THOMAS, Mark Joseph

It is with extreme sadness that we announce the sudden and unexpected passing of Mark Joseph Thomas on February 22, 2023, at the age of 59. Loving husband and best friend to Catharine Whitmell-Thomas. Proud and loving father to Steven Whitmell, Jeffrey Whitmell (Cathy Williamson), Gregory Whitmell (Jeni Sas), Alyssa Whitmell and Brittany Thomas. Treasured grandfather to the late Ella Whitmell and Blake Whitmell. Cherished son to Loretta Thomas. Devoted brother to Joscelyn Balazic (Alan) and loving uncle to their children Timothy, Alexander and Abigail. Mark meant the world to so many extended family members. Loving son-in-law to Mary Santin and Donald Nichol. He will be greatly missed by Frances McDonald (Rodney), Gino Santin (Liz Livingston), the late Michael Santin, Marlene Santin (Bruce Kirby), and his many nieces and nephews who were an important part of his life, Andrew McDonald (Lesley-Anne Davis), Laura Holden (Steven), Nicole Moran, Michael Santin and Marissa Santin. Loving great uncle to AnnaMarie Holden and Joseph McDonald. He will be greatly missed by his adored family pets Archie, Joey and Harley. He will also be missed by all his friends and extended family. Above all, Mark loved spending time with family, especially his grandchildren Ella and Blake, whom he adored.

Mark was highly skilled and worked as an Industrial Millwright Mechanic for over twenty years. In 2018, he went back to school and successfully completed a Diploma in the Registered Home Inspector Program at Conestoga College and soon after he fulfilled his lifelong dream of becoming a college professor after being hired at Sheridan College in the School of Skilled Trades, where he will be greatly missed by many colleagues and students. More recently, Mark taught Millwright courses at the School of Hospitality and Culinary Arts at Conestoga College in Kitchener which he greatly enjoyed. Teaching was not work for Mark, it was his passion and his students benefited from his patience and dedication to student success. Recently, Mark also worked at Johnson and Johnson in Guelph, and he greatly enjoyed working there and will be missed by his colleagues. He will also be missed by his friends and former colleagues from Blount. He was also known for his love of motorcycles, wood working, antique restoration, and the beautiful landscaping designs he proudly created. Over the years, many family members, friends, animals and even strangers were on the receiving end of Mark’s kindness. His absence will be felt by more people than can be mentioned.

Resting at Gilbert MacIntyre and Son Funeral Home, Dublin Chapel, 252 Dublin St. N, ON, where the family invites friends and relatives to join for a visitation on Friday, March 3, 2023 from 2:00pm – 5:00pm followed by a Funeral Service in the Dublin Chapel beginning at 5pm. A reception will take place in the Dublin Fellowship Lounge following the service. For those wishing to join virtually, the service will be lived streamed on the internet via ZOOM. Link to follow below.

As expressions of sympathy and to honour Mark’s dedication to student success, donations to education initiatives such as Apprenticeship Training Programs at Sheridan College or the School of School of Hospitality and Culinary Arts at Conestoga College would be appreciated by the family. Donations can be made by cash or cheque at the funeral home or online following the links below.
https://www.sheridancollege.ca/support/donate
https://www.conestogacommunity.ca/donate-now


https://www.sheridancollege.ca/support/donate

https://www.conestogacommunity.ca/donate-now