JOHN J. MARK

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

JOHN J. MARK With great courage and dignity, on Saturday, April 15, 2000, John J. Mark passed away, with his loving family by his side. He will be loved and remembered by his loving wife Stephanie of 38 years; his children, Michael (Laurie), Susan Wiebe (Jason) of Toronto, Alison Dreger (Rob), Robert and Heather Harte (Neil) of Watertown, NY; grandchildren, Alex, Brendan and Connor Mark, Andrew, Corey and Melissa Dreger; sister Bernice Borr; sister-in-law Carrie Bernhardt and numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his father John Klaponski in 1934; brother-in-law Mitchell Borr in 1984; step-father Joseph Mark in 1990; mother Carolyn Mark in 1994; brother-in-law Don Bernhardt in 1996; mother-in-law Mary Paradowski in 1999; sister Julie Larson in 1999 and brother-in-law Wally Larson in 2000. John was born March 13, 1933 in Winnipeg, graduated from Gordon Bell High School in 1952 and continued on to attend the University of Manitoba. He was a hard working man who gave 100% in everything he did. As a young man, he worked two and sometimes three jobs at once; selling life insurance, on the railway as a brakeman and later as a Recreational Director for the Parks Board, before starting his own business. He combined his natural sales ability and his love of sports to create a sporting goods business which lasted over 40 years. John Mark was a man who lived his dreams. He enjoyed travelling, whether it be across Canada, the United States, the Orient and Europe. He loved sports, either as a participant or a spectator and was fortunate enough to have caught a game ball at the Grey Cup in Toronto in 1973. John lived life to the fullest. He loved to fly, and in 1981, he obtained his first solo flight certificate. But what mattered most to John was his family. He married Stephanie in 1961 and by 1968 they had five children. The door to their home was always open and everyone who entered was made to feel like family. The home was always a hub of activity, which John enjoyed immensely. John was kind, gentle, loving, energetic and fun, with a great sense of humour. He was also honest, giving and full of integrity, and he raised his children to be the same. John adored family life, especially spending time with his six grandchildren. He was the best Grandpa anyone could have. He loved to cuddle them, take naps together, sing, make up his own stories and he taught them to play cards. He was looking forward to the birth of his seventh grandchild in June. For 20 years, he fought the good fight with his illness. His body beaten but his spirit untarnished. He was telling jokes to the doctors and nurses at Health Sciences Centre upon his transfer to ICU. Laughing, and in high spirits until the end, facing great adversity. The family would like to extend thanks to Dr. Brian Penner, Dr. J. Embil and all the staff at Health Sciences Centre MICU, with special thanks to Tammy. We also would like to thank Jim Cruz and Tom Conner for their continuous support. All the children would like to thank Mom for her unending devotion, care and love and Auntie Carrie for being so supportive of Mom. Cremation has taken place. At Johns request, the family will have a memorial service and interment at a later date. In memory of John, if friends so desire, donations can be made to the Diabetes Foundation of Manitoba, 1114-233 Kennedy St., Winnipeg, Manitoba; and the Kidney Foundation of Canada, Manitoba Branch, 200-55 Donald St, Winnipeg, Manitoba R3C 1L8. You lived your life for those you loved, And those you loved remember We love you, youre in our hearts forever. Johns family has entrusted his arrangements to the care of: WOJCIKS FUNERAL CHAPEL & CREMATORIUM 897 - 4665

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 22, 2000