He spent his early years there, in Prince George and Vancouver before moving with his family to California. He graduated from Downey High School before continuing his education at Cerritos College.
He drove a school bus in California before returning to Vancouver Island. His first job back, he drove for Cowichan Valley Stage Lines between Duncan and Lake Cowichan. He then worked for Loomis
Courier Service, moving to Gelco and finally to Purolator. In the 90’s he left Purolator to pursue his love of acting and directing. It did not take him long before he became an accomplished character actor and gifted director. What set his directing apart from others was his patience with
younger members of the profession, enabling them to reach their full potential. At the same time he assisted his mother in delivering flats for printing and then newspapers tocarriers in the Cowichan Valley. He did the accounting for a small law firm and also returned to driving a school bus,
a job he thoroughly enjoyed.
In 2007 Mark was diagnosed with Wegener’s disease which over time left him increasingly disabled and dependent on others including Brian Parnell, Roger Ballegeer and in recent month Daniel Ignace and his long-time friend Brian McCutcheon. When Mark passed away he was one of the longest survivors of Wegener’s.
He is survived by his Brother Mel (Jennette) and theirchildren Matthew, Ashley and Amber; his cousins Chuck (Lauri) & Paul Meanley, who were a very important part of his life; as were Eunice Navarette (he called her his adoptive mother) and her sons Rick & David; and his cousins Susanne
Bishop and Dr. Lee (Pam) Sardy.
A memorial tea will be held on Monday, April 23rd at 2pm at First Memorial Funeral Services in Duncan.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.9.5