September 2, 1958 - July 22, 2022
In loving memory of Mark Whissell who passed away peacefully at his home with family by his side.
Mark's positivity and determination kept him going through a very lengthy battle with cancer. Greatly missed by his wife and best friend of 42 years, Nancy (Brown). Loving father, friend, and mentor of his children Ryan (Amanda McGee) and Alexandra (predeceased). Survived by his sisters Lesley Rousseau (Yvon) and Jennifer (Tony Kusnierczyk), brothers in-law Mike Brown (Robin Goard), Jim Brown (Paula Zanella), Patrick Brown (Annette Miller) and sister in-law Cathy Bellingham (David). Predeceased by his parents Albert and Beulah Whissell. Son in-law to Bill and Maureen Brown (both predeceased). Fondly remembered by his nieces and nephews and best friends Dave Freeman, Doug Wilkin and Mark Zinn.
Mark loved life and lived every minute. Competitive in nature, he strived to be the best at everything he did from swimming and lifeguarding to skiing, sailing and 10-meter tower diving. He won Rookie Athlete of the Year at Western University and went on to coach the Canadian Junior Diving Team that summer. After graduation he picked up golf and curling where he formed lifelong friendships. He travelled with the gang over the years to curling bonspiels, golfing in Michigan and fishing in Bisco. Mark worked as a pharmaceutical sales rep for 22 years.
He then worked for the Cancer Centre for over 15 years as Manager of Clinical Trials. While there, he was an initial advocate for bringing research to the hospital and sat as a board member on the Ontario Cancer Research Ethics Board. Mark was a family man and made every effort for his wife and children to share his dreams. He loved the water at the camp on Ramsey Lake and at home on Long Lake, but especially sailing the North Channel. He actively participated in his kids sports particularly golf, hockey and skiing.
He was a handy man at home and tackled new projects and renovations over the years to make the property one to enjoy well into retirement. In the last few years, farming was his passion and his endeavours would expand every year. Mark had a zest for life. He was always smiling and upbeat and he loved to bring family and friends together. He will be dearly missed but leaves behind a lifetime of memories that will keep him living in our hearts. Many thanks to the Dr. Bowen, Dr. Linford and Dr. Walton, to the staff at the Palliative Symptom Management Clinic and the Maison McCulloch Hospice and the Bayshore nursing staff - particularly Dustin.
A Celebration of Life will be held at Bryston's on the Park in Copper Cliff, Tuesday, August 16th from 4:00 - 7:00. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Northern Cancer Foundation or the Maison McCulloch Hospice. Arrangements entrusted to the Jackson & Barnard Funeral Home. For donations or message www.lougheedfuneralhomes.com.