MARK FRANCIS SMITH

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

MARK FRANCIS SMITH With heavy hearts we sadly announce the passing of our dear brother, uncle and friend at the age of 48, while being held lovingly by his family, on Saturday, August 30, 2008 at the St.Boniface Hospital Palliative Care. Mark was born on January 6, 1960 in Winnipeg, Manitoba, son of the late Cathleen Harvey and John Smith of Lac Du Bonnet, Manitoba. Mark grew up in Pointe Du Bois, Manitoba and moved with his family to Winnipeg in 1975. Mark graduated high school from Grant Park in 1977. Mark joined the Canadian Navy in 1980, graduating from the east coast. He was stationed at Esquimalt, BC on the ship Provider . Through these years with the navy Mark enjoyed numerous ports of call which included San Francisco, Hawaii, Fiji, Hong Kong and his favorite port Singapore. Unfortunately while in Vancouver, BC in March of 1982 Mark had a serious motorcycle accident that changed his life. Mark had a remarkable spirit with countless positive attributes being witty, comical and having such a caring nature. He had touched so many hearts throughout his life both before and after his accident. Mark taught all of us to be more appreciative for what we have. Mark enjoyed interaction, his eyes would light up, followed with an unbelievable smile anytime visitors or care givers came by to say hello. The family would like to extend a sincere and heartfelt thank you to all of Mark's care givers the last 26 years. These include Deer Lodge, Health Science Rehab Center, Pinawa Hospital and St. Boniface Hospital 7AWest and Palliative Care Unit. The family wishes to give a special acknowledgement to the Lac Du Bonnet Personnel Care Home, which had been Mark's home since November 1987. The extraordinary loving care and compassion that Mark received from the Personnel Care Home staff was exceptional and will never be forgotten. Mark was predeceased by his father John Smith in 1999, stepfather Gordon Harvey in 1999 and devoted mother Cathleen Harvey in 2000. Left to cherish his memory are brother Michael (Dianne), sister Maureen (Greg), nieces Michelle and Kristyn, nephew Sean, extended family, care givers and close friends. A celebration of Mark's life will be held on Wednesday, September 3, 2008 at 3:00 p.m. Notre Dame du Lac Roman Catholic Church, Lac Du Bonnet, Manitoba. In lieu of flowers donations can be made in Mark's honor to the Lac Du Bonnet Personnel Care Home, Lac Du Bonnet, Manitoba R0E 1A0. SOBERING FUNERAL CHAPEL CREMATORIUM, Beausejour 268-3510 or MB toll free 1-877-776-2220

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 02, 2008