Mark Spain, a renowned and award-winning local television news journalist in Virginia, died three weeks after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. He was 64 years old.
Lynita Spain, the widow of ABC affiliate WSET anchor, posted on Facebook on Thursday, December 19, that her husband had died the day before, on December 18.
“Our family along with the city of Lynchburg lost a man of hope, someone who loves his city and stood for equality, treating others with respect and kindness,” according to her statement.
She went on to say, “He was a husband, father, brother, friend, and a wonderful influence in the community. My first true love. He brought so much pleasure, compassion, love, and strength into our lives, and everyone who knew him will miss him greatly.”
“It’s surreal that it was exactly three weeks ago yesterday that he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer,” Lynita said. “Our family was with him from the start of the fight to the end, until his last breath! He battled hard, remained cheerful throughout the conflict, and was not terrified.
We take comfort in knowing he is no longer suffering. It was difficult to watch him fight for his life and battle this cancer, but he was not alone, and neither were we.
In a tribute post, WSET, which also reported Mark’s death, described their colleague as a “champion of the community” who was never hesitant to ask tough questions and interview local leaders. “Mark dug deeply into important issues for Virginians,” the station reported.
“Things like capital punishment, vaccines, mask mandates during the pandemic, gun laws — there was no difficult subject he was afraid to face if it meant fighting for a story that needed to be told.”
WSET also recognized Mark’s services to the community outside of his employment at the station. “He raised $75,000 for Jubilee’s new media center this summer. He mentored a young man as part of ABC13’s cooperation with Big Brothers Big Sisters.
He collaborated with the Salvation Army to ring the bell and generate funds for the organization,” the station stated, adding, “He even took on the chore of growing a mustache for Mustaches for Kids.”
Mark joined WSET, situated in Lynchburg, Virginia, in 2015. He previously worked for First Coast News in Jacksonville, Fla., starting in 2000, according to the station.
WSET also highlighted that Spain’s journalism career carried him to Indianapolis and Cleveland, as well as Jacksonville and Lynchburg. “His excellent journalism was prize-winning; throughout his time at ABC13 he took home multiple awards,” according to the station.
First Coast News managing manager Tim Thomas also paid tribute to Mark, adding, “We are extremely saddened to learn of Mark’s death. Every narrative he wrote aimed to improve the First Coast. We are thinking of his wife Lynita and his three children during this terrible time.”
Mark’s Facebook updates frequently began with the salutation, “Hi sunshines!” In a December 9th post, he thanked the public for their support of him and his family during his sickness.
“Stage 4 Pancreatic Cancer is something I would have never imagined for myself,” he said on his blog. “I’ll begin chemo on December 16 and we will see how things go.”
“My plan is to get through this and become a Cancer Survivor,” he told reporters afterwards. “So, please keep the prayers and positive vibes coming.”
Lynita remembers her husband as a wonderful family man in her Spain Family update on December 19th. “He also enjoyed his job and felt fortunate to do what he did for a career.
He was an excellent journalist who took his job quite seriously. “He was a pillar of the community, and people loved to share how much they adored and enjoyed watching him on the news,” she wrote.
She also thanked her followers for their support. “You have all been amazing and a true village!” Lynita wrote. “I can’t thank you all enough for all of the prayers, cards, flowers, blankets, texts, comments and checking in on us.”
“This new journey, one I never thought I’d be on, as a single parent will be a new and challenging one,” she told me. “God walks alongside us, guiding and protecting us. Please keep our family in your thoughts and prayers.
A GoFundMe has been created to help Spain’s family. As of Thursday, Dec. 26, it has raised over $28,000.