Mark Terence Connolly
December 7th, 2022
Mark left his body, age 63 years, on Dec. 7, 2022 at 3:30 pm as planned. After 3 years enduring ALS he was grateful for the option of medical assistance. Mark was very clear about the timing and was, in his own words, “looking forward to his next big adventure.”
Mark will be deeply missed by his long-time love & soulmate Chris Emery. He was her rock. Together they had many amazing backpacking trips and other travels, but it’s some of the ‘ordinary’ times like dog walks and watching rom-coms on Netflix that Chris will miss the most. Also remembering him with love are his mom Edna Elliot, dad Terry (Julie), mother-in-law Roberta, brother-in-law Mike, sister-in-law Jennie (Matthew), extended family Elizabeth (Spencer), Lawrence (Dwayne), Tracie (Greg), and best friend Rob (Danita).
Mark had an engineer’s mind which was put to good use in his 38 years at Accurpress/Halkin Tool. When he retired in 2018 as lead of the engineering department he left a legacy of systems that will be used for a long time to come. Mostly, though, Mark left a mark on the people he worked with. He considered the people at Halkin Tool to be family, saw everyone as having equal value, and was always approachable and happy to share his knowledge.
Anything Mark did he did with a view to excellence and precision, whether it was using his mind in sudoku, crosswords, or crib, or his body in skiing, hiking, or even just cutting the lawn and raking leaves.
Mark was kind and generous, always willing to help a stranger lost at a bus stop, or chase down a lost loose dog. He loved his own animals deeply and could be seen over much of Tsawwassen walking the dog, most recently Izzy. Greeting him ecstatically at the Rainbow Bridge are Sunny, MacKenzie, Tashi, Porter, Mitz the cat, and numerous other extended family pets.
A private cremation was held. As he wanted, Mark’s ashes will be spread at 3000 metres elevation on a fine hiking day next summer.
Mark’s advice: “Treat people how you like to be treated.” To honour Mark, take your dog for a walk, or donate to your favourite animal charity…then raise a pint of IPA (Red Racer preferred!).
Messages:
Dear Chris, We were so sorry to read about Mark's passing. We didn't know him well but shared some interesting conversations when we met him and Izzy out walking. We were left with the impression that he was a very special person. I'm sure things were crazy at the other end of the Rainbow Bridge! Our thoughts are with you.
Dear Chris, I was so sorry to read of Mark's passing. He was such a special person. I am sending love to you and your family and am holding you in my prayers. Please let me know if you need anything, even if it's to go for a walk or a coffee. Love, Sally
My staff and I will miss seeing Mark at the store. Always a pleasure, always an interesting conversation. Our loss here is a gain to wherever he continues his journey and whomever he meets along the way. Our thoughts and love to Chris, Izzy, and their family and friends ❤️ Happy travels, Mark! Raising a pint to you!
Chris, Please accept my deepest condolences for your loss.