Mark N Knowlson

Born in Kildonan, Manitoba to William and Gertrude Knowlson; predeceased by daughter Melanie and his brothers John, David and Bill. Mark is survived by Frances, his wife of almost 60 years, daughter Kim, sons Tom and Richard (Margaret), grandchildren Nicholas, Jacqueline, and Mackenzie, his sister Joan (Charlie), sisters-in-law Muriel and Olga and many nieces and nephews.

Mark grew up in the Interlake area of Manitoba. As a young man he headed west and had many good memories of running a pony camp and working as a ranger in Banff, taking tourists on mountain trail rides and checking the back-country during the winter. Moving further west to the lower mainland, he worked in construction with his brother, Dave. After training as an electrician he worked for many years as an elevator mechanic with Otis and Turnbull in Vancouver and on Vancouver Island before joining the maintenance staff of the Royal Jubilee Hospital. He retired from there in 1982 after his first bout with cancer.

Mark and Frances raised their family in Burnaby and Saanich and then moved to Sidney to begin their retirement. Once the grandchildren headed up-island, Mark and Frances followed and so they arrived in the Comox Valley.

Mark enjoyed visiting and chatting with people and was willing to lend a hand whenever he could. He volunteered with various organizations over the years including the Cancer Society, Therapeutic Riding, 4H Goats, Hospice Society and Pet Therapy with Arctic, the last of his much-loved dogs.

Mark spent his days outdoors; he was an avid gardener and particularly fond of his peach tree. Family vacations were spent fishing at the cabin, canoeing, and camping. While living in Sidney he rediscovered the joy of biking and continued to cycle until recently. Sometimes his dogs would run alongside while other times he just preferred a good long walk. And Mark did like to walk; he was still walking 3km a day in mid-December.

Our thanks to Dr. Olga Lamykina, OmniCare, VIHA and all the compassionate support workers whose presence allowed Mark to stay home surrounded by family.

There will be a memorial service and reception at Comox United Church,

250 Beach Drive, Comox, BC on Saturday, March 24, 2012, at 2pm.

Flowers gratefully declined; donations to a charity of your choice if desired.