Mark was an amazing husband and best friend to Trish (who always described him to others as “the perfect combination of brilliant and ridiculous”) and a fun, loving, and dedicated dad to daughters Darby and Marin. For Marin he was the teacher of all things; not only her math homework but his sense of humour, love of french bulldogs, the beach, snorkelling, and travel.
He is survived by Trish, Marin, his dad Jim, brothers Roger (Joanne), and Allan (Karen), sister Lynn Ann (Desi) and Irish twin Melissa (Matt), along with mother-in-law Janet, brother-in-law Brad (Aimee) as well as many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins.
An enormously talented and gifted man, he is fondly remembered by all those whose lives he touched. After obtaining his computer science degree from UNB (involving more partying with his Aitken buddies than studying) Mark began a very successful career in IT. He started his own company and worked as a consultant for many years, collaborating with and leading teams on enterprise-level projects. In 2012 he moved to a senior role with IBM Canada. He will be deeply missed by those who worked with him, especially his closest work pals Al, Agnes, and Cal.
Mark discovered a love for travel after finishing UNB when he and friend Shane embarked on a backpacking trip through Europe. He and Trish, often with Marin in tow, explored numerous sun destinations and parts of Europe. In 2017 he spent several weeks in Morocco as part of the IBM Corporate Service Corps, a trip he especially enjoyed where he gained several new friends.
While he lived and worked in Halifax, Mark’s soul was happiest when he was with his family and friends at the cottage in Priest Pond/Campbell’s Cove, PEI. His love of the beach, the sound of the waves, and sharing this with others brought him immeasurable peace and contentment.
He brought joy to those around him with his warm smile, quick wit and wickedly sarcastic sense of humour. Most will not know that he struggled, periodically, for years with mental illness, and gave support to others struggling with these illnesses.
Predeceased by mother Helen, daughter Darby, father-in-law Bob.
Visitation will be held Tuesday, November 12th, 6-8pm.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia.
In life, we loved you dearly, in death we love you still.
In our hearts you hold a place no one else will ever fill.
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