Mountain Area Gem and Mineral Association

Memorial Rockhounds

HALL OF FAME
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Markham Stearn

1943-2006

Above pics, Mark and Chris at the first Annual MAGMA Club Picnic in 2003. Right, Mark and Chris attended the meetings at the Ray Mica Mine that were held between MAGMA members and the Forest Service.

Mark working the Sheepcliff Mine, 2003

Many of our members did not know Mark very well, he did not make a lot of the fieldtrips. Mark and his wife Chris, own and operate the Silver Armadillo rockshop in Asheville, the largest rockshop in the area. This took up the majority of Marks time, he always supported the club though, and was one of the first to join when we reorganized in 2003. He said that our ideas and the way we were doing things was the way clubs should be and he fully supported us in any way he could. He attended the Roundups and picnics to keep in touch with the other members, and when important things like the Ray Mine being closed came up, he took time from his busy schedule to attend meetings with us. I personally have known Mark and Chris since I moved here in 1987. Mark was always willing to help me in my many rockhound business ventures, from advertising my mine tours in his shop to selling my books, he even bought a dvd player for the store and runs my dvd eight hours a day to promote sells. He has always been a good friend to me, and I have learned much from him over the years. With some people in life you meet, you feel as if you are a better person for having known them, that is the way I feel about Mark. Marks wife Chris is keeping the store open, and it continues to be the largest and best rockshop in the Asheville N.C. area. Marks spirit will live on through his family and friends.

Rick Jacquot