Roll Call Tribute

Published in Corpus-Christi Caller-Times on Nov. 5, 2017

Mark Westerman(1954 - 2017)
Mark Westerman

Mark Westerman, Founder & CEO of Intrinsic Lifesciences has died at the age of 63 in his home surrounded by family.Born May 20, 1954, in Beeville, Texas, and raised in Corpus Christi, Mark was the son of the late Patricia (Mast) and Carroll Westerman. As a youth, Mark lived in both California and Texas, enjoying many activities including baseball, surfing, and Boy scouting. After high school, Mark travelled extensively in Mexico, fighting bulls, opening a small import/export business, and searching for the perfect margarita. He earned a master's degree from the University of Texas and PhD. from Texas A&M. Mark conducted post-doctoral research at Scripps Institution of Oceanography and worked as a Fellow to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association (NOAA). Later, working for an Aquaculture company, he discovered a hormone in fish that regulated iron, Hepcidin. This discovery and analogous work on the human hepcidin would set him on the course of creating his business: Intrinsic Lifesciences. In the coming years, hepcidin would prove to be a valuable diagnostic tool pertaining to anemia, inflammation, and other iron-related diseases. Mark authored many articles and was a mentor to many during the course of his career. He nurtured many passions: Fly fishing, snorkeling, woodworking, and live music being only a few of many. Mark loved his work, family and fellow man. He was a kind and honorable man and will be dearly missed.

Mark leaves his wife of 30 years, Eileen, their children Keith, Analiza, and Crystal, grandchildren Carla and Shae. He is survived by siblings Joan Mansfield (Robert) and James Westerman (Kim), inlaws, Dan and Kathy Loisel, and numerous nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Ocean Conservancy, 1300 19th St. N.W. 8th floor, Washington, D.C. 20036.
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Published in The San Diego (CA) Union Tribune on Sept. 17, 2017

Mark Westerman(1954 - 2017)
Mark Westerman San Diego Founder & CEO of Intrinsic Lifesciences died at age 63 in his home surrounded by family. He leaves his wife, Eileen, son, Keith, and 2 daughters, Analiza and Crystal. He authored many scientific articles, greatly enhancing the understanding of Hepcidin. Mark loved his work, family and fellow man. He was a kind and honorable man and will be dearly missed. May 20, 1954 - August 30, 2017