Markus Kienast

With heavy hearts we bid farewell to Markus Kienast – father, husband, professor, and friend. Markus was known for his fierce love and commitment to his family, who he cherished with all his heart. He passed from this life surrounded by their care and comfort, breathing his last breath with them by his side.

Markus was born in Munich on August 11, 1969, to Hermann and Birgitt Kienast. His father’s work as an architectural historian brought them to Athens where Markus grew up, spending summers on the Greek island of Samos. While he inherited his father’s keen mind for academic inquiry, Markus’ love of entertaining family and friends came from his mother, who was known for hosting gatherings overflowing with culinary wonders.

Markus chose to share his life with Stephanie, his soulmate and wife of nearly 27 years. In Stephanie he truly found his match! They met as university students in Kiel and then pursued their PhDs in Vancouver, where Sophia was born. Settling in Halifax, they welcomed Annika and then Julia, while establishing their careers in the Department of Oceanography at Dalhousie University. Together they published academic papers, nurtured students, and raised their beautiful daughters.

Markus will be remembered for his adventurous spirit and zest for life. “Where will we go today?” was the mantra each morning on family trips. Referred to as the “yellow flash” by his family, Markus could be seen sprinting through Halifax wearing a yellow reflective vest. He was also known for his love of soccer, which he played with tremendous enthusiasm, recruiting any students or co-workers to join his “soccer team” (skill not required). As one of his students said: “the halls are eerily quiet in the absence of his whistling and signature laugh”.

Loyal and reliable, Markus was a good listener, and you could count on him to “give it to you straight.” Many sought his advice. While he was quick with a laugh and a joke, Markus also didn’t shy away from an argument. He was partial to Greek swear words (much more satisfying than English ones!).

Most at home when he was working his garden, Markus’ favourite things to grow were probably his daughters. He delighted in these athletic, intelligent, and kind women, and took comfort knowing that they were each set on a path that gave them joy and satisfaction.

Markus’ family, friends and faith sustained him during the shock of his diagnosis only two months ago. He lived these final months with dignity, strength, and hope, selflessly looking out for the wellbeing of those around him till the very end.

Markus is survived by his wife Stephanie, his children Sophia, Annika and Julia, his mother-in-law Marianne, his brother-in-law Georg, his cousin Eva, his uncles Klaus and Andreas, his aunts Thea and Traudl, and their families.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held for Markus on Tuesday, July 22, 10:00 a.m., at St. Thomas Aquinas Church, 1725 Oxford Street, Halifax, followed by a reception in the adjoining hall. All are welcome! Those wishing to honour our “Greco-German prince among men” with a donation may do so by giving to Doctors Without Borders or Pancreatic Cancer Canada.