Mark passed away peacefully on September 7th, 2019 with his wife Alice Brown and family by his side after a long two-year journey following a massive stroke on September 7th, 2017. Regardless of the challenges he faced, he consistently demonstrated strength, courage and good humour. Mark was someone who could make you laugh a little louder and smile a little bigger.

 

Mark is survived by his daughters Michelle Bishop (Jared) and Chantal Bishop; son Erik Bishop;  stepson Charles Brown (Shalla); stepdaughters Ashley Brown (Eddie) and Julianne Brown (Mike); grandchildren Sienna Bater, Peyton Brown, Taiya Brown, Hudson Kee and Gia Belik; and stepsister Wilma. Mark is predeceased by his father William Bishop; mother Mary McCreedy; stepfather James Allan McCreedy and stepbrother Blythe.

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Mark was passionate about technology and computer science. After graduating with a Bachelor of Computer Science as well as a Bachelor of Education from the University of Manitoba, he began teaching at Selkirk High School in 1973.  He started working at Red River College in Information Technology in 1980 and eventually moved into the role of Chief Technology Officer, a testament to his hard work and perseverance. His pursuit of knowledge did not end with retirement.  He continued to work in technology while exploring other hobbies such as photography and the culinary arts.  His passion for whipped cream was unmatched.

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Mark actively studied martial arts throughout this life including Judo, Aikido and Shotokan Karate. One of his proudest moments was when he received his Nidan (2nd degree black belt) in 2006.  In 2013, his love for martial arts extended to ‘Little Ninjas’, a class he co-developed and taught to introduce kids to Shotokan Karate, a natural fit for someone like Mark who embodied all the characteristics of a great teacher.

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Mark was truly an exceptional person.  Intelligent, kind-hearted, compassionate, open-minded, inquisitive, quick witted, good humored and a loyal friend.  He was a “Jack of all trades”; construction worker, electrician, plumber, painter, carpenter and sometimes mechanic. No job was too big or too difficult.  He would come up with ingenious solutions to complex problems; some involving intricate database design, others simply requiring the liberal application of adhesives.

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Mark was blessed to have so many dedicated and compassionate health care professionals. Thanks to the staff of the Intensive Care Unit at the St. Boniface Hospital and to Dr. Nick Hajidiacos. Thank you to the staff at the Stroke Rehabilitation Unit at Riverview Health Centre, especially Sherie Gray and Adriana Moreno. Special thanks to Dr. Nancy Dixon and Physician Assistant Ambereesh Pandey of Lodge Five West at Deer Lodge Centre. Thanks to manager of resident care Andrea Thiessan; and clinical resource nurse Sheri Clow. Thanks to the nursing staff, especially Ida, Katherine, Jacob, Tanis, Thelma, Luna, Judy, and Wringle. Heartfelt thanks to the health care aides; physiotherapist Avegail Albrecht; occupational therapist Julie Braga; speech language pathologist Lexa Ramsey; dietician Amy Campbell; recreation facilitator Lisa Bailey; social worker Sandra Tower Pace; spiritual care Chris Salstrom and Jonathan.

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Deep appreciation to Mark’s roommate, Brian Elke, and to Joy Estebal for their constant encouragement.

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Thanks to Jane Dick, Greg James and Greg Steidl for their support and steadfast friendship.

 

Friends and relatives are encouraged to share in a photo-tribute, eulogy, stories, and condolences for the family by commenting in the comments section of this page.

Mark’s life will be celebrated at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, September 14, 2019 at 603 Wellington Crescent at Academy Road (Unitarian Church) with Monsignor Maurice Comeault the celebrant.

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In lieu of flowers, contributions, in Mark's memory, could be made to the Heart and Stroke Foiundation of Manitoba.