Mark ELLIS

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ELLIS: With great sadness, we announce the death of Mark James Ellis, much-loved son, brother, brother-in-law, uncle, co-worker, and friend. Mark passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on the evening of Thursday, January 30, 2020, at Assiniboine Centre, Brandon, at the age of 37, after a courageous battle with cholangiocarcinoma. Left to cherish his memory are his parents Harry and Connie Ellis of Kenton, sister Stacey (Craig) Lane of Virden, sister Kari Ellis (Steve Haggarty) of Brandon and sister Amy (Jamie) Bell of Isabella. Mark was a much-loved uncle to Grady and Holly Lane, Quincy and Paisley Haggarty, and Spencer, Corbin, and Reegan Bell. He had numerous aunts, uncles and cousins from the Ellis and Alexander families. Mark had many wonderful co-workers and friends, all of whom were very important in his life. He was predeceased by his grandparents Jim and Fran Ellis, and Jim and Doreen Alexander. Mark was born on January 7, 1983 in Hamiota District Hospital, a much-anticipated son and brother. He spent his early years as a willing participant in the shenanigans of the Ellis household. He was the youngest in the family, so was often bossed around and used as a stunt double by his sisters. Mark was quite brilliant as a young child, most likely as a result of watching endless hours of Sesame Street, Mr. Dress Up, Wheel of Fortune, Jeopardy, Sports, and Kinsmen Jackpot Bingo. One of Mark’s prized childhood toys was the Speak and Spell, and he excelled with it, getting past all the levels. Before he started Kindergarten, he was able to read quite well, and he sought out social connections by using the phone book to call up friends. This is a prime example of why Dad gave Mark his childhood nickname “Chumley”, as he just really loved to be with friends and people. This continued to be the case into adulthood, as Mark had a wealth of friends throughout his short lifetime. Mark attended Kenton School from Kindergarten to Grade 8. He was a mathematical genius, and worked ahead in advanced math. He continued to excel, and received the Top Academic Student award several times. Mark was fortunate to attend school in Kenton, where he was taught by excellent teachers, and made many friendships that continued into adulthood. Mark played Center for the Kenton Junior Cougars hockey team. The team won multiple provincial championships, and lifelong friendships were formed. It was a team that put Kenton on the map. Mark earned the hockey nickname Esposito, or “Espo” for short, after the hockey legend Phil Esposito, as he towered over everyone. Mark also played Baseball. He stood tall on first base, and had the long stretch to pick off the base runners at first. He was a lefty and that gave him the ability to rip the ball around the bases in a hurry. Mark transitioned easily to Hamiota Collegiate for grades 9 through 12, graduating in 2001. He enjoyed playing volleyball, soccer, high school hockey, and badminton. He took on the role of vice-president in his grade 12 year. His musical talents blossomed when he took up the trumpet and played in the band. He would play our requests like the “Last Post”, and the classic “Burning Ring of Fire”. He helped younger students at school to learn the trumpet as well. He took part in the school trip to London, Paris and Madrid; many great memories were made on this trip. Mark left home to attend the University of Manitoba following his grade 12 graduation. He was a very social person, and despite him studying respiratory therapy, he was often included in the Aggie events by sister Amy. He even joined the livestock judging team, and at times people assumed Mark was enrolled in Agriculture, rather than Respiratory Therapy. Mark graduated from Respiratory Therapy from the University of Manitoba in May of 2006. He started his career in Winnipeg at St. Boniface Hospital and then in 2007 moved to Brandon to work at Brandon Regional Health Centre. Mark purchased his home in Brandon in 2008 where he continued to reside until his passing. Mark continued to play rec hockey in Brandon, as well as Slo-Pitch with his team the “Dirty Mitts”. He enjoyed several trips to the states with the guys to watch baseball over the years. He became more involved in curling, competing with his men’s team and his mixed team. The guys enjoyed the occasional bonspiel, and had lots laughs but also some great games. Mark really enjoyed the curling world, and all those in it. He continued to curl up until December when his illness made it too difficult. He appreciated that his teammates still texted with him the game highlights right up until his passing. Mark was an enthusiastic and caring uncle to his nephews and nieces. He attended all birthday celebrations when he wasn’t busy working, as well as many hockey games. Uncle Mark was always eager to play games, jump on the trampoline with the little ones, or host Grady and a friend or two for summer hockey camps. Mark would make the trek to the Lane’s cabin to spend some time there and join us on the boat or around the campfire. It was evident that Mark was loved by many staff throughout BRHC. There were many Respiratory Therapists and Nurses, who were proud to introduce themselves as Mark’s “work wives”. Mark was a very tall guy working in healthcare, so had limited options for scrubs, but he did own several sets of his signature brown scrubs. He enjoyed his chosen field of work, and often picked up extra shifts. Mark was a highly skilled, calm, and caring Respiratory Therapist. His co-workers described him as their “rock” and a consummate professional. He took his often-challenging work in stride, was never one to get upset, and was reliable in any situation. Both in and outside of work, if things got rough, Mark was the person to show up, and his presence would put you at ease. He was kind to all, accepting of others, and he really exemplified that one should always enjoy life, and stay positive, no matter what comes your way. He had integrity, respect for others, and himself, but always enjoyed having fun and a good laugh. Mark did not get worried about too many things, and he lived his life doing what he enjoyed. His greatest possessions were his family, friends, co-workers, and experiences. He had a great sense of humour and a wonderful laugh that will be truly missed. Mark handled his diagnosis with strength and dignity. Cancer takes some things but it did not take Mark’s joy, moments with family and friends, his laughter or love. True to his nature, Mark was more worried about everyone else and how they were doing rather than himself, right up to his passing. A Celebration of Life was held to honour Mark’s life on Friday, February 28th, 2020 at the Regency Ballroom within the Clarion Hotel in Brandon. Mr. Michael Boyle, former principal and coach, acted as the Master of Ceremonies, and speakers included Henry Wilson and Ryan Schmidt (lifelong friends to Mark), Jennifer Sambrook (co-worker and friend), and his sisters Stacey, Kari and Amy. A video tribute was shared which had been prepared by Devon Caldwell. Friend Nicole Wilson sang and played the guitar to the song “One Friend”. The band Prairie Roots (Sheena Hamilton, Henry and Nicole Wilson) provided music following the formal service. A taco bar and lemon tarts (favourites of Mark) were served. Mark’s ashes were interred in the Breadalbane Cemetery, located by Lenore, MB on July 18th, 2020, next to his Grandpa and Grandma Ellis.Thank You Our family is so very grateful for all the support, kindness and direction given to Mark, both since his diagnosis, and throughout his entire life. Mark has always been blessed with wonderful friends, and we can certainly say he was a dear friend to all, and the world has been a better place to have had Mark in it. Thank you all so much for coming to Mark’s Celebration of Life. We were overwhelmed with all who attended, and still have a smile over a quote from the night “Mark is bigger than Aerosmith!” Thank you to those who showed support for Mark, by purchasing and wearing the Rally Cap hats. It is still heartwarming to see people wearing them in the community. This was done as a show of support to Mark during his battle and will remind us of his strength in fighting his illness. Hats are being worn across the country from Prince Edward Island to British Columbia. He will not be forgotten. Mark and many of us had an excellent time at his bonspiel in November. It was a fantastic event, and we are glad to have had it when he was still feeling well. His curling teammates, co-workers and friends put a lot of work put into this, and we are grateful to all who came together to rally for him. Thank you to the Kenton and area community folks who organized the Kenton Cougars and Virden Oil Kings Alumni game in December. Mark had such a great time in his coaching debut on the bench and being with all of his old teammates. He was very touched to have had all this support. We thank Mark’s co-workers and staff who supported Mark with their clothing and bracelet sales. Again, it was heartwarming to see so many staff with their Stronger than Cancer gear on every time Mark had to come through the hospital doors. Huge thanks to all of Mark’s health care team who were there for him when he became the patient: Dr. Louis Minders, Westman Cancer Care, BRHC Emergency Department, Floors 300, 400 & 500, Diagnostic Imaging; and the Assiniboine Centre staff. Also, to Christine Cross, who helped Mark and ourselves when things got tough, thank you for your guidance and for being there. Thank you to Brittney and everyone at Brockie Donovan for your kindness and professionalism. Thank you to the numerous friends who texted him regularly, or stayed connected. We could see his face light up when he received your messages and visits. Thank you to those within our own circles who have supported us and companioned us along the way, and are still there showing up when we need it. We will reference a Mr. Rogers quote, which is to always look for the helpers in tough times…Mark we will be looking for you, and we know that you received everyone’s help when you needed it, just as you have been a helper to us and to countless others. You are loved, you are missed, and you are remembered.When Tomorrow Starts without MeWhen tomorrow starts without me,And I’m not there to see;If the sun should rise and find your eyesAll filled with tears for me;I know how much you love me,As much as I love you,And each time that you think of me,I know you’ll miss me tooSo when tomorrow starts without me,Don’t think we’re far apart,For every time you think of me,I’m right here in your heart. -David Romano

As published in Brandon Sun on Aug 01, 2020