OBITUARY
Mark Joseph Sark
October 29, 1963 – November 12, 2019
Passed into the Spirit World at the Campbellton Regional Hospital on November 12, 2019 at the age of 56, Mr. Mark Joseph Sark of Listuguj, life partner of Vicky Metallic.
Born in Maria on October 29, 1963, son of the late Constance (Connie) Marie Pictou Sark-Burton.
It has been said of Mark that while he might have gone about life in a unique way, he always tried to do the right thing. With close to 30 years in a 12-step recovery program, Mark helped and was helped by numerous people. Before having found his ultimate calling as an artist and sculptor, he served his Mi’gmaw people as the Director of the Gespe'gewaq Mi'gmaq Resource Council, Band Manager for the We’koqma’q First Nation and, prior to that, as Band Manager for the Annapolis Valley First Nation.
He fulfilled his passion for art by attending the Nova Scotia College Art and Design (NSCAD) in Halifax, Nova Scotia where he quickly became a renowned artist. His award-winning artwork was recognized by the NSCAD faculty, peers, and the public. He exhibited in the Treaty Space Gallery at NSCAD’s Port Campus. He was a finalist in the Starfish Awards in 2019 and two of his pieces are in the permanent collection of Dalhousie University and currently loaned and installed in the Weldon Law Building at the Schulich School of Law in Halifax, Nova Scotia. His last days included receiving his Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree from the Nova Scotia College of Art & Design and getting a personal letter from President Barack Obama. His last few weeks were spent with his beloved partner Vicky Metallic (Listuguj First Nation), his grandson Pasmayji’j, his sister Kathryn Burton (Boston, MA) as well as many loved ones.
Mark was known and respected among all people as a Sma’gnis (Warrior) having been certified as a paratrooper and sharpshooter in the United States Army and later served as a proud member of the United States Marine Corps.
Whether a brother, partner, a combat brother, a 12-step brother, an uncle or brother in his Sundance Family, Mark could literally be counted upon to lay his life on the line if required.
Mark is survived by his life partner Vicky Metallic; parents-in-law Frank and Mary Ann Metallic; sister-in-law Janine Metallic, brothers-in-law Kevin, Glenn, and Mark Metallic; brother David Wagner; nephews Lyle and Brandon Julian, and niece Tia Julian; sister Kathryn Burton, brother-in-law Chad Jackson, nephews Miles and Graydon Jackson; son Pasmay Paul and grandson Pasmayji’j Paul; daughter Shaya Sark, grandson Elijah Metallic; Uncle Bobby Pictou (Millbrook First Nation); cousins Shari, Shanan, and Brent Pictou; father Kevin Burton; many extended family members from Mi’gma’gi. Mark was predeceased by his woman warrior mother, Constance (Connie) Marie Pictou Sark-Burton.
Mark, please send an eagle as a sign when you’ve reached your spirit family. Your family still living on Mother Earth will forever and always miss you!
Semper Fidelis, Gisilita’sualultesnen, Always Faithful
Funeral mass will be held at St. Anne's Church in Listuguj, Saturday at 11:00 am.
Visitations at 119 Riverside West, Listuguj, Thursday starting at 2:00 pm. All hours mentioned are NB time (Atlantic time).
Funeral arrangements are in the care of Maher's Funeral Home, Campbellton. (506)789-1699 or toll free (855) 404-1699 email: maher.fh@nb.aibn.com
Services
- Visitations / NB time Thursday, November 14, 2019
- Funeral Mass / NB time Saturday, November 16, 2019
Memories
Mark Joseph Sark
have a memory or condolence to add?
ADD A MEMORYMark Bovey
November 17, 2019
I first met Mark in the Print Studios at NSCAD. I was greeted with his familiar smile and welcoming nature and desire to learn. I was very happy to see his work selected for the Presidents Prize by the Sculpture Area last spring and his selection was a clearly a recognition of hard work and the contribution he made to his classmates, and his dedication to making work that addressed his Indigenous heritage.
It is clear by his obituary that he was a tremendous person who gave all he could, was loved and showed his love.
His NSCAD family will miss him. My sincere condolences to his family and friends.
Mark
Chastity Mitchell
November 15, 2019
Our deepest condolences to the loved ones, family and friends of Mark. He was a humble being of strength, integrity and kindness. I will always remember your smile and willingness to always lend a hand, your dedication to the nation and most of all your friendship.
It is with a heavy heart, rest easy my friend and ride high!!! xo
Arghavan Batal
November 15, 2019
Our deepest sympathy to the whole family. May he Rest In Peace.
Betty Martin Docuette
November 15, 2019
I just wanted to put Connie's picture in there, Mark's mom. God Bless.
Audrey Isaac
November 15, 2019
I will always hold dear to my heart the personal tour Mark gave me in his amazing studio...so much talent and passion. But I believe his true passion was the love he felt for his partner Vicky and his grandson Pasmay...always talking about Pasmay. Rest now Mark...welugwen!
Ambrose and Joan Boyle
November 14, 2019
Our Deepest Sympathy to all the Family.
Deborah Dedam
November 14, 2019
Another angel gone home. God Bless you Mark. You were always there when someone needed a hug. Your kind heart and your smile will never be forgotten. Rest easy my friend.
Tony Dedam
November 14, 2019
Thank you Mark for your service and dedication in fighting for our freedom and enhancing our culture in your art work. Rest in peace, Nitap !!
Barbara Lounder
November 14, 2019
I met Mark when he first arrived to study art at NSCAD. He was not a student in any of my classes, but we would often talk about art when we saw each other in the hallways of the school, and he would tell me about the projects he was working on. I would visit his studio from time to time, and was so impressed with how hard he worked, and how much he was learning at each step of the way. I love the colour, vitality and spirit that Mark incorporated into his art; I think it is a good reflection of him. He will be missed very much at NSCAD. Sending condolences and warm thoughts to Mark's family, friends and community.
Betty Doucette
November 14, 2019
His with friends, Timothy Simon.
Catherine Martin
November 14, 2019
Mark stayed at my house in millbrook over the past year whole he attended nscad. It was a pleasure to have him there. We had an email and text relationship during that time he was part of our family as my dad ben martin and mark were good friends and considered a son to mom and dad. Frank and I had the pleasure of doing a video profile on him for the ulnooweg award show several years ago. We will miss him dearly. My sister louise sent this for mark.
By mary louise martin 2019
mark sark
from listiguj
fellow marine
and under his wing
he is like a son to our father
soldier
artist
started his journey into the next world
on the 11of November - remembrance day
where he will rest and be remembered forever with our brave and fallen soldiers.
all our relations our good brother mark. all our relations.
Note:
when a relation passes into the next world I believe the journey/passage takes a few days. and I set out a little snack for the passing spirit to come and rest in our home and nourish the spirit on their travels. it brings me closer to home and to the loved one I have lost and respected.
Mary louise martin
M'sit Nokomaq
Daniel Paul
November 14, 2019
I remember his smile and good cheer whenever we met, he shall be missed, condolences to his beloved family!
theresa meuse
November 13, 2019
Knew Mark when he worked at Annapolis Valley First Nation. Sending warmest of thoughts to the family.
Betty Martin Docuette
November 13, 2019
I am so sorry to hear the lose of someone that touched our hearts.
Lisa Gedeon
November 13, 2019
Mark,
You were one of the greatest human beings that I had the pleasure of knowing. Your warm greeting smile and kind words were always an inspiration to me and to many others, your love and admiration for your partner Vicky and family was overwhelming with a strong sense of pure love. You served your country well and we are very proud of you of all you have accomplished with this being said....you will be deeply missed. May you rest in peace and know that I will never forget you. You were and always be a great person to me xxx
JJ Bear
November 13, 2019
I wish to pass along my heartfelt condolences to the friends and family of Mark.
I met mark in the early 90's during my time working as the Regional Emergency Preparedness Coordinator for INAC. My job was to assist First Nations develop emergency plans and Mark was working with one of the Bands in Cape Breton. Being true to his values, he believed in helping our people move forward in good ways and we developed a friendship based on these shared values.
He would not only work towards developing plans that would protect the community in case of emergencies and disasters, he also helped me deliver presentations to other bands as well as regional leadership. This assisted many bands in developing emergency plans and ensured training and resources were provided to them.
Although our career paths changed over the course of the many years, we would always run into each other on the road someplace and catch up on where we are in life. Then we both found culture and spirituality and would often see each other at a ceremony. The most recent was the Sundance Ceremony in Afton this past summer, this is where he shared with me his battle for life. Although he was being challenged, he was strong in his heart and we were still able to joke and tease each other.
My memories of Mark have always been positive and I pray he has a safe journey with our ancestors and pray for strength for family during this time of grief and loss. He is a huge loss to the Nation, community and family.
Until we meet again my friend....Upcic Nitap...Kiselomol
With much love and respect.... JJ Bear (Kin-Sehket Muwin)