|
In memory of those who have Crossed the Bar
McDONNELL, Mark Edgar - On January 2nd we lost a wonderful hero, husband, father, grandfather and friend! Mark McDonnell has left a lasting and eternal impression on so many in the 84 years of his life.
He was born May 10th, 1939, in humble beginnings in Marathon, northern Ontario, but raised in St.Thomas, his father being a switching operator for CN Railroad. He excelled in school and athletics, star football player and semi-pro baseball. Mark joined the navy and was being groomed to be an officer with them.
All would change when he met Marion. From the first time he laid eyes on the love of his life during shore leave from his ship docked at the CNE in Toronto, he showed us what it means to love and adore his wife of 63 years. They loved to play cards, go dancing, always holding hands, enjoying walks or just sitting together watching nature or people walking by, and cultivated many friendships along the way.
Dad was an amazing father, who laughed hard, played and showed us all how to enjoy life. He taught us to love the outdoors with many adventures camping together. He was a coach to us in our sports, but also a coach to us in life. He loved to cook, throwing spaghetti on the wall to see if it was done, to being the “green” player of any game and showing us how to lose gracefully. He taught us about God, how to love Him and to love others. He was a servant in the church, the community and at work, showing us an incredible work ethic. Shaun, Shari and April are beyond grateful for the privilege of you being their father.
Not many grandfathers played World of Warcraft or online video games and traded reading the same novels as their grandsons, but this grandpa did. He drove buses on school trips, went to dances, and was easily won over by the sweet talk of his granddaughters.
His friends built great memories together, lots of food, card games, golfing, road trips, and lots and lots of laughter.
Most of Mark’s career was spent as a plant/production manager for Nortel where he was deeply respected by those he managed. He took a brief career change working as a business and maintenance manager at Great Lakes Christian College. It was not uncommon for people to stop and talk with him in his office, or see him fixing a problem at the school, cutting the grass and driving the bus on school or chorus trips . No job was below him to do. He showed us all how to serve with a smile. He was valued wherever he went and whatever he did; this led him being asked to return to Nortel where he finished off his career with them.
He moved from Belleville back to Beamsville where their home became a dormitory for many of the grandchildren to attend Great Lakes Christian High School and nearby universities. He was always active and involved with his church community and family, hosting dinners, bible studies, on the board of directors or eldership. He was an out of the box thinker, always trying to stimulate deeper reflection on how and why we do things.
Mark loved camping and fishing, was an excellent chess player and coach. He and Marion were constantly hosting parties and dinners, loving to touch people in so many different ways. Sadly, Alzheimer's stole some of our last memories with him, but nothing can ever steal our love for this wonderful man whom God put in our lives.
It is so fitting that he passed from this life into the next with the song “I Want To Stroll Over Heaven With You.” Stroll away sweetie, dad, gramps, Mark; scout out some great walks for us all to enjoy with you someday, laughing, singing and strolling for all eternity.
We will be having a Celebration of Life online on Saturday, January 20th at 1:00pm EST. (Dartmouth Funeral Home)
|
