September 6, 1982 – April 4, 2022
Mark was born in Minnedosa on Sept 6, 1982. He spent his childhood growing up in Minnedosa, Swan River and Souris. At age 8 he began training in the art of Tae Kwon Do and continued until age 13. He was also a member of Beavers Cubs and Scouts until his teen years. He had a great love for the outdoors, camping and fishing. Mark was also an avid reader and loved to watch movies. One of his favorite authors was Stephen King.
Mark developed a love for music at an early age. Piano lessons, singing in the junior church choir and playing trumpet in the school band were all a part of his life. His love of guitar began when he was 13 when he had his grandpa Jakes’s guitar given to him. He spent countless hours in his room working on riffs and learning songs for his sister to sing. We were entertained at many family campfires with Mark playing guitar and his sister singing.
The school guitar club gave him the opportunity to play with others and he went on to form his first band in high school, Dissonance. His guitar playing would continue for the rest of his life and he played in other bands and made some great friendships through his music
When Mark was 23 he was involved in a horrific car accident which resulted in the loss of his best friend Andrew. Mark was seriously injured and never quite recovered from this. In the years following the accident he suffered much pain and sought relief through many sources. This interfered greatly in his everyday life. He went down a very dark path and unfortunately was not able to find his way back.
Mark was a kind and caring individual and would do anything for a friend. He had a love for animals and would take in stray cats or look after a friends’ dog. He was smart and opinionated and would never back down from an argument.
Mark’s son Tristan was born in August 2012 and gave Mark much joy. Mark loved watching Tristan grow and they spent time going for walks and bike riding. He always knew where he stood with Tristan as they had many discussions on science, creation and relationships. When asked what he would remember about his Dad, Tristan said that he enjoyed his conversations with his dad because Mark understood him. Mark spent a lot of time sharing his love of music with Tristan with the hope he would fall in love with music and someday make music.
A graveside service for family and friends was held at the Souris & Glenwood Cemetery on Friday, May 13, 2022. In memory of Mark, donations may be made to the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of Canada PO Box 58039 Bishop Grandin PO, Winnipeg, Manitoba R2M 2R6.
Ken and Brenda,
Please accept our most heartfelt condolences on the loss of Mark. The memory of Mark and my boys together as Boy Scouts is still very vivid. Stay strong, your pain is felt deeply by us.
Bill and Janice Mayuk
We are so very sorry for your loss. Our sympathy to your family.
Sincerely-Robert & Marilyn Pearce
So very sorry to hear of Marks passing! Our son Mark remembers having some great band sessions with him. Our sympathy to you all. Huge hugs! In my prayers!
Our hearts go out to you Auntie Brenda, Uncle Ken, Lisa and Tristian. Thinking of you during this difficult time. Mark was a talented guy with a great heart. He will be missed. Rest in peace cousin.
Ken & Brenda and family,
We were so very sorry to hear of Mark’s passing. We have fond memories of him in younger years with Nicole. He was a kind and considerate friend to her and I remember having great visits with him. My heart hurts for you all as we do understand your grief. Our thoughts are with you and know that we are just a phone call away anytime.
Reid and Kelly Cowieson
Brenda, Ken ,Tristan and Lisa,
We are so sorry to hear about Mark. Our thoughts are with you at this difficult time.
Sincere condolences Ken and Brenda on the loss of your son who was also a brother and father. Our thoughts are with you. Helen and Doug Fenwick
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this very difficult time!
Brenda, Ken and Tristan, I am so very sorry to hear about Mark’s passing! My heart goes out to you at this tough time.
My deepest sympathy to all of Mark’s family. Gone way too soon.
Ken, Brenda, Tristan, Lisa and family.
We are deeply saddened to hear of Mark’s passing. Please know that we are thinking of you all at this difficult time.
Our heartfelt sympathy.
Brenda,Ken and family.Our sincere condolences for you loss. Our thoughts are with you. Norm and Darlene Bourgeois
So sorry for your loss,I have lots of good memories of Mark hanging out at our house with my boys
I am so sorry to all family members ,may Mark Rest In Peace.
Ken and Brenda and family. Sorry to hear of your loss. Our sympathy goes out to you. Bert Peaslee family
Ken, Brenda & family. We are so sorry for your loss. We will remember his smile and his talent may he rest in peace. Keith, Denise & Jessie Paul and family
Our deepest concolences to you family. We will pray for you and that little boy. Hugs
Our Sincere Sympathy Ken, Brenda and family. Mark was taken way to young.
I am so sorry you lost your son. There is no heartbreak like it. I didn’t know Mark that well, but shot a few games of pool with him. Mark was a very nice young man in my opinion. My heart goes out to you. Strength. Prayers. May he be in Angels’ arms for eternity now.
Brenda, Ken, Tristan & Family. We are so deeply sorry for the loss of your son and Tristan losing his Father. Our thoughts are with you all.
Sincerely,
Wendy, Neil and family
Our deepest condolences to you Tristan, Brenda and Ken. So sorry for your loss.
Nya, Candace, Devon, Jack & Keira Little
Our deepest sympathy to Brenda and Ken and family on the loss of your son Mark. Sincerely, Marg & Wally Kachanoski
Our condolences on the loss of you
son Mark
Don and Kathy Smith
Ken, Brenda, Lisa, Tristan;
Thinking of you all at this difficult time. Fond memories of Mark babysitting our boys! Sincere condolences.
My sincere sympathy to you and your family
Condolences to all.
I met Mark in grade 11 after moving to Souris with my family, and I immediately fell into the circle of friends that surrounded him. Learning Mark’s love of music, I had the pleasure of playing that second guitar in Dissonance, and had Mark to thank for much of the learning I did while we all played together.
Though we grew apart across the years, his name, and Andrew’s have been mentioned many times through out my adult life, as I reminisce with others about my youth, and the amazing amount of noise we made 🙂
Please accept our sincere condolences on the loss of your dear son Brenda and Ken and of your Dad, Tristan.
Brenda, Ken, Lisa, Brian and Tristan.
We will be thinking of you at Mark’s memorial tomorrow. May you take comfort in the memories and good times with Mark .
Much love. Jean and Stu
Dear Ken and Brenda, Lisa, and Tristan – there are no words to ease your pain and grief on the loss of your precious son, brother, and father. Please accept our most heartfelt sympathies and cherish your sweet memories. Love from Gaye, Greg and Family
Just heard you’re gone. Although we had years between us, we had some great times and memories. I’ll remember you as the guy I met at 14, and the guy who introduced me to my favourite band. RIP….won’t forget you