Mark Surtees

It is with profound sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Mark Surtees on Tuesday, August 28th, 2013. His constant companion of 24 years, Christina Wood, the two sons he adored, William and James, and his sister-in-law Jacqueline, were by his side. He will be greatly missed by all of his family: his devoted brother Lawrence (Nancy) and adoring sister Pam Connolly, and the entire Wood clan – Jim and Margaret, Lynda (Jeffery) and Jacqueline. Mark was a much loved uncle to Jessica Surtees and Elizabeth, Aiden, Jamie and Charlotte Connolly, and loving cousin to Stephanie, Michael, Ian and Peter (deceased) MacKendrick and their families. Mark will also be terribly missed by his many, many friends, including his lifelong buddy Jim Narraway. He is predeceased by parents Walter J. Surtees and Mary Rush Surtees.

Mark was a devoted father, crafting articulated wooden toys, constructing Warhammer battle fields, building backyard luge runs, tackling the local ski hills with his boys, sharing his passion for music, serving elaborate meals for picky eaters, and welcoming all and sundry teenage friends to the house.

Mark was kind, gentle, generous, and thoughtful. He was happiest when outdoors, whether it was hunting and fishing with the Narraway boys, working at the family's island cottage, or cross-country skiing in Gatineau Park. Mark was an avid athlete, first as a member of his high school cross-country team, then regularly racing in Ottawa area triathlons, marathons and cross country ski races. He participated in numerous fund-raising events, most recently with the Westboro Bike Gang. He was also a knowledgeable and skilled craftsman, expertly renovating the family's century home, designing and building a new cabin at the Lease with his hunting buddies, and undertaking endless maintenance projects at the island cottages. He was always patient and generous in sharing his extensive technical expertise with the many people who sought his guidance on their own projects.

Mark loved to cook and had a passion for good food. His annual salsa, pickled hot peppers and jam making tradition was eagerly anticipated by the many friends and relatives who were the lucky recipients of his labours. He enjoyed experimenting with new recipes, and was ever on the lookout for Ottawa's best homemade donuts, grilled hamburgers, tacos, French Fries and pepperettes, which he shared with enthusiasm. He loved making and listening to music, and cherished his Nancy Wilson Martin guitar. He enjoyed travel to Australia, Italy, and Africa, and dreamed of trips to come in a new truck and Airstream trailer.

In his professional life, Mark was a Senior Project Engineer in the Environmental Engineering Branch of the Environmental Services Department with the City of Ottawa, where he was a much beloved colleague. Mark took great pride in carrying forward his family's history of service to this community, which extends back to his great grandfather, Robert Surtees, who served as Ottawa City Engineer from 1875 to 1899, overseeing construction of the Fleet Street Water Pumping Station, among other accomplishments.

The family is deeply grateful for the incredible team of doctors, nurses, and caregivers who made it possible for Mark to be cared for in the home he loved, as well as to the countless friends, neighbours and family who helped daily.

Please join our family in a celebration of Mark's life at the First Unitarian Church, 30 Cleary Avenue, on Wednesday September the 4th. Family will be welcoming guests from 1:30 onwards, celebration to begin at 2:00 pm. A reception will follow at 515 Broadview Ave. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the May Court Hospice and to WaterCan