MARK DOUGLAS MACKAY-CHIDENTON

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MARK DOUGLAS MACKAY-CHIDDENTON It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our dear father, son, brother, nephew and uncle, Mark Douglas MacKay-Chiddenton, on Wednesday, May 11, 2016, at the age of 58. Mark was predeceased by his beloved wife and soulmate, Dawne MacKay-Chiddenton, in June 2015. Left to cherish his memory are his son Eryn MacKay-Chiddenton (Alexandra); parents, Joan and Douglas Chiddenton; aunt Margaret Croatto (Romeo); brothers, David (Charlene) and Brian Chiddenton; sister Theresa Eldershaw (Steve); nephews, Paul MacKay (Felecia), Daniel Chiddenton (Lindsay) and Robbie Eldershaw (Kaitlin); nieces, Bonnie Dreveski (Ryan) and Kathleen Chiddenton (John); and cousins, Cynthia Pchajek (TJ), Vanessa Croatto (Frank) and Shawn Croatto (Jamie). Mark was born in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, on August 19, 1957. He moved to Winnipeg at the age of 18 and started his career in the Child and Youth Care profession. Mark's foremost passion was helping children in need. This passion was always evident in his career within Manitoba's Child and Youth care system. He started his career with B&L Homes for children, where he worked directly with group home children, and youth care providers, for over 20 years. Mark continued to express his passion for youth in care, with his later work in First Nations communities with West Region Child and Family Services. Mark always sought out ways to use the experience and knowledge he had gained to make a greater difference for those in care, so he naturally gravitated towards positions where he could have an impact on matters such as policy development. After working with the Metis Child and Family Services Authority for some time, Mark moved on to become the executive director of the Michif Child and Family Services Agency. Mark affectionately referred to the children in the agency's care as "his children". He worked tirelessly for their welfare, and constantly sought to improve their living conditions, until he was no longer physically able to do so. Mark also volunteered countless hours of his time as a Beaver, Wolf Cub and Boy Scout leader with Scouts Canada for many years. Among Mark's many other passions were building things, food and drink, and enjoying the great outdoors. These passions often overlapped and Mark always had several projects on the go at any given time. Whether it be improving his home or garden, preparing for one of many camping trips, working on his car, truck or boat, preparing a delicious gourmet meal for family and friends or deciphering a crossword puzzle, Mark was always working on something. Later in life, Mark's excursions on his boat "Daybreak" with Dawne and their dogs (Zoe and Roscoe) were among his most cherished moments. He seized any opportunity to go boating; he loved to enjoy the peace, beauty and tranquility of their favourite spot in Lake of the Woods. The family extends a sincere thanks to the doctors and the medical teams of the 5E Medicine Ward at St. Boniface Hospital, for their exemplary care, kindness and understanding. A celebration of Mark's life will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, May 19, at the Chapel Lawn Funeral Home, 4000 Portage Avenue, Winnipeg. Father Gerry Ward, a longtime and dear family friend will officiate. Rather than flowers, donations to honour Mark's memory can be made to the St. Boniface Hospital Foundation in Mark's name. https:// www.saintboniface.ca/foundation/en/donate/. Chapel Lawn www.chapellawn.ca 885-9715

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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 14, 2016