With heavy hearts we say goodbye to Mark who lost his courageous battle with cancer at home surrounded by his loving family. Mark leaves behind his best friend and loving wife Cindy (nee Walker) and his three children Brian, Jeff, and Kayla, his parents, Morris and Yvonne, sisters Laurie (Ron recently deceased) and Kimberly (Dan), mother in law Betty Walker and sister in law Shelley (Dean). Favourite uncle to Cody, Kyle, Lucas, Jake, Nicole, Kelsey and Ben.How fortunate we are all to have had such an amazing man in our lives. We will not be the same without him. Mark was a mentor and inspiration to many and friend to all.

Mark started as a volunteer firefighter in Ancaster in 1981 and became a full time firefighter with Hamilton Fire Department in 1986. He moved to a full time position with the Ancaster Fire Department in 1988 that began his career path as an officer eventually becoming Fire Chief in 1998. Mark became the Deputy Fire Chief with the Burlington Fire Department where he remained until December 2007. In January of 2008 he became the St Catharine’s Fire Chief.

Mark also served as a Director within the Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs until his sudden passing.During his career Mark was instrumental in leading many initiatives and changes. Some of these included pumper shuttle accreditation, defibrillator implementation in recreational facilities, emergency preparedness planning, while consistently applying his talent to foster and build relationships.Being a firefighter was more than a job to Mark, it was his passion along with boating and happy hour at home or on the dock with family and friends at the family lake house.

Many thanks to Dr. Antoniuk, CCAC, “nurse Shelley” and homecare nurse Joanne Norwood. We would also like to thank all those who supported the family through this difficult time.