I loved Mark from the moment I met him. Twenty years ago, my boyfriend (now husband) took me from the West Coast to Moose Jaw, to meet his family. After I received various degrees of lukewarm reception from the rest of the family, I met Mark, who gave me a toothy grin and shook my hand. We connected immediately. Later that day he brought Rachel to meet me. Because of the way in which they treated me, Mark and Rachel soon became very important in my eyes. After that first visit, every time we went to Moose Jaw, the first thing I wanted to do was to see Mark and Rachel. We last saw Mark in August of 2020, and since then, we have been on the phone with him every 2-3 days, to help keep up his spirit, and help him to hang on. He was more of a brother to me, than a brother-in-law. There’s a large void in my life, as a result of his passing. I used to love saying things to make him laugh; and telling him stories about situations that are funny but true. I have only one regret: that we could not be right there to help him and Rachel through this awful time. Rachel, your other brother and sister are here for you. And we will do everything that we can to help you through this. We love you very much.

The day Mark passed away was a very sad day in my life. When he was sick, he was always on my mind. We called every 2-3 days, hoping it would pick up his spirit and keep him going on with the fight against Leukaemia. I will miss our talks, and I will miss going to the park in Moose Jaw and having milkshakes with him, and just sitting and talking. He was always in pretty good spirit despite how sick he was feeling. Shirley and I were always laughing with him when we spoke with him on the phone from Victoria. I know he will be missed by all. Rachel and the boys are always on my mind.