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WARREN MARK FENNY
Born: Apr 15, 1949
Date of Passing: Jul 09, 2022
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or Memory
WARREN MARK FENNY
April 15, 1949 – July 9, 2022
Surrounded by his family, Mark passed away at Granite Lake, his favourite place to be.
Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 50 years, Gloria (nee Bergner), and daughters, Carolyn and Kathryn (Don Humphreys), his three grandsons, Jaycek, Henrik and Patrick. He is also survived by his sister Barbara Parr, brother Bob Whitaker (Clare), sister-in-law Glenda MacDonald (Colin), brother-in-law Harvey Bergner (Irene) as well as many nieces and nephews. Mark was predeceased by his parents, Donald and Phyllis Fenny, Helen and Herb Whitaker, Winnie and Kurt Bergner, brothers-in-law, Harry Parr, Eddie Bergner and Warren Bergner.
Mark was a true Fort Garry boy. He attended Viscount Alexander, St. John's Ravenscourt and then Vincent Massey Collegiate where he preferred "extracurricular activities" to classes. Mark debated (aka arguing), was in glee club, musicals, played football and hooky (not hockey!). He excelled at socializing and rose to any challenge. At University of Manitoba he met his match in Peter Brass one of his Delta Upsilon fraternity brothers. They remained best friends for life.
Following his education Mark began what was to become an almost 40 year career in the financial services industry. Working in the Trust, Banking and Investment sectors Mark spent his career engaged as a senior manager. During the last ten years the majority of the time was spent working with organizations who were being challenged with regulatory compliance issues.
Active in the community, Mark has served in a number of capacities with a variety of organizations: Vice-President Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce, Vice-President of the Wildwood Club, Chair of Stewards at Fort Garry United Church, President Fort Garry Rotary Club, Board Member of the YM/YWCA Camps Board, Board Member Camp Manitou, Secretary of Khartum Shriners, President Khartum Pipes and Drums, director of the Blue Bomber Football Club and just this spring became a director of the Lake of the Woods District Stewardship Association.
Volleyball also played a special role in Mark's life. He was proud of achieving the status of international referee which took him to Puerto Rico, Japan, and the 1976 Olympics in Montreal.
He fell in love with lake life at Camp Stephens. That is where he developed from young camper to senior staff. As a young child he had visited Granite Lake with his parents who purchased a property which remained vacant until 1972 when Mark and his new wife Gloria built their cottage which became a lasting legacy. The cabin was Mark's happy place. He loved to welcome friends and family for the next 50 years, he always had rum and coke to share and a project on the go. The summers were punctuated with sailing, boating, golf, working on model ships, "work" weekends with his buddies and hosting the annual Whitaker Parr reunion. The lake was about being together.
Later in life Mark joined the Khartum Shrine Band, and learned to play the tenor drum. He astonished us all by learning to play the bagpipes at age 60.
Mark's greatest pride and joy was his family. He encouraged his daughters' participation in sports and activities at the Wildwood Club and later on at school and though adulthood. He was always there to cheer them on (and coach from the bleachers!). For the past five years his great joy was watching Patrick and Henrik grow and learn. We all laughed when Patrick reported he was trying to be Grandpa wearing Mark's glasses and stealing his walker or playing with the hospital bed. Henrik always ran into grandpa's office to see if there was a package of gum available when they played board games. They love their Grandpa.
Mark has left his mark on all of us. His sense of humour and fair play, the stubbornness he has passed down, his strong moral compass and ability to make tough choices when needed, the importance of giving to your community, loving your family, and of challenging yourself to try new things. Mark's famous quote "we all do things we don't want to do" will stick with us always, as we navigate a future without him.
We invite friends and family to join us in celebrating a life well lived at Shrine House, 1155 Wilkes Avenue on July 21, from 1:00 p.m to 3:00 p.m. Bring your stories and memories.
Please consider donating to the Khartum Shrine Patient Transportation Fund in Mark's memory.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 16, 2022
Condolences & Memories (17 entries)
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I have remembered Mark through all these years. Mark & I were polka partners at Oakenwald Public School when all the desks were pushed to the side of the classroom. He was always so much back then and sounds as if his wonderful personality carried him through life which made him unforgettable. I am very saddened to hear of Mark’s passing & so sure he is leading the polka dances in Heaven. May Mark’s family find peace in the many wonderful memories they have of their husband, father, uncle, grandfather & friend. Rae (Flynn) Martin, Niagara Falls, Ontario - Posted by: Rae (nee Flynn) Martin (Friend from public/junior high school) on: Nov 26, 2023
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My husband Doug knew Mark from his Chamber of Commerce days while running a courier company. We both knew Mark and Gloria from our golfing days at Wildwood. He was always the life of the Fri mixed golf group. Also his sister Barb and I went to some of same schools in Ft.Garry. Our condolences go out to you Gloria and Barb along with the rest of your family. Granite Lake was a favorite camping spot of our family until parents bought a cottage at Falcon. He will be fondly remembered. - Posted by: Marilyn and Doug Hermiston (Golfing acquaintance) on: Jul 30, 2022
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My deepest condolences to the entire family. While our interactions were very infrequent (Christmas emails and short discussions about other family members) I know he was very much the man his parents would have been proud of. Growing up he was always a welcome addition at Grandma and Grandpa Fenny's home for special occasions like Christmas and Easter. Unfortunately we lost touch for many years. May his memories remain in your hearts forever. - Posted by: Jake Davidson (Cousin) on: Jul 22, 2022
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Wishing all of you the best at this sad time. I am sorry that I was unable to attend the service today (Thursday, 21 July). I didn't hear about it until today so I couldn't make arrangements to get there. As a friend of Glenda, Mark would have been a bit older. As I read the obituary, I saw that he was a Fort Garry boy through and through. He did live a good life and I am sure you all have great memories that you can share with each other in the hard times. They will bring a smile to your face before there's a tear in your eye. Sincere condolences. Ianthe Warner - Posted by: Ianthe Warner (Friend and class mate of Glenda MacDonald (Bergner)) on: Jul 21, 2022
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Mark's sense of humor and perspective will be missed. As will his guided tours of the lake on the pontoon boat. So sorry for your loss Gloria, Caroline and Kathryn. Love Heather - Posted by: Heather Bergner (Niece ) on: Jul 20, 2022
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The Christie Family were deeply saddened to hear about the passing of an extraordinary individual that spent countless hours giving back to various organizations to make a difference in so many lives. Our heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends at this difficult time. - Posted by: The Christie Cottage (Granite Lake) on: Jul 20, 2022
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I was deeply saddened to hear of Mark’s passing .. my heartfelt condolences to you Gloria. I vividly remember him as larger than life, full of energy and multiple ideas. He never passed on a chance to debate/argue any issue or subject. I know he would have given me or anyone he considered a friend ~ the shirt off his back. I am reminded of a quote: “Life will go on without you .. but will never be the same!” - Posted by: Lanny Gregory (Fraternity Brother ) on: Jul 18, 2022
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So stunned and very sorry for your loss Gloria and family. Please accept my family’s deepest sympathy. Love, Madeline - Posted by: Madeline MacKenzie (Friend) on: Jul 18, 2022
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Passing along my sincere condolences. I had been communicating with Mark regarding the formation of a Granite Lake Community Group. He was excited and keen on the idea of forming a lake association, and shared ideas on activities we could undertake. I hope in his memory we can achieve some of these goals. Sending caring thoughts to you all. - Posted by: Sharon Gurney (Granite Lake cottager) on: Jul 18, 2022
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Kathryn please know I am thinking of you and your family at this very sad and difficult time and sending my sincere condolences. Take care. - Debra - Posted by: Debra (Friend and colleague of Kathryn) on: Jul 18, 2022
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Carolyn, I am so sorry to hear of your father’s passing. I know this is a very sad and difficult time for you and your family. You have my very deepest sympathy. - Posted by: Helena Goerz (Acquaintance) on: Jul 18, 2022
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Carolyn and family, my heart goes out to you. Peace and blessing at this time. - Posted by: Kathleen (Kate) Wiens (Friend) on: Jul 17, 2022
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I knew Mark from Vincent Massey days and always knew that one day when he grew up he'd be someone who was very special. My condolences to his beautiful family ... may he rest in peace. - Posted by: Helen G (School mate) on: Jul 16, 2022
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Gloria our sincere sympathy. Mark was a good friend and fraternity brother. Always enjoyed being “Abbot” to his “Costello”. Taught me to love whiskey sours! - Posted by: Ron Waugh and Claire Waugh (Friends) on: Jul 16, 2022
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In 2004 I appointed Mark as our Circus Chairman for Khartum Shrine. He did an outstanding job. It was so sad to learn of his passing. We send our sympathy to his Family. Doug & Yvonne Virtue - Posted by: Doug & Yvonne Virtue (Shrine friends) on: Jul 16, 2022
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Mark was truly an amazing individual and will be sorely missed by so many people. I will miss his wisdom and guidance that he always made available in our various activities with the Pipe Band and life. My deepest condolences to all of the family at this very sad time. - Posted by: Craig Kirby (Friend) on: Jul 16, 2022
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Carolyn and family please accept my sincere condolence in the passing of your father. God bless! - Posted by: Hank Hildebrand (Acquaintance of Carolyn ) on: Jul 16, 2022