BIDDEFORD — Capt. Mark Guy LaRochelle died suddenly on Jan. 9, 2014, fighting a valiant battle against cancer.

LaRo-chelle, born Jan. 8, 1957 in Biddeford, grabbed life with both hands and insisted on living life the way he wanted to. And that he did.

A graduate of Maine Maritime Academy in nautical science, Mark had a distinguished career as captain in the Merchant Marines (Military Sealift Command) for nearly 20 years, where he sailed the world, lived the life of 10 men and broke more than a few hearts.

Markus Aurelius spent his summers in Maine and winters in Florida, at Boynton Beach. While the world was his oyster, his favorite place by far was Old Orchard Beach, at his brother’s beach house and the Pier, where Mark’s distinctive laugh will always linger for those who loved him. Both places will be much quieter without him.

Mark loomed larger than life, and his presence filled the lives of those around him. He will be remembered for his zest for life, for being uncompromising in the choices he made and for assuming those choices, come what may.

In 2012, Mark received his Jurist Doctor degree from Concord Law School (Kaplan University) and was working toward his master’s degree in law when he died. His game plan was to practice maritime law.

Mark was preceded in death by: his mother, Pauline Larochelle; his father, Dr. J.R. Larochelle; and his brothers, Joseph Larochelle and David Sewall.

He leaves behind: his son, Joseph Larochelle and his wife Sema; his beloved granddaughter, Isabelle; brother, John, his guardian angel; his sister, Nancy Stacey and husband Peter; his loving cousin, Chantal Larochelle; sister-in-law, Sue Sewall; and other relatives.

He also leaves to mourn an untold number of friends, and his mermaid, Sophia Cywar.

We will all miss him terribly. Mark was indomitable, unrepentant and irreplaceable. Rest in peace, Captain.

A memorial in celebration of Mark’s life will be held at a later date.