Marc Smith Sacks

*Go Fund Me - Contribute Financial Support for Cora & Allison* https://gofund.me/69c4bfcd

It is with deep sadness that Allison, Cora and family announce the unexpected passing of Marc due to a rock climbing accident in Yosemite National Park. He was an accomplished and highly skilled rock climber, leader, father, husband and all-around exceptional human who was known for the integrity, warmth and positivity he brought to every aspect of his life and work. Marc will be terribly missed and the light he shared with the world will not be forgotten.

Marc was born in September 1972 to Pamela and Michael in San Bernardino County, California. Growing up, Marc was full of joy and was always the first to offer kindness to those around him in need. When he was younger, Marc spent a number of years playing little league baseball and basketball, where his mom could usually be found handing out snacks fulfilling her role as Team Mom. Many afternoons, Marc spent his free time playing catch, shooting baskets or racing his bike around the neighborhood. In high school, Marc took up lifting weights where he found a passion for fitness and was an accomplished wrestler, wrestling on the varsity team. Over the years, Marc enjoyed many family vacations with his dad where he developed his love for the outdoors, hiking, biking, camping and skiing. Marc was an insightful and thought-provoking younger brother to his brother Rob and a protective and caring older brother to his sister Andrea. In his early years of college, Marc developed a love for playing the guitar. He even went on to build his own guitar by hand, completely from scratch, an instrument he took great pride in. No project or challenge was ever too big for Marc to tackle and he did so with confidence in his success.

Marc’s love for natural beauty and the outdoors took him from the urban area of his youth to beautiful Santa Cruz, where he earned a degree in Environmental Studies and would later go on to earn his masters degree in nonprofit. It was while in college that Marc met his life partner, Allison Smith. Marc and Allison were best friends and the loves of each other’s lives from day one. The friendship and love they had for one another was always evident in everything they did. You could find them acting silly while dancing around the house or snuggling with their daughter Cora in one big happy pile. They shared their passions of outdoor adventure, healthy living, personal growth and built a vibrant life together full of love and many moments exploring the beauty wherever they lived.

After graduating college Marc discovered his penchant for leadership training while guiding troubled teens on wilderness experiences in Florida and Colorado. Working at the Wilderness Institute for Leadership Development, Marc was able to bring together his love of the outdoors with his deep care for others. After many years working and leading in the wilderness, Marc’s leadership work expanded into the business world where he supported corporate teams from small businesses to Fortune 100 companies to help them grow and reorient with intention and care for others.

As a treasured coach, high-stakes facilitator, strategic consultant, and community builder, Marc brought vast knowledge about building leadership, teams, organizations, and community, with many frameworks and experiences to draw from. Yet the key to his profound impact was how he showed up – creative, caring, collaborative, gentle yet strong, totally available, and absolutely delighted to be in each conversation. Marc brought to his work the lightness and playfulness of a beginner and the keen eye and stability of a master. Working with Marc was never just professional; you always got all of him. He never compartmentalized work from what he loved—instead, his passions fueled him. From Zoom, his team and clients could see his surfboard, hear his climbing plans, and see his face totally light up when he said he was heading out to see Cora and Allison.

Marc smiled easily and those around him always felt seen and valued. He had an ability to be open hearted and fully present to his family, friends, climbing community, work team and clients. May we each find in Marc’s memory the inspiration to learn deeply, dive into hard stuff with curiosity and joy, and live with commitment and intention.

In time there will be a gathering to celebrate Marc’s rich life and all the joy and positive impact he brought to the world.

Please hold Cora and Allison in your hearts and consider offering your financial support to their Gofundme campaign that will help them cover their immediate and longer-term expenses. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that all gifts are directed to the GoFundMe.

*Go Fund Me - Contribute Financial Support for Cora & Allison* https://gofund.me/69c4bfcd