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MARK TOOLEY  Obituary pic

MARK TOOLEY

Born: Oct 19, 1956

Date of Passing: Sep 01, 2016

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MARK TOOLEY October 19, 1956 - September 1, 2016 Mark passed away peacefully at home in Winnipeg on Thursday, September 1, 2016 at the age of 59 years, with his family by his side. He was predeceased by his parents Arthur and Helen Tooley and brother Jock. Mark is survived by his wife Melanie; son AJ; daughter Meghan (Bryan); and brothers, Paul, and Simon from Montreal. He will be sadly missed by Melanie's family; Barbara Duff (Melissa), Bonnie and Brian Parkes (Heather and Chris), David Wass and Cheryl Cusack. Mark was born in Winnipeg on October 19, 1956. He grew up on Elm Street in River Heights attending Robert H. Smith, River Heights Junior High and Kelvin High School. Mark received his Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Manitoba. He began his career at Richardson's in the Commercial Real Estate Division, before continuing with other notable Winnipeg companies. Mark took over Selkirk Silica and Marine Transport from his father, and with his entrepreneurial spirit he was able to create and build The Whitwell Group of companies; Selkirk Silica, Hudson Cement, Trig Industrial and Cardinal Freight Management. Mark enjoyed great success until his recent retirement, allowing him to spend a little more time boating and relaxing with family and friends in sunny Fort Lauderdale, a place near and dear to his heart. Mark was an avid downhill skier and ski racer in his early years and passed on the passion for the sport to his children. Those years were particularly fun for him, starting out at the Winnipeg Ski Club on the banks of the Red River, and later volunteering with Meghan and AJ's Ski Clubs and going on many ski vacations. Mark was also an enthusiastic and passionate golfer as a member of Niakwa Country Club and then St. Charles Country Club. He very much enjoyed the camaraderie of the lads in the Wednesday night Men's league. His favorite place in the world was Victoria Beach and nothing stood in the way of weekends there for over 50 years. It is the place where he formed his most important friendships and had time to teach his children the many lessons and values they will forever remember. He was an active and committed supporter of the Victoria Beach community and will be remembered as perhaps the first person to windsurf at VB, always watching the wind for an opportunity to get out on the water. The outpouring of love from his friends is reflected in the many cherished remembrances that we have received over the last few days where his essence has been captured: his intellect, his sense of humor, his fun quotient, his mischievousness, his judgement, his sense of fairness, his community commitment, his quiet get it done attitude, his desire to always do the right thing, his sensitivity to others, his manner and demeanor, his approach to all that he did in his life with such focused consideration and respect, his listening ear, his focus in every moment like it was the only thing that mattered, his contemplation and reasoning abilities, his love of nature, his love of family, and his love of the Beach, his skiing and windsurfing prowess, his passion for golf and his love for his friends. He will be greatly missed. We would like to acknowledge with great appreciation; the ALS/MND Clinic staff, Dr. Bruce Martin, caring nurses and the support of the WRHA Palliative Care Program, allowing Mark to be at home during his illness. If friends so desire, a donation may be made in Mark's memory to the ALS Society of Manitoba: 2A, 1717 Dublin Avenue, Winnipeg MB, R3H 0H2. Mark's "Celebration of Life" is planned for Friday September 16, 2016, 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., at St. Charles Country Club, 100 Country Club Blvd, Winnipeg. Friends and family are welcome. NEIL BARDAL FUNERAL CENTRE 204-949-2200 neilbardalinc.com
Publish Date: Sep 10, 2016

MARK TOOLEY Peacefully, on Thursday, September 1, 2016 with family by his side, Mark passed away at home, at the age of 59 years. Arrangements are pending with a longer notice to follow. NEIL BARDAL FUNERAL CENTRE 204-949-2200 neilbardalinc.com


Publish Date: Sep 3, 2016

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 10, 2016

Condolences & Memories (11 entries)

  • Dear Mel, AJ, and Mehgan, I was very saddened to hear of Mark's passing. I missed our daily encounters at VB this summer and had learned that he had taken a turn for the worse. What particularly struck me the previous summer was that his intrepid spirit and charm could not be subdued by his illness. He would cruise the beach on his scooter and engage with passers by with his usual wit and banter. With all of his success he remained a kid at heart, as evidenced by our long discussions on how to improve the efficiency of the water cannon he had mounted on his scooter. My condolences to all of you. He was an inspiration to all of us. With sympathy, Jeff Hughes - Posted by: Jeff Hughes () on: Oct 05, 2016

  • Dear Melanie and the Tooley Family, We are so sorry to hear about Mark's battle with ALS and recent passing. I knew Mark in University days and I know that he was a wonderful, gentle, kind person. I was glad to have him as a friend. We know he will be missed terribly by all of you and his many friends. We are sorry not to be able to be with you today. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Lots of love, Barb & Gord McFarlane - Posted by: Barb & Gord McFarlane (Friend) on: Sep 16, 2016

  • Melanie and family, I am so sorry for your loss.It is unfair that Mark had to pass so young but alas we can not change our journey.I know from our friends what a loving and caring wife you were to Mark.You showed strength and love in a way most will never know. Always, Lynn Krepart - Posted by: lynn krepart (friend of Melanie) on: Sep 16, 2016

  • Dear Melanie, AJ, and Meghan; It is so sad to hear of Mark's passing. My sincerest condolences go to each one of you. Mark and I first met each other at VB as teenagers, then had the good fortune to work together first in Winnipeg and then in Selkirk with Mark's dad. Sometimes it was work, but mostly it was an adventure, learning how to run a business, to improvise where we needed to and explore. I can vividly remember many adventures such as transporting things in a car trunk that go BOOM for the mining operation, flying by small float plane up north, all you can eat pickerel feasts, double helpings of desserts at the Black Island camp with the crew, running a VB dance, bonfires, watching the tugs/barges on the horizon and constructing a playground. Oh man, am I going to miss him, as I know you will too. His family was always number #1 above all, I witnessed that first hand, and somehow I hope you take comfort in knowing that. - Posted by: Allan Wainwright () on: Sep 15, 2016

  • Dear Melanie- Sincere condolences to you and your family on the passing of Mark. We worked at a number of ski races with him over the years. He was committed, thoughtful, hardworking, and had a sense of humour.We particularly appreciated his kindness and empathy when our family was going through a difficult time some years ago. - Posted by: Doug and Betty Ann Tiltman (Ski Friends) on: Sep 14, 2016

  • The last time I saw Mark was a few years ago in Einfeld’s Bakery at Victoria Beach. We talked about our similarities: both the same age, both from River Heights, both connected to Nancie Mauro (his aunt, one of our family’s best friends), both went to Robert H. Smith, River Heights and Kelvin, both got our B.Comm from UofM, and we both chose Victoria Beach as our favourite place in the world. Then Mark asked me what made us different. I said, “Mark, you’re a Tier A guy; in comparison, most of us around you are Tier B”. Mark laughed and laughed, not accepting that it was true. My sympathy to Mark’s family and friends on the loss of a real Tier A. - Posted by: Ted Moorhouse (Childhood friend) on: Sep 12, 2016

  • We remember Mark especially as a kind and friendly neighbor at Victoria Beach. Our condolences to his family and to his many friends. Irene, Barrie and Mathew - Posted by: Heiman family (Friend and neighbor ) on: Sep 11, 2016

  • Dear Melanie and family. Our sincere condolences, and saddened to hear of your loss. We remember Mark and the Tooley family as true energy, defining the norm, doing it with pride and with laughter. Mark had a way of always getting things done, and doing it a sense of humour. We will always remember and cherish all the wonderful memories skiing with the Tooley family. Doug, Evelyn, Brad, Jenna - Posted by: Kirkhope family (ski friends) on: Sep 10, 2016

  • Dear Tooley Family, I am saddened and sorry for your loss. I would like to express my sympathies to your entire family. I didn't get to meet Mark, but I am friends with his son AJ, whom I know Mark was very proud of. - Posted by: Cliff Pereira (Friend) on: Sep 06, 2016

  • Dear Melanie & Family, We were very saddened to hear the news of Mark taking flight. It is easy for me to say but maybe this was a blessing. It just doesn't seem to matter at what age or reason why we loss our loved ones it is always very difficult. As a member of the Scott family we spent many years at Victoria Beach with the Tooley's only a couple of cottages down from us. Mark was always a familiar happy face in our yard. Sometimes he was sporting a lampshade on his head. HA! There never seemed to be a dull moment when Mark was around. Even after my parents moved out West, Mark would still come looking to borrow much needed tools from my Dad's work shop. It was so very nice to see AJ while we at Victoria Beach this past June. AJ has & always will carry on Mark's special sense of humor. Mark will be missed by all he crossed paths with. Our Sincere Sympathy to you Melanie & your children. Love Gaylen & Al - Posted by: Gaylen & Al Schott (friend) on: Sep 04, 2016

  • Melanie, I simply wanted to express my sincerest condolences. I am so sorry for your loss. Mark was such an intelligent man and yet also seemed to grow in so many ways through the years...I'm sure in no small part due to your love, support and partnership. xxxooo Margot - Posted by: Margot Langdon () on: Sep 03, 2016

Neil Bardal Inc. (Winnipeg)

Neil Bardal Inc. (Winnipeg)

3030 Notre Dame Ave (Map)
Ph: 2049492200 | Visit Website

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