Mark Woodsworth Waldron, PhD, ON 1936-2015 Passed peacefully at his home with his family at his side December 9th, 2015. Beloved husband of Wilda, cherished father of Peter (Karen), Paul (Andrea), Andrew (Danielle) and John (Daphne), dear grandfather of Siobhan, Nick and Caroline. Sadly missed by Lee Ann Waldron, many nieces and nephews. Born to the late Rae and Florence Waldron, on the home farm in East Clifton, Quebec, Mark was a graduate of Macdonald College, McGill University (Diploma, 1955; BSc Agriculture, 1959) and the University of Wisconsin (MSc and PhD, 1967). His career began as an assistant agricultural representative with the Ontario Department of Agriculture in Lanark County, later joining the CBC, broadcasting on radio and television as a farm commentator based out of Toronto and Windsor, and then across Canada. Mark returned to Macdonald College as Director of Extension, and later Associate Director of Continuing Education for McGill University. In 1971, he became the Director of Continuing Education and Part-Time Studies and professor at the Ontario Agricultural College, now part of the University of Guelph, retiring as Professor Emeritus after 30 years. Mark was a teacher, researcher and facilitator, an author, media producer and mentor to many graduate students. He developed the first degree credit distance education program and the PhD program in Rural Communication Studies for the University of Guelph. He was the visionary behind Third Age Learning-Guelph Inc., which honoured him with their first Lifetime Membership Award. He received many awards in recognition of his leadership in Adult Education, including the Norman High Award, a lifetime achievement award from the Canadian Society for Training and Development, and in 2011, the Distinguished Alumni Award from his alma mater, Macdonald College. A lifetime member of St. George’s Anglican Church in 2007, he and Wilda were named to the Order of Niagara for their volunteerism and leadership efforts. He was an active member of the Saint George’s Men’s Club, and the immediate past president of the Guelph Wellington Men’s Club, both of which gave him much pleasure and enjoyment in his retirement. As an adventurer in life, he travelled extensively with Wilda and his family, discovering new places and widening the world for his four boys. He enjoyed playing piano, skiing and gardening, and never shy, he had an insatiable curiosity about people and always had a great story or joke to tell. He will be missed by many for his kindness and caring, his easy demeanor, and his talent for bringing people together. A sincere appreciation to all of the doctors, Bayshore nurses, caregivers, clergy, friends and neighbours who supported our family through Mark’s challenging journey. A Celebration of Mark’s life will take place at St. George’s Anglican Church, 99 Woolwich St., Guelph; Saturday, December 19 at 1:00pm, followed by a reception at the church. In lieu of flowers, donations to the St. George’s Church Restoration Fund, the Giving for Life Campaign for the Human Anatomy Learning Centre, University of Guelph (http://www.givingforlife.ca/), or a charity of your choice would be appreciated by the family. Donation cards are available at the Gilbert MacIntyre & Son Funeral Home, Dublin Chapel, 252 Dublin St. N., Guelph, 519-822-4731 or send condolences www.gilbertmacintyreandson.com
A Celebration of Mark's life will be held at St. George's Anglican Church 99 Woolwich St., Guelph, on Saturday, December 19, 2015 at 1 p.m.
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