Mark Tennant

It is with profound sadness that the family of Mark Tennant announce his passing on October 11, 2023 at the age of 79. Mark was born in Miniota, Manitoba and was the third of four children born to Lorraine and Ivan Tennant. He was raised to value strong family ties and always cherished the summers he spent as a child with his Grandpa and Grandma Wiggins on the family farm. He loved following Grandpa John around the yard ‘fix’n things’ but always under the watchful eye of Grandma Minnie. Those strong family ties forged as a child continued over the years and he treasured the many family reunions of the Wiggins/McDonald/Ford clan which brought extended family together. He married into a large family, gatherings with the Olver side at ‘the ranch’ were memorable for the number of kids who could fit in the pool, on the trampoline, and around the table.

Mark’s parents moved the family to Brandon, Manitoba when he was a baby and it was the perfect place for a growing, active kid. He spent hours at the neighbourhood outdoor rink in the winter, and participated in all kinds of activities at the local YMCA. At age 14 his family moved to Winnipeg where he was introduced to the sport of volleyball by a fellow high school student who would become a lifelong friend. He consoled Mark when Mark was cut from the basketball team reminding him that “he wasn’t very good anyway” and should come play volleyball instead. This would prove pivotal to Mark’s future as volleyball would become his ticket to the world!

After high school Mark played volleyball for the University of Manitoba Bisons and acquired his Bachelor of Physical Education in 1969. He continued to play volleyball while pursuing his grad studies at the University of British Columbia, achieving his Masters of Physical Education. He then moved to Saskatoon to take what he thought would be a temporary one-year job at the University of Saskatchewan coaching the women’s volleyball team. Decades later he retired as head coach of the U of S women’s volleyball program after 27 years, winning many titles including three consecutive national championships. He continued to teach and retired as an Associate Professor from the College of Kinesiology at the U of S in December 2011. He was honoured with Coach Emeritus status upon retirement.

Mark’s family was at the centre of his life. Gail, his wife of 43 years was his best friend and partner in all things. He was most proud of his three children and their accomplishments, and his grandson who brought many moments of joy. Above all, he prioritized his family and valued sharing unique experiences and adventures. Whether at the family cabin or on trips to exotic surf locations, Mark’s story-telling abilities kept everyone entertained with a twinkle in his eye telling tales of his adventures growing up on the prairies and subsequent world travels. Mark loved to bake for his family being known to never follow a recipe, in his words a recipe is only a suggestion. He was famous for his Christmas morning ‘Rolly Pollys’ which turned you rather rolly polly if you ate too many. Mark had a keen interest in history of all sorts, and enjoyed researching his family heritage. His commitment to exercise brought him many hours of sweaty joy; jogging, cycling, hiking, paddling, walking, or cross-country skiing with his friends, family, or dog Taz. He instilled the joy of travel and the wonders of the great outdoors in his children who inherited his adventurous spirit. Mark loved his family with all his heart, always supportive, always creating memories together.

As a volleyball coach and builder, Mark found joy in helping others realize the potential within themselves. He was a man of vision and led by example when putting in the work needed to achieve a goal. Mark had an impact on volleyball at the local, national, and international levels. He is known for helping put Saskatoon on the map by hosting the famous SuperVolley tournament in the ‘70’s and ‘80s, establishing an exchange with Japanese universities for the U of S women’s volleyball program, staging the 1999 Women’s Junior World Championships and inviting the world to attend the Volleyball at School Symposium in 2007. Mark was the first to acknowledge these accomplishments could not have happened without enthusiastic like-minded individuals working alongside him. He served with the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) for 24 years on various committees and supervised world competitions acting as Game Jury President. He was honoured to be inducted into many Sports Halls and Walls of Fame for team accomplishments and as a builder. He was named Kinsman Sportsman of the Year in 2003 and received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the International University Sport Federation (FISU) for his long time work as Technical Chair of Indoor and Beach Volleyball. Mark was humbled by the awards and accolades he received throughout his lifetime. What Mark valued most were the lifelong friendships he developed and the success of his students, athletes, and mentees.

Mark is survived and forever loved by his wife Gail Tennant, children Darcy Tennant (Olivia Tennant), Derek Tennant (Stacie Suik), Breanne Tennant (Jeremy Olson) and his beloved grandson Wick Tennant. Left to mourn him are his sister Ruth Tennant, mother-in-law Eleanor Olver, as well as many in-laws, nieces, nephews, and cousins. Mark was predeceased by his father and mother Ivan and Lorraine Tennant, his brother Jack Tennant, sister Louise Fyfe, and father-in-law Doug Olver.

Deepest gratitude is extended to Mark’s family doctor Dr. Andrea Symon, his medical team at the Saskatoon Cancer Centre, and the Palliative Home Care nurses whose expertise, kindness, and support were incredible.

In lieu of flowers please consider volunteering your time to help others as Mark did all his life, a donation of blood to the Canadian Blood Services, or a donation to the Canadian Cancer Society to help fund research.

A Celebration of Life for Mark will be held Saturday, October 28, 2023 at 1:00 pm at Lakeview Church (19 Glazier Road, Saskatoon).