On the evening of February 28, 2024, with family by his side, Mark Henry Powell, 64, passed away peacefully at home in Sechelt, BC from cancer. Though he left far too soon for his family and friends, Mark filled his life with marvellous experiences, purposeful work, meaningful contribution, and great love.
Mark leaves behind his loving wife of 36 years, Joan, children Christopher and Jessica (Jochem); father Brinley, brother Robin (Christine), mother-in-law Mary, brother-in-law Michael (Juliette), grandchildren Stellan, Maisie and Jude, nieces Meghan and Rachel and nephew Matthew, as well as extended family in Europe and a far-flung network of friends and colleagues. Mark is predeceased by his mother Shirley.
Born October 20, 1959, in Oxford, England, his family immigrated to Canada in 1966 settling in Richmond, BC. After graduating high school, in a wry act of irony considering his extensive dry wit and general point of view, Mark pursued financial management as a career, recognizing the opportunities it would provide for growth, camaraderie, achievement, and travel. He became a Certified Management Accountant in 1986 and held the Chartered Public Accountant designation until the time of his passing. In 1992, he earned the Certificate of Real Estate Finance (Honours) from the University of British Columbia.
Mark enjoyed a wide-ranging, challenging career in hospitality and real estate development in Canada, the USA, and the Caribbean. His success at work afforded him continuous travel opportunities, including the dream of living with his family in another culture, with endless sun and palm trees.
As an executive for various companies Mark became known for his commitment to excellence. He was a member of some of the best run companies in Canada during critical moments in their development.
Throughout his life, Mark was devoted to family and community, always operating with integrity and meaningful action. Forward-thinking, he focussed on creating better outcomes for people whenever possible, especially for his children Christopher and Jessica.
For years Mark also poured his passion, skills, and knowledge into Big Brothers of Greater Vancouver, first as a Big Brother and later as a Board Member and Treasurer. In 2019, Mark and Joan moved to the beautiful Sunshine Coast, where he took on the full-time role of CEO for Habitat for Humanity Sunshine Coast until his cancer diagnosis and treatment began in 2021. Mark continued to provide support to the local Habitat executive until recently.
Making a positive difference in the world was Mark's natural inclination. As he navigated his illness, he became an ardent supporter of Common Sense Oncology. Please consider making a donation in Mark's memory.
A celebration of Mark's wonderful life is being planned for a sunny day in the late spring.
