Obituary of Roderick Michael Mark

After a courageous battle with a brain tumour, Rod Mark passed away peacefully surrounded by his family, at his residence, on Thursday, March 9, 2006 at the age of 56 years. Rod graduated from Lord Beaverbrook High School in 1969. He had the distinct honour of being the first Stoney Nakoda Nation member to receive a Bachelor of Education Degree at the University of Calgary in 1977. In doing so, he set precedence for other Stoney Nakoda members to pursue post-secondary education in various fields. Rod was a dedicated and benevolent Teacher for Nakoda Education and the Morley Community School. He was a guide and a friend to students and colleagues. He has made many friends through out his life and has touched many with his optimism and his sense of humor. Beloved husband of thirty-two years to Reatha, he is also survived by three daughters Cherith, Celeste and Naomi; and a son Michael (Josh) Mark. Rod is also the adored son of Johnny and Georgia Mark; beloved brother to Marguerite, Duane and Pam Mark; and traditionally adopted daughter Dorothy Weaselfat of Standoff, AB. Rod is also survived by his paternal and maternal aunts and uncles, Reba Baptiste, Doreen Simeon, Florence Powderface, Pauline (J.R.) Twoyoungmen, Irene Twoyoungmen, Charlie (Cassie) Mark, and Helmer Twoyoungmen; and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews from the extended families of the Mark, Chiniquay, Simeon, Twoyoungmen, Snow, Powderface, Bearspaw, Wesley, Stevens, and House families; as well as the Tootoosis family of Saskatchewan. Also left to mourn his passing are in-laws, Lazarus and Lily Wesley; his sisters and brothers-in-law, Una, Virginia, Pauline (George Pische), Lenny (Corrina), Peter (Donna Hogland), and Laurel (Tracey House) Wesley. Rod also leaves to mourn his traditionally adopted father Walter Simeon; traditionally adopted brothers and sisters, Dean (June) Simeon, Katherine Powderface, and Marie (Rupert) Bull Bear; and numerous relatives and in-laws from the Bighorn and Eden Valley reserve. He was predeceased by his infant brother Brian Mark in 1953; paternal uncles Wilfred Mark in 1988 and Gerald Mark in 1945; paternal grandparents, Paul Mark in 2002 and Eunice Mark in 1997; maternal grandparents, Jacob Twoyoungmen in 1966 and Mary Jane Twoyoungmen in 1947; and his traditionally adopted mother Alma Simeon in 1980; as well as many other relatives and extended family. Wake services will be held on Sunday, March 12, 2006 and Monday, March 13, 2006 at his home (Morley, AB). Funeral Services will be held at the Morley United Church on Tuesday, March 14, 2006 at 1:00 p.m. with the Rev. John Friesen, Presider. Graveside Services to follow at the Bearspaw Cemetery. Forward condolences through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. The family wishes to extend special thanks to Dr. L. Feddema, Dr. G. Duplessis of Canmore; and the Stoney Health Centre Home Care nurses, Joyce, Roseanne, Jessica, Kara, Danika, and Georgina. In living memory of Rod Mark, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Crowfoot Chapel, 82 Crowfoot Circle N.W., CALGARY. Telephone: (403) 241-0044.