Mark Brian Caldwell

It is with profound sadness that the family of Mark Brian Caldwell announce his passing on February 28th, 2024, at Lakeridge Health Oshawa following a courageous battle with cancer. He was surrounded by loved ones who will honor his legacy by living their lives to the fullest. Mark was born on December 27th, 1967, in Toronto to Carolyn and Brian Caldwell, and lived all of his life in the Greater Toronto area.

Growing up in Oshawa, it was clear that Mark was mechanically inclined and would be an ardent problem solver. His innate curiosity to understand how things worked had Mark forever testing the limitations of parts, tools and engines, disassembling and reassembling them or building them out better. He was the first on the block with a computer and to learn code, so it was no surprise that he became a logical systems thinker and pursued a post-secondary education in Electronics at Durham College.

After school, Mark began his almost 30-year career in the IT industry with IBM, where he spent the bulk of his corporate working life. He steadily advanced into different and more senior roles, building trusted relationships with his peers, colleagues, and clients along the way. He also spent several years at Toshiba Global Commerce Solutions, where he was a Client Executive working with some of the country's largest retailers.

Mark was an avid DIY enthusiast and woodworker and following his retirement from the IT world in 2017, he began his own small business to pursue these passions. Mark’s IBM colleagues will recall his many years volunteering at Camp Trillium – a camp for children and families affected by cancer – where he was able to apply these skills towards a wonderful cause. Whenever a friend or family member needed help with a home renovation project, Mark was the first one to show up with his tools, knowledge, and work ethic to get the job done. Recently, he developed an interest in computerized wood carving, which allowed him to combine his technological savvy and creativity. The “fairy doors” he created will continue to enchant the kids who walk in front of the home he and his wife shared in Courtice.

One of the things that always made Mark happy was driving. Whether it was a BMW or custom Volvo cruising to work, a minivan used for shuttling kids to school (and other more fun places), a pickup truck on its way to a summer holiday destination, a lawn tractor (driven much too fast), or even a ridiculous mini-go kart (that was much too small for him to be piloting), he took great joy in being behind the wheel.

Integrity, respect, loyalty and being true to family and friends were values central to Mark and were applied without discrimination. He always had a desire to make those around him smile or laugh, often at his own expense or with self-deprecating wit – consider his list of nicknames, which included “Marky Mark” and “Tiny Elvis” (or “Tiny E” for short)! Those closest to Mark knew him to be a committed friend, a supportive brother, a loving son, an adoring husband and most importantly, a devoted father whose love and support knew no bounds. His presence illuminated the lives of all who had the privilege of knowing him, and his absence will be keenly felt.

Mark’s family wants to thank the medical team at the R.S. McLaughlin Durham Regional Cancer Centre for their tremendous support over the past several years, and the dedicated nurses and doctors of both the Lakeridge Health Oshawa Palliative Care and CCU teams for their care during Mark’s last days.

Mark is survived by his wife, Stacey; his children, Ryan and Griffin (Mikayla); his mother, Carolyn; his father, Brian (Sharon); and his brothers Neil (Lisa) and Dirk (Katie). Mark’s beloved “fur babies”, Ozzie and Junior, will also miss him terribly. Mark’s immediate family will be holding a private gathering to remember and honor him soon, and a memorial event will be planned for early summer to allow all of Mark’s friends, neighbours, and former colleagues to celebrate his life well-lived. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Canadian Cancer Society (https://cancer.ca/en/ ); personal notes may be sent to [email protected] .

“Life is a song - sing it. Life is a game - play it. Life is a challenge - meet it. Life is a dream - realize it. Life is a sacrifice - offer it. Life is love - enjoy it.” - Sai Baba