Mark Ralph Bonang

Born in Halifax, Mark was the son of the late John Harris Bonang and the late Pearl Frances (Conrod) Bonang. He was a devoted son, brother, uncle, grand-uncle, nephew, cousin and loyal friend whose quiet kindness touched everyone who knew him. A true gentleman, Mark had a calming presence, an easy smile, and a remarkable way of turning toward people during life's most difficult moments rather than away. He showed his love through his actions and could always be counted on by those who needed him.

Mark was educated at Dartmouth High School and Dalhousie University in Halifax in the early 1980’s. Music was his lifelong passion, and he was born with music in his Bonang genes inherited from his dad. After studying tuba at Dalhousie, he built a significant career as a professional musician, with a brief stint as a cab driver along the way. Following semi-retirement, Mark returned to Dartmouth to care for his aging parents, a role that reflected his caring nature and devotion to his family.

Outside of music, Mark found joy in life's simple pleasures. He loved gathering with family and friends over good food, like dim sum paired with a Coke. During his life he enjoyed camping, cooking, hiking, fishing and playing golf. As a young boy, he loved hockey and was so excited to receive new goalie pads one Christmas that he slept with them. Mark enjoyed his time at the family cottage, aka ‘the camp’ on Porter’s Lake. There he was the official guide as to when it was time to trim the bushes so they would not interfere with the lovely lake view.

Mark's family would like to thank his longtime friends Ian Cowie and Herb Poole for the following tribute to his remarkable career as a professional musician:

"Mark studied tuba at Dalhousie University with Joseph Riedel and Ian Cowie and continued his studies with the legendary Arnold Jacobs at Northwestern University in Illinois. Mark moved to Toronto in the 1990s to begin a thriving career as a member of the Hamilton Philharmonic and the Hannaford Street Silver Band. He was a regular performer with many major Canadian orchestras such as Symphony Nova Scotia, Winnipeg Symphony, Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony and the Toronto Symphony, where he was a favourite for such challenging works as Stravinsky's Rite of Spring. Mark extended his formidable talents to bass and contra-bass trombones, as well as cimbasso. A versatile performer, he was in great demand in Toronto's musical theatre industry, performing extended runs in such shows as Showboat and Ragtime. He performed in many Canadian Opera Company productions such as Billy Budd, La Traviata and Peter Grimes. Of note, Mark performed contra-bass trombone with the Canadian Opera Company in the first Canadian performance of Wagner's Ring Cycle. Mark's musical legacy includes numerous live and studio recordings with the Hannaford Street Silver Band, Symphony Nova Scotia, and a unique recording of microtonal music for hoseaphones based on the music theories of Harry Partch. Mark's musical talents, rich sound, and generous and engaging personality made him a favourite in the challenging freelance environment in which he lived and worked."

While Mark's musical accomplishments were more than noteworthy, those who knew him best will also remember him first for the person he was. He was humble, thoughtful, generous, and deeply caring. His warm smile put people at ease, his quiet presence brought comfort, and he had a gift for making others feel seen and supported. He leaves behind not only a remarkable musical legacy but also a legacy of kindness, compassion, and unwavering devotion to family and friends.

Mark is survived by his sister, Penny (Robert Moussai) Ascroft; his nieces, Emily (Tyler Jeske) Ascroft and Danielle Maynes-Bonnar; his nephew, Allan (Chloe Harrison) Ascroft; his grand-nieces, Ivory and Ruby Ascroft; his grand-nephew, Landen Bonnar; his sister-in-law, Elaine Bonang; his uncle, Lionel Conrod; his aunts, Lily Conrod and Emily Stott; and many cousins. Mark was predeceased by his parents; his brother, Byron Bonang; his grandparents; and many aunts, uncles and cousins.

Though we will miss his smile, his gentle spirit, and his calming presence, the melody of Mark's life—and the kindness with which he lived it—will continue to play in our hearts forever.

A celebration of Mark's life will be held on Saturday, August 29, 2026 from 1:30 to 3:30 pm at the Clyde T. Hennebery Room, Fisherman’s Cove Heritage Centre, 4 Government Wharf Rd. Eastern Passage, NS. It will be a casual event with opportunities to share stories, enjoy light refreshments and celebrate Mark’s life.

Donations may be made to The McPhee Centre for Creative Learning (a registered charity downtown Dartmouth that provides free arts and music programs for youth aged 12 to 19) or a charity of your choice.