Mark Andrew Wheeler

A memorial service for Mark will be held Monday, November 11, 2024 from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at Groover Funeral Home at Mansion Memorial Park, 1400 36th Ave East, Ellenton, FL 34222.

In loving memory of Mark Andrew Wheeler

(June 26, 1958 - November 4, 2024)

Mark Andrew Wheeler passed away peacefully, in his home in Palmetto, Florida, after battling

cancer.

Mark was born on June 26, 1958, in North York, Toronto, son of Maureen and Jan Wheeler.

He loved adventure and trying new things with zero hesitation. His first major adventure

happened after high school, when he moved across the ocean to the Orkney Islands (one of the

northernmost British Isles) to spend a year living off the land, with his dad, stepmom Ruth and

younger half brother Daniel.

Dealing with the creative challenges and hardship that the Orkney islands presented - that

window of time inspired him to join the Canadian Armed Forces. After training in Canada, he

was stationed in Lahr, Germany. While there he met Ingrid, a fellow Canadian, working at the

base as a translator….and who also loved adventure. Together they explored the world around

them by either cycling or from his much-loved red Spitfire…with the roof down of course.

Mark and Ingrid shared a creative entrepreneurial streak when faced with something they

needed, but couldn’t buy or just wasn’t available. It started with Mark designing cases to secure

and protect objects needed while on military training exercises and Ingrid creating functional

bags designed to endure the elements.

They moved to Fredericton, New Brunswick in 1985 to attend the University of New Brunswick.

While enrolled they started a business (initially named “Ruggid” and now known as “Wheeler

Accessories Ltd”., “ Wheelers” and “CP Products”) creating outdoor products for field use and

travel. In the early 2010's the business expanded to Florida, shortly after which Mark & Ingrid

decided to go separate ways in life.

Their daughters, Marika & Ingmara, were his precious girls. He loved taking them on adventures

that involved the outdoors… and camping overnight… while sailing, horseback riding, and

spending many cherished moments building their dream home & hobby farm on the Mactaquac

River.

Mark became sole owner of the businesses in 2018. Marika joined the company full-time to

eventually take over running the business once he retired, which he did, in the Spring of 2024.

Always loving living near the water, he moved to Florida and married Mary Vue in Oct 2018.

Together, they enjoyed living life everyday to the fullest in the Florida sunshine, spending many

weekends visiting local beaches, searching for treasures at flea markets, and getting some

quality karaoke time in, as well! In 2019 they traveled together through France and Italy,

continuing through to southeast Asia - enjoying the local food & history, and making many

special memories together.

Mark is survived by Mary, his two children Marika (Dominic), Ingmara (Vladi) and his

much-loved grandson Levi. As well as his sister Nicola (Arthur), brother James (Patricia) and

half brother Daniel.