July 12, 1960 - February 23, 2023
With great sadness the family of Mark Gordon McDonald announces his passing at the age of 62 on February 23, 2023.
Mark was very much loved by his family. He passed away peacefully while holding the hand of the love of his life, Susan Wahlroth, his wife of 37 years. Mark leaves to mourn his children Duncan McDonald, Chelsea Suggitt (Devon Suggitt and their children Gordie and Maeve), and Jack McDonald; his sister Lori Thomas (Dave Thomas and their children Robyn and Brynlee (Tom Brown), and brother Paul McDonald. Mark was predeceased by his mother Marilyn (Pickering) and father Gordon McDonald.
Mark was also greatly loved by the Wahlroth family and leaves to mourn his in-laws Nancy Wahlroth, Michael Wahlroth (Vera Wahlroth), and Michael Wahlroth Jr. (Anne Macdonald and their children Riley and Carter). Mark was predeceased by his cherished sister-in-law Jennifer Wahlroth in May of 2021.
Mark will be deeply missed by the entire McDonald, Wahlroth, and Doige clans encompassing many aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Mark also leaves to mourn many close friends. He was always up for a good time and had a lifetime of adventures and stories that he shared with them which they will cherish forever.
Mark graduated from Western University with a degree in History and Political Science. He then went on to Brock University to further his education and earned a degree in Business which came in handy when he went to work at the family business in 1991. Guelph Twines (Industrial Manufacturing) was established by Mark’s father in 1972. Mark (and his brother Paul) took over the business 2020 and they ran it successfully up until Mark’s passing.
Mark was an avid reader and read every book ever published. His favourite author was Ernest Hemingway. He was incredibly smart and a savvy business man and did not suffer fools gladly. Mark will also be remembered for his mischievous sense of humour. He also loved to go mountain biking and hiking.
Mark had a huge appetite for travel and he was so fortunate to have travelled extensively over the course of his life. He was planning a hiking trip to Scotland this spring which he was so looking forward to as it was a country he had yet to visit.
No place, however, ever equalled the family cabin on Lake Huron. This was where Mark was happiest. He loved watching the beautiful sunsets over the great lake and spending hours late at night marvelling at the unencumbered view of the vast universe of stars and constellations.
We know that Mark is at peace amongst the stars. Perhaps he is playing bridge with Jen and Paul and feeding Pepperettes to Scout or maybe he is relaxing with a good book in hand. We know that he will be looking down proudly on the legacy he left behind. Rest in peace my sweet love.
The family would like to extend a huge thank you to all the doctors and nurses in the emergency and intensive care departments at Guelph General Hospital. Their support of the entire family and respect for Mark were extraordinary and we are deeply grateful.
Donations can be made in Mark’s memory to Community of Hearts Lifelong Learning Centre or the Guelph General Hospital Intensive Care Unit.
Cremation has taken place and a memorial will be held in the spring.
Arrangements entrusted to Gilbert MacIntyre and Son Funeral Home.