Laguna man killed in Iraq

A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday at Mariners Church in Irvine for Laguna Beach resident Mark Barry Metherell, who was killed April 11 while helping train Iraqi forces.

Friends and neighbors paid their respects on April 12 by lining Brooks Street, where the Metherell family lives, with flags. Messages to the family or remembrances can be posted on web site www.markmetherell.com.

On the website devoted to the memory of her brother, Metherell’s sister Alison Metherell wrote: “He was an ex-Navy SEAL who was working as a special consultant in support of our government. He was with seven other Iraqi special forces soldiers when their vehicle drove over an IED which exploded in the early morning hours of April 11, local time. They were just outside Sadar City. Seven of the passengers, including Mark, were killed immediately, and the eighth is not expected to live.”

Metherell’s neighbor and former college roommate, David Vanderveen, is organizing a paddle-out to Second Reef following the memorial service, a traditional farewell to surfers.

“It is a good tradition, especially for Mark,” Vanderveen said. “A lot of people in town wanted to do something and I thought this would be appropriate.

“We surfed at all the usual places — but Brooks Street was special because we both live here.”

Vanderveen met Metherell at Wheaton College and visited Laguna with him and moved here when he had the opportunity. Paddle-out participanst are invited to meet at 4 p.m. at 494 Brooks St. with boards — or at least bathing suits— some extra boards will be available.

“I think the thing Mark would want us to focus on is not the loss of his life, but to focus on what we can do to fill the void his absence creates,” said Clarke Brogger, pastor of the Laguna Church by the Sea, where the Laguna Beach resident and his wife worshipped.

Metherell is survived by his wife, Sarah; their daughter, Cora; parents Alex and Pam Metherell of Emerald Bay; sisters Caroline Campbell and Dr. Alison Metherell Mann; in-laws Gail and Peter Ochs; and sisters-in-law Kristi Young, Tori Cloud and Abigail Frederick.

To offer assistance to the immediate family, call Kelly at (949) 494-6191, Ext. 200.

For directions to the memorial service on Saturday, visit web site www.marinerschurch.org .