February 8, 1953 – March 9, 2024
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Mark.
He is survived by his son, Andrew, grandsons, Aadyn and Rory, enduring friendships with Mary Grant, Art Bloomfield, and Jason Smedvik, and by his beloved family Jeanne (John) Saj, Gregory Hlady, Valerie (Jim) Saul, Charles (Shigeko), Christopher, and Stephen, Aunts Janet, Marla, Gayle, and Karen. He was predeceased by his brother Douglas, parents Walter and Ora, and others of beloved memory.
There are many chapters to Mark’s remarkable life. His parents, World War II Veterans Walter M. of Winnipeg, MB and Ora E. of Sentinel Butte, North Dakota met at the University of North Dakota, and were married in Springfield, Oregon, nearby to where Ora’s family had relocated. Returning to Walter’s family in Winnipeg, the pair continued the adventure of academics seeking work, while starting a family. Eldest sister Jeanne came along, followed by Mark. Then Gregory and Douglas. He spent much of his childhood in northern communities- Gillam, The Pas, Cranberry Portage before moving to Winnipeg in 1958.
Many summers for the children and mom were often spent with Ora’s parents in beautiful Sweet Home, Oregon, while Walter worked hard, building up his credentials.
The family expanded with Valerie, Charles, and moves to Saskatoon. Returning, finally to Winnipeg, Christopher and Stephen rounded out the family.
On Autumnwood Drive, Mark and his brothers played cowboys and Indians, cops and robbers, and Ivanhoe with garbage can lids, often jumping off the shed roof. In Winter, they build an igloo in the back yard, further building up their survival skills.
Back in Oregon, the boys would “run hills and forests” with their cousin Ricky.
They followed their father on Archaeological digs. Mark, most notably, was involved in archaeological excavations in South Indian Lake.
When they moved to Grosvenor Ave, in the late 1960’s, Mark excelled at Curling, where he impressed many while a Kelvin High School student at the Winnipeg Winter and then Granite Clubs.
In the 1970’s, Mark began an impressive regimen that would last a couple of decades. It began with the Fort Garry Horse, where he became a Captain Cadet Instructor. Shifting to the Reserves, as a Lieutenant, he took a group to Germany and back. He had learned many survival skills that would help him out to become an Instructor at the Outward Bounds Mountain School in Vernon, British Columbia. By then, Mark was also fortunate to be nearby his uncle’s family near Trail, B.C.
Mark enjoyed the outdoors, including Kayaking and Rock Climbing, and all that stuff. His talents included guitar, as he emulated Gordon Lightfoot. Come September, he “was a very good photographer” for National Schools Studio. “He knew how to make the kids have the nicest smiles. He was very good at it.”
In Winter, and in any other work gaps, he drove a taxicab for Duffy’s. Mark met his wife of around ten years, Vivian, who worked for Old Dutch. Their son, Andrew, soon arrived to complete the very happy family.
Sadly, Mark’s father passed away overseas in April 1986, which perhaps upset their world. Mark was injured while driving cab, making him unable to continue that occupation. The family had moved from an apartment on McMillan Ave. to a house on Rosedale Ave. They had adopted a particular kitty cat from the Humane Society that looked camouflaged. Mark wanted to name her ‘Commanda’ but settled for ‘Manda’. Mark would eventually return home to Grosvenor with the kitty, when the marriage sadly ended. Vivian would remember fondly that “Mark always said ‘Sweet dreams’ before going to bed.”
Around 1994, Mark met Mary, who said. “he was very knowledgeable about many topics, and his knowledge of Astrology was extensive.” Mark was a “very generous and kind man” who would “do anything for anyone before himself.” His first question before asking people about work or jobs was “what’s your sign,” and with whom did they meet up or match up. Maybe more importantly, as Mark was always great with kids, they served as Sea Scout Leaders in Fort Richmond.
They were Community minded. They joined Arthur and Wendy Bloomfield on many a campaign trail for different Liberal and School Board candidates, going door-to-door. Mark became a friend to Jason Smedvik, who at the time was working for Jim Carr and enjoyed meeting other active supporters on Wonderful Wednesdays at Molgat Place.
Mark was not religious in the formal sense. He was baptized and in the years around 2006, enjoyed singing with his brothers and mother at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church. He also began to explore the world of computers, wrapping his mind around the latest frontier. He had a practical eye for details and even spent many an hour as a handyman and caretaker. He was, indeed, very generous with his time and talents.
Further blessings came with Andrew’s two sons, Aadyn, 12 and Rory, 9, who are now along their way to becoming fine young men, of whom he will be forever proud.
Mark finally passed gently away late into the evening on March 9, 2024.
A Celebration of Life will be held at Fort Garry Legion #90, 762 Pembina from 1-4pm on March 24, 2024. The family is grateful for the compassionate care provided by Nurse Jill and the wonderful staff at D5, Health Sciences Centre.
Interment of his ashes will likely follow in May.
Flowers are gratefully declined. Donations in Mark’s honour can be made to Cancer Care Manitoba, Harvest Manitoba, or to your local Legion. “Lest We Forget.”
