It is with great sadness that we report that Mark Irvine passed away suddenly last night. Mark is deeply involved in his search marketing community and was known as a talented paid search specialist who always spent time helping others throughout his long career in this field.
Mark has been in the search marketing industry for over 10 years, including 7 years at WordStream and the last 4 years at SearchLab. He always wore a bright and welcoming smile at industry events and shared advice with his colleagues and friends.
Nava Hopkins has worked with Mark for many years and sent me the following message:
“Do less”
This is something Mark always says to me when we work together. Still, he could do no more. He put a lot of love and care into everything he did.
I was lucky enough to work directly with Mark for about five years and have counted him as a friend ever since. Mark is not only an excellent scientist and a natural leader, he was also one of the most human people I have ever known. He understood people at a fundamental level and always made sure those around him could shine.
Mark has often said that I was his personal public relations team, and even now, as I write about his accomplishments and his amazing (and generally all-too-short) life, I'm still doing the same thing. I can hear him laughing. Yeah, it's tough…just enjoy the love we shower you with and drink a heavenly pumpkin spice latte.
Mark always put data first in all of WordStream's major projects, Nava said. He was a worldly person and traveled abroad to speak at many events. He was really good at connecting with people overseas. Mark was named the No. 1 PPC Influencer in 2019 and consistently made the list year after year. PPC Hero has recognized him as one of their top PPC influencers every year since 2015, as well as Microsoft in 2019.
Here is Mark's bio at SearchLabs:
He leaves behind his partner Bobby Mayne and his mother Virginia Hall.
Here are some early reactions to the sad news of Mark's passing:
I can't believe he's gone…at least we know he's looking forward to Pumpkin Spice Lattes and Big Brother: Heaven Edition forever.
Thank you for the blessings and love you have brought to all those who were lucky enough to know you. @MarkIrvine89. May you rest in peace ♥️ pic.twitter.com/lpufASDPaO
— Nava Hopkins (@navahf) May 3, 2024
Everyone…I can't do it either.
It is impossible for us to imagine living in a world without anything. @MarkIrvine89 Initialization. I am infinitely grateful to have had the opportunity to work with and deepen our friendship with him over the past four years…
— Greg Gifford (@GregGifford) May 3, 2024
Like many others, I was just enjoying my time with Mark. @pubcon earlier this year.
A talented paid search marketer and a great human being with the wit of red wine and the personality of caviar.
I love you and miss you, my friend. https://t.co/ntQzrS7jIg
— Damon Gochneaur (@DamonGochneaur) May 3, 2024
I just met Mark at PubCon. I can't believe he's gone. He was his PPC legend and friend. 💔 #ppcchat https://t.co/nF0cbQ9U51
— Kirk Williams (@PPCKirk) May 3, 2024
I can't believe Mark is gone – it feels like it was only a few weeks ago that we were all hanging out at PubCon. I can't believe he's gone. Mark was always kind and generous in sharing his time and his talents with his PPC community and was a truly wonderful person.
Thoughts… https://t.co/G2IcsbVtCy
— Sam (@DigitalSamIAm) May 3, 2024
I'm still in shock. You were a wonderful person and friend. I'll miss you very much.rest in peace @MarkIrvine89 🥺💔
— ChristoferAlec (@ChristoferAlec) May 3, 2024
Oh, my heart is so heavy. Your intelligence, wit, and candor are next level and never cease to make others laugh, laugh, and think deeply. You were a pillar of his PPC community. May you rest in peace, @MarkIrvine89 https://t.co/ir2fOqLPOb pic.twitter.com/RRFImGlXfa
— Akvile DeFazio (@AkvileDeFazio) May 3, 2024
I’m so sorry to see this 😔 RIP @MarkIrvine89 🙏 https://t.co/4tn8R5LbMR
— Aleyda Solis 🕊️ (@aleyda) May 3, 2024
This is shocking news.
Mark is a truly wonderful human being and the world is a little less bright without him.
Sending a big hug to his family and everyone who knew and loved him. he will be missed. 💔#PPC chat https://t.co/wa3u7EKRo4
— Julie F. Bacchini (@NeptuneMoon) May 3, 2024
I am so sad to hear of Mark's passing. I remember sharing many posts from Mark over the years. Although I didn't get to meet him in person, I knew he was a very astute paid search professional. A huge loss for the industry. https://t.co/orXg1n19fY
— Glenn Gabe (@glengabe) May 3, 2024
😢😢😢 It's heartbreaking. Our thoughts are with his family and friends 🙏
— Greg Finn (@gregfinn) May 3, 2024
I'm disappointed to hear this news. I can't believe we were together just two months ago. He will always hold a special place in his PPC community and everyone he touched.
You and Mark definitely had a special relationship. Sending you the biggest hug from Minnesota.
— Brooke Osmundson (@BrookeOsmundson) May 3, 2024
I am also very sorry to hear this news. Mark was a really nice guy and an excellent marketer. He extends his condolences to his family and friends. https://t.co/nRxIekXBGy
— Lily Ray 😏 (@lilyraynyc) May 3, 2024
I'm so speechless. I met Mark when we were talking together at a pub con. I found out that he has a very kind heart. he will be missed. https://t.co/zj1gsdgGFn
— Ben Fisher (@TheSocialDude) May 3, 2024
He was a truly wonderful human being. This is truly shocking and heartbreaking. Sending you a big hug and support, Nava, and my thoughts are with his family and his loved ones.
— Ginny Marvin (@GinnyMarvin) May 3, 2024
Forum discussion X.