Mark inspects the ordnance, Manassas, Virginia.

Biography of Mark C. Deren

Mark Christopher Deren was born in Abington Hospital (near Philadelphia, PA) on January 16, 1960 to Mary Ann and Henry Thomas Deren. He was the sixth of seven children. His earliest memories involve standing in his crib, next to the hi-fi and listening to the newest hits from Frank Sinatra, Perry Como, Johnny Mathis, etc. At age 2 1/2, Mark was already springing off the diving board and swimming to the side of the pool. Mark and his family first moved to Ft. Meade, Maryland for two years and then to Ft. Lauderdale, Florida.

Hank & Mark Deren: partners in sport, Ft. Meade, Maryland

At age three, Mark watched the funeral procession of President John F. Kennedy in Washington, DC from the shoulders of his father Henry. "Our whole family was present for this deeply solemn occasion," said Mark. "We went on many happy trips too of course. Our car was often filled to the brim with kids, cruising off to some beach, park or historical destination. With seven kids in the family, plus some of the neighborhood kids, there was never a dull moment." he said.

Mark (left) marvels at his first found Turtle - Annapolis, Maryland

He started first grade at St. Ambrose's Episcopal School (under the Palm Trees). Being slightly immature for the task, he would often escape at lunch break and go see his mom. He was a frisky kid with sun-bleached hair.

"Marky Parky" Deren, Age 5 - Ft. Lauderdale, Florida

His mother always reminded him to smile and say "thank you." Mark's father was a Naval Officer and stationed at Port Everglades. He was often out to sea. Mark's mom stayed home to entertain the kids.

Mark (left) during his "formative years,"  Ft. Lauderdale, Florida.

He learned at an early age that "life is a beach."

After four years, Mark's father got transferred back to Pennsylvania. "My mother drove the seven of us back to PA in a Volkswagen bus. One motel owner was so impressed with our collective charm, he let us stay overnight practically for free," said Mark. He attended two years of Catholic School in the suburbs of Philadelphia. He started fourth grade in public school.

Jeff, Hank, Mark, & Nancy at the "boob tube" (TV).

Mark and his older brother Hank were inseparable. They joined the swim team at the local Naval Base. Mark soon found his way to the diving board to help alleviate the pain of swimming in "freezing water." Mark's first record album purchase was "Flowers" by the Rolling Stones. He was now eight and liked the progressive rock elements of the music. Soon thereafter, he got a job at the local farm picking flowers. It was "another day, another dollar"..literally!

Deren brothers collect hardened cow corn to later shuck and throw at each other, Ivyland, Pennsylvania.

Mark became a dedicated wrestler in the footsteps of his oldest brother Thomas. One summer, his mother sent him to wrestling camp in Virginia to train under the Olympic Champion Dan Gable. In 9th grade, Deren was the undefeated champion of Lower Bucks County. "My mother was always there at the matches as if she only had one kid. She gave me much attention. I could always hear her screaming from the bleachers, "Go Mark, Go Mark. You can do it!"

Lower Bucks County Champion (126 lbs.) 1974

Mark liked "creative writing" class very much. He played many sports and listened to bands like Camel, E.L.P., Genesis, Gentle Giant, YES, etc. "These bands were always good for getting my adrenaline flowing," said Mark. "It was a natural way to get high." His first concert was Gentle Giant in 1974.

Mark's Council Rock High School Year Book photo

One day at wrestling practice, Mark did one too many push-ups and found himself crying from the pain in his arms. He quit wrestling. On the same day he joined the diving team. Within two years of flopping on his back, stomach and face, he learned all of the dives. "No Pain, No Gain" was the motto. His efforts earned him an athletic scholarship to Rider College in New Jersey, under coach Richard Coppola.

Finalist - East Coast Conference Championships, 1980

Mark's room at home was filled wall-to-wall with travel posters from foreign embassies. "I wanted to travel and become a diplomat," said Mark. A place he wanted to visit most was Australia. After one year of college, he fulfilled that dream. At age 18 he hitchhiked completely around Australia and the North Island of New Zealand. The following year, he became NJ State Collegiate Diving Champion, thanks to the newfound strength in his legs. He also travelled to Kodiak Island, Alaska with his girlfriend during a seven-week camping trip. "Watching soaring Bald Eagles and Kodiak Bears around a large pristine lake, surrounded by towering mountains is an unforgettable life experience, that nobody can take away from me," said Mark.

"The Pursuer" - Mark commissions R.W. Cowan's first wildlife painting.

In 1982, Deren graduated from Rider College with a B.A. in Journalism. Besides having an office job, Mark also coached (with success) diving teams on both the high school and collegiate levels. In 1985, he travelled to England, Scotland and Holland. It was there that he decided that he'd move to Southern Florida and make a fresh start. His decision was rewarded with a job that offered extensive Worldwide travel and a glamorous "globetrotting" lifestyle. He got a position as business manager, photographer and correspondent to the World famous portrait painter, Ralph Wolfe Cowan. "I was equipped with sales, writing and other communication skills. However, the most important factor in getting this job was the world travel experience I had acquired during my four years of college," said Mark.

"Mark lines up for a haircut," Kathmandu, Nepal

After several years in Florida, Mark met his Dutch wife to be Ingrid. The couple lived in Yardley, Pennsylvania for three years. On March 20, 1993, they moved to Holland. Mark attended language school for two years. The couple parted as friends in 1996. Mark remained in the Netherlands. Mark is multi-talented, bilingual and possesses dual citizenship in both the United States of America and The Netherlands.

- Written by Mark from Holland.