Marcus leaves a legacy of influence in at least three separate spheres. He was an internationally recognized poet, having published 12 books of poetry. He was also a celebrated film critic and historian. And, for 30 years, he was a mainstay on the English Department faculty at Cabrillo College. A former Santa Cruz County Artist of the Year 1999, Marcus published his 500-plus-page memoir "Striking Through the Masks" in 2008, which served as both autobiography and re-evaluation of poets and writers of his generation. His final book of poems, to be titled "The Dark Figure in the Doorway," is slated for 2010 release.

"He was larger than life," said Santa Cruz poet Joe Stroud, who knew Marcus for more than 40 years. "Mort loved nothing more than to have a meal and to have a conversation. I think of him as a conductor almost, eating and drinking and driving the conversation this way and that. It was an unforgettable experience."

Marcus' fingerprints are everywhere in Santa Cruz literary circles. He led a free-wheeling film discussion group twice a month at the Nickelodeon, up to his last days. He was the co-host of a popular public-access TV program on film called "Cinema Scene." He hosted KUSP's "Poetry Show." And he influenced countless students over the years at Cabrillo College.
(Full article by Wallace Baine HERE)