Mark M. Haller, a landscape designer who tutored dyslexic adults and youths, died Monday of cancer at his Lutherville home. He was 49.
In the late 1970s, he established Mark M. Haller & Associates, a landscape design and contracting firm. His many projects included designing and installing the gardens at Loyola College and the rectory of Old St. Paul's Episcopal Church. His company also landscaped the median strip on Roland Avenue.
In the early 1970s, while teaching English at St. Paul's School for Boys, he became interested in helping troubled youths and joined the Maryland Associates for Dyslexic Adults and Youths as a volunteer tutor in Southeast Baltimore.
He was president of the organization's board for three two-year terms until he resigned this fall due to illness.
"I've worked for over 25 years for nonprofit agencies, and he was the one person I enjoyed working with the most because of his integrity, dedication and professionalism. He was certainly the finest I ever worked with," said Ruth Gavis, former executive director of MADAY.
"He volunteered enormous amounts of his time in spite of running a business and was totally unselfish in giving both his time and energy to MADAY," she said.
"He employed some of the kids in his business that he tutored because he realized they were very good with their hands and they really needed a break," Mrs. Gavis said.
Marcia Hall, a Ruxton resident, said, "He designed our patio and used our property as a nursery, but most of all was a loyal and devoted friend. He was also a wonderful mentor for boys who had trouble adjusting to life and he did what he could to help them."
Helen A. Passano, whose gardens at her Bolton Hill and Gibson Island homes showed his handiwork, said, "He was able to cultivate not only gardens but hearts and minds. He wanted to give the kids he tutored a hand up -- a chance. He was truly one of the saints on earth."
M. Brett Goodrich, a former student, in a letter to Mr. Haller several weeks ago, wrote: "I remember the interest you placed in me . . . the opportunities you gave me in the classroom and the landscaping business and the mentoring you provided me.
"I wish I could adequately express my gratitude to you for the help you have given me over the past twenty-two years. From making literature come alive with 'A Separate Peace' and 'Death Be Not Proud' in seventh grade through landscape design techniques and those graceful Haller curves. You taught me a lot in and out of the classroom."
Born in Washington, Mr. Haller graduated from St. Alban's School in 1963 and earned a bachelor's degree in English from Harvard College in 1967. He then studied at the University of St. Andrew's in Scotland.
He worked briefly on Capitol Hill as a press aide for Maryland Republican Sen. Charles McC. "Mac" Mathias Jr. and Rep. Silvio Conte, a Massachusetts Republican, before enlisting in the Army in 1969.
He served in Vietnam with the 11th Armored Cavalry of the Black Horse Regiment, was discharged as a master sergeant in 1972 and moved to Baltimore.
A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. tomorrow at Old St. Paul's Episcopal Church, Charles and Saratoga streets.
He is survived by his mother, Dorothy Haller of Washington; a sister, Elizabeth Haller Summers of Omaha, Neb.; and a devoted friend and companion, Wendy A. Cooper of Baltimore.
Memorial donations may be made to MADAY, 711 W. 40th St., Baltimore 21211.