Robert Mark Sadler

Mark was born in Saint John, New Brunswick to Robert and Shirley (Fulton) Sadler. Survived by wife Keltie English, daughters Meredith (Luke Siemens) and Leigh (William Mackay), grandson Henry Mackay, brothers David (Paula Barry) and John (Barbara Sadler), and numerous nieces and nephews.

After obtaining his medical degree at Dalhousie University in 1977, Mark completed a Neurology residency and Epilepsy fellowship at the University of Western Ontario. He started his practice in St. John’s, Newfoundland, then returned to Halifax in 1988 for the remainder of his career.

Mark was a consummate professional who exemplified all of the qualities of a great physician. He was an expert in the management of epilepsy, and a tireless advocate for patients in Atlantic Canada. He was involved in teaching throughout his career and served as Program Director for Neurology from 1995-2001. As Professor in the Division of Neurology, he was pivotal in establishing the Epilepsy Monitoring Unit at the Halifax Infirmary. He served terms as President for the Canadian League Against Epilepsy, Chief Examiner for the Canadian Society of Clinical Neurophysiologists EEG Examination, and Vice-President for Epilepsy Canada. He trained generations of neurology residents, medical students, and EEG technologists. To his trainees, he was an engaging teacher, a steadfast mentor, and to many over time, a great friend. He inspired several residents to follow him into the field of epileptology, and those trainees now work across Canada, the United States, and overseas. His humility, genuine curiosity, and demand for “maximum effort” on behalf of patients are among the many traits admired by those who worked with him.

Outside of his career, Mark cultivated an eclectic range of hobbies and pursuits. As an amateur magician, he honed his sleight-of-hand before a rapt audience of nieces and nephews. He was renowned for his personal style, from his trademark moustache to his dapper shoes. He enjoyed a wide range of music, especially the Rolling Stones. A lifelong rugby fan, he cheered on the All Blacks at the 2023 World Cup in Paris just weeks before becoming ill. He read widely and took on the most obscure Jeopardy categories with ease. A devoted father, he celebrated his daughters’ accomplishments; however, he showed no mercy in backyard croquet or family board games. Most recently, he founded a First World War interest group. He started a manuscript on the 1st Canadian Tunnelling Company after retiring in 2020. While reviewing primary sources, he discovered fascinating stories of wartime bravery that he was delighted to share with living descendants.

He will be greatly missed by his family and a global network of friends and colleagues. There will be no visitation or service.

In memoriam donations can be made to The R. Mark Sadler Fellowship in Clinical Epilepsy and Neurophysiology via https://my.qe2foundation.ca/the-mark-sadler-fellowship