Mark Harland dead at 50

The longtime Nashville activist was found dead at his home in south Florida on October 3, 2004. Mark, a favorite son of Deland, Florida, moved to Nashville at the end of the 1970's, and spent the next two decades struggling for Tennessee's neediest, while supplying friendship and support to "the faithful." He had been living in Florida for the past six years.

Mark Charles Harland was found dead in his home in Lake Worth, Florida, on Sunday, October 3, 2004. Mark was 50 years old (born on January 25, 1954, in Mount Pleasant, Michigan). His family (Tom and Barbara Harland and his siblings) moved to DeLand, Florida, in 1957 and Mark spent his youth in DeLand. As a Boy Scout, Mark achieved the highest award, Eagle Scout. In high school he was active in Student Government. He graduated from DeLand High School in 1972, Daytona Beach Community College in 1974, and from the University of Florida in 1977 with a Bachelors of Arts degree in American Studies.

Mark was well known for his concern and willingness to help his fellow human beings. He made this trait the centerpiece of his career in social service. After graduating from college in Gainesville, Florida, he immediately became involved in local efforts that helped minority farmers compete in the marketplace. He soon moved to Nashville, Tennessee, where he continued to work for independent farmers, in the newly-formed Agricultural Marketing Project. Not content to limit his service to a single group, Mark often spent evenings and weekends at area neighborhood centers, where he organized coalitions of low-income citizens and area activists in the distribution of fresh food directly to poor families.

His tireless work in Tennessee had national repercussions when his years-long struggle on behalf of the state's WIC program (which assures good nutrition for deprived women and children) eventually overcame the grip of international corporations. Thanks in large part to Mark, the Tennessee WIC program was "cleaned up," and the resulting cost savings meant hugely increased benefits to the state's poor. He went on to network with WIC agencies across the nation (moving to Washington, DC, for two years), starting a chain reaction that undoubtedly saved and enhanced thousands of lives, and served taxpayers at the same time.

In 1998 he moved to Lake Worth, Florida, the home of his two brothers, Michael Harland and Dr. Martin Harland, where he continued his mission of helping, working there with Family and Social Services. He is survived by his brothers, his sister, Maureen, a niece and five nephews. His parents Tom and Barbara Harland are deceased.

Mark gave of himself to others in everything he did. His life was one of service to the needy, struggle for the truth, and celebration of humanity. He was one of the good ones. We will dearly miss him.