’s shows as often as we could.
Among the many shows, he did for me included his voice as the narrator for “The Spaceways Starring Biff Straker”. and my adaptation of my first one-man stage play “Breathing Space”. I returned the favour by acting as his narrator “Rupert” for his anthology series for Mark’s passion project- L.E.A.P. Audio. I still remember when Mark asked me my feelings about starting a pro-LGBTQ+ audio drama group. It was still early days in the modern audio drama movement and the thought of being something groundbreaking for that community was compelling to both of us. I think my enthusiasm for the idea was nearly as large as Mark’s. He did that. He cranked up everyone’s enthusiasm for whatever new creative project he was involved in and this extended beyond Audio Drama as Mark was a member of Auburn Players and Harlequin Productions. He was tirelessly supportive, even when he had health issues, Mark would make time to talk to anyone who needed an ear.
As I enter the age of “leavings” I am still unable to listen to audio drama without hearing his velvet voice in The Byron’s Chronicles or on any Darker Projects episodes. You can still hear his voice as one of the promos for our Mutual Audio Network, “This is the Mutual Audio Network. Welcome home…” Mark improved. He made it so. It may be the time of life when we leave friends for a time. I look forward to seeing Mark again beyond the veil… where we can get more excited about more new art we can create together. Rest in peace, my brother. You leave behind a greater legacy than you could know in the people who you touched.
Mark is survived by his husband David Roche. Mark and David shared a life together for 42 years. Their best moment was being married at the New York State Fair. Mark is also survived by his brothers Timothy (Teri) and Neil Bruzee of Seneca Falls, NY; and a large extended family.
Condolences may be made at www.brewfuneralhome.com.
A Celebration of Mark’s Life will be held on June 5, 2022 from 12:00-4:00 p.m. at 7246 Chestnut Ridge Road, Auburn, NY.
