Mark Joseph Sark

Born in Maria on October 29, 1963, son of the late Constance (Connie) Marie Pictou Sark-Burton.

It has been said of Mark that while he might have gone about life in a unique way, he always tried to do the right thing. With close to 30 years in a 12-step recovery program, Mark helped and was helped by numerous people. Before having found his ultimate calling as an artist and sculptor, he served his Mi’gmaw people as the Director of the Gespe'gewaq Mi'gmaq Resource Council, Band Manager for the We’koqma’q First Nation and, prior to that, as Band Manager for the Annapolis Valley First Nation.

He fulfilled his passion for art by attending the Nova Scotia College Art and Design (NSCAD) in Halifax, Nova Scotia where he quickly became a renowned artist. His award-winning artwork was recognized by the NSCAD faculty, peers, and the public. He exhibited in the Treaty Space Gallery at NSCAD’s Port Campus. He was a finalist in the Starfish Awards in 2019 and two of his pieces are in the permanent collection of Dalhousie University and currently loaned and installed in the Weldon Law Building at the Schulich School of Law in Halifax, Nova Scotia.

His last days included receiving his Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree from the Nova Scotia College of Art & Design and getting a personal letter from President Barack Obama. His last few weeks were spent with his beloved partner Vicky Metallic (Listuguj First Nation), his grandson Pasmayji’j, his sister Kathryn Burton (Boston, MA) as well as many loved ones.

Mark was known and respected among all people as a Sma’gnis (Warrior) having been certified as a paratrooper and sharpshooter in the United States Army and later served as a proud member of the United States Marine Corps.

Whether a brother, partner, a combat brother, a 12-step brother, an uncle or brother in his Sundance Family, Mark could literally be counted upon to lay his life on the line if required.

Mark is survived by his life partner Vicky Metallic; parents-in-law Frank and Mary Ann Metallic; sister-in-law Janine Metallic, brothers-in-law Kevin, Glenn, and Mark Metallic; brother David Wagner; nephews Lyle and Brandon Julian, and niece Tia Julian; sister Kathryn Burton, brother-in-law Chad Jackson, nephews Miles and Graydon Jackson; son Pasmay Paul and grandson Pasmayji’j Paul; daughter Shaya Sark, grandson Elijah Metallic; Uncle Bobby Pictou (Millbrook First Nation); cousins Shari, Shanan, and Brent Pictou; father Kevin Burton; many extended family members from Mi’gma’gi. Mark was predeceased by his woman warrior mother, Constance (Connie) Marie Pictou Sark-Burton.

Mark, please send an eagle as a sign when you’ve reached your spirit family. Your family still living on Mother Earth will forever and always miss you!

Semper Fidelis, Gisilita’sualultesnen, Always Faithful

Funeral mass will be held at St. Anne's Church in Listuguj, Saturday at 11:00 am.

Visitations at 119 Riverside West, Listuguj, Thursday starting at 2:00 pm. All hours mentioned are NB time (Atlantic time).

Funeral arrangements are in the care of Maher's Funeral Home, Campbellton.

(506)789-1699 or toll free (855) 404-1699 email: [email protected]