I met Mark at the University of York Film Society in 1983 and quickly he became one of my very best friends. I learnt so much from him. He was kind, funny, gentle and very witty. He was easily the best cook amongst us and his lasagnas and chocolate cakes were legendry. I remember him buying toys for the children of striking miners at Christmas, already supporting workers. I remember his excitement as you were coming to visit Ginny. I regret deeply having lost touch over the years. My deepest condolences to Ginny, the family and friends.

Seems so late, but perhaps not. Only learned of Mark’s passing, recently. Spectacular human being and lawyer.

Mark is one of a kind. A selfless, man he worked selflessly and tirelessly for others. My family and I are fortunate to have to him in our lives.  As my very good friend,  Mark tolerated,  guided  and inspired me. I am a better person because of Mark. We miss him terribly. 
Rest in Peace Mark’s-Mark
 family.


I was called to the Bar a year after Mark, and we crossed paths frequently over the past 30 years.  We were never on the same side of a case, but he was always courteous, professional, respectful and ... just plain kind.  Of course, he was also an exceptional advocate, and he represented his clients with great commitment and ability.  He will be missed.  Rest in peace, Mark.

Dear Ginny,

I'm shocked and very saddened to hear of Mark's passing and offer my deepest condolences to you and your family. I hope you can find some comfort in your many happy memories.

Mark was a wonderful, kind man. His fierce advocacy on behalf of workers and his deep knowledge and understanding of labour law (which he was always happy to take the time to share with me) will be missed by so many.


To Ginny, Maddy and Morgan,

Our condolences on Mark's passing. We will remember him for his enthusiasm for sports even baseball grudgingly, workers' advocacy, and humor. Terry, Chrys, Chinua and Ade.

Shocked to hear about the passing of this wonderful friend and a truly beautiful person.  
He spoke his mind, told you like it is and you can count on him to be there when you needed him - all with a big smile on his face.  
He was a fighter for labour rights, for all workers, especially trade workers.  His contributions have left this world in a better place.  
Mark will be dearly missed. 

Mark was a gentleman and a gentle man. He was the backbone of the Nomads Rugby Club's juniors program.  He served on the Nomads executive for years. It was such a pleasure to work with him, he will be sorely missed.

Mark was my articling principal when I was fresh out of law school, and he was a very tough act to follow. In the years since, I have only ever benefitted from asking myself "What would Mark Lewis do?", and I am going to keep asking myself that question. He was rare for his integrity, keenness of vision,  insight, and humility. I am a better person for having known him. He will be missed. 

Proud dads with sons , 9 years after first meeting at Nomads junior rugby.

 Blustery Inverhuron, with his favourite girl. by his side., 

My deepest condolences to your family at this most difficult time, I’ve had the honour of knowing mark though HOPE local 2220.  He was so dedicated to us and always fought for the front line workers all health care workers. He’s was caring, kindhearted,  funny,  and so many other things the list could go on.  Mark you will be truly missed by many and everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.   Rest in peace my friend. 

Dear Ginny, My sincere condolences to you and your family.
Val Fogarty

We are deeply sad.  

Mark was a great mentor to Luiza, as well as a colleague (at then Sack Goldblatt and later at the Labour Board), friend and client.  He had a brilliant, incisive and strategic legal mind.  When he went to LIUNA, Luiza inherited his construction labour practice without any real construction experience or knowledge -- but Mark was a gentle coach even though he was the client!  At a recent Zoom mediation Mark spoke so proudly about Maddy and Morgan, and was thoughtful to ask after our daughter, Madalena.

We were at your very fun wedding at the Steelworkers Hall, Ginny, where you were both beaming happily.

Mark G. remembers playing pick-up soccer in the Annex with a Mark fully kitted out in his Leeds United gear.  He always wore his Leeds scarf to work, even though it had become rather ratty-looking after years of long use.  And Mark led the law firm charge to watch the 1994 World Cup final between Brazil and Italy; there was dancing out on College Street after Brazil won!  (Now we support Italy).

Mark leaves a hole in the fabric of the world; it is hard to believe he is gone.

Luiza Monteiro and Mark Gallina



On behalf of everyone at Wright Henry LLP, we extend our sincere condolences to Mark’s family. Mark was a talented advocate who always brought good humour and friendliness to even the most difficult of cases. The construction labour bar will miss Mark greatly.

Mark was an incredible lawyer.  He was curious and concerned about workers' lives and stories: he listened, empathized, strategized, and skillfully advanced workers' and trade unions' rights.  He was kind, hard working, and humble, and was admired by his colleagues. I feel fortunate to have worked with Mark and will miss his mentorship, leadership, and friendship.  
Sending sincere condolences to Ginny and the whole family. 

I worked with  Mark at Local 183's legal department as a summer student. He was my first boss and will always hold a specials place in my heart. Mark was an amazing and supportive mentor and gave me many soft skills that have helped shaped my professional and personal career. I am sadden by his loss. He will always hold a place in my thoughts and prayers. 

Such a truly great man and our hero. We will never forget your impact on our lives and will miss you terribly. All our love, John, Sue, Callyssa, Kelley, Dylan and Ryan (the Tuzyk-Kelleys). 

Since learning the news I have struggled to find the right words to honour Mark. So many more on this page say it all: kindness, wit, intelligence, and humour to mention just a few. Mark and I spent many years working alongside each other and he never failed to reveal his brilliance in some way large or small. To Ginny, Maddie, and Morgan I offer my deepest condolences. 

Ginny, please accept our condolences on the loss of your wonderful Mark!  David and I send love and support to you and your family.
Rachel Edwards and David Cox, Owen Sound 

Mark was absolutely God sent, he was too good for the world. I am forever in debt to all the kindness and support he extended to my family and I. He can never be replicated and I am so honoured that my life crossed paths with his, even for a short period of time. Mark dedicated his life to helping others, and I promise to never let anyone forget about the legacy he created. 

I was privileged to have Mark as part of my professional life from my first week of practice. While it was completely intimidating to have this 'senior' member of the bar opposite me on a case, he was never anything but gracious, professional and, dare I say, nice. There are few members of our bar as universally respected as Mark. 

It is difficult to express how deeply he will be missed and I regret my younger Sherrard Kuzz colleagues won't get the experience of working with Mark. Our deepest condolences to his friends and family.

It was my privilege and professional pleasure to have worked with Mark over the decades on opposite sides of litigation and on the same side in furtherance of labour issues he was so devoted to through out his life.  I will miss him personally and so will the labour community that he was so proud to be a part of. 

Mark  was a person of great knowledge & wisdom and I will never forget that beautiful smile that would make your day. His commitment to bettering the lives of trade workers will never be forgotten. My sincere condolences to his family, friends, colleagues, and trade workers.
sincerely 
Calvin Bolger

I have known Mark for many years, often as opponent, sometimes as an ally, but always as a friend. Like many, I admired his thoughtfulness, skill as a lawyer and fairness. Mark had an unparalleled wit and demonstrated respect for people at all levels. He was not only a great lawyer but a wonderful person. I will greatly miss our interactions, as will many people. My deep condolences to Mark's family; this is a big loss, but I am sure his life well lived will bring many good memories.

Deary Ginny, Maddy and Morgan,

Rob Gibson and I are so sorry for your loss.  We had the genuine pleasure of dealing with Mark for years as opposing counsel, as allied counsel, as an instructing client and as a Vice-Chair.    He was the model of a lawyer and adjudicator - and also the very model of a trade unionist.  He did all of that with wit, kindess and understanding and left a lasting impact on all of us.  We wish you many happy memories of him.

This is shocking news to many of us. I have such fond memories of Mark. His children and my children went to the same Hippo School. We worked together both when he was with LIUNA and now when he was with the Carpenters Union. He was totally committed to the workers he represented. He knew labour law and struggled to make life better for construction workers. His memory is a blessing.

I will never forget and will always treasure the traditional paper angels I found on my desk at Christmas time which Mark made with his family and left for me.  I had the pleasure of working with Mark at the Ontario Labour Relations Board as his assistant, he was a wonderful person.  My condolences to all his family.  Lisa Lazzer (Nero) 

Mark was committed to his family, his friends,  his colleagues and to the workers that he represented. He had the respect of everyone whose path he crossed. And he conveyed humour and joy throughout.  A man like no other in the labour relations world. Ginny, Maddy and Morgan, our hearts break for you in your grief.


My brother. Going to miss him so much. He was the kindest person who always spoiled everyone . Xxxx

My heartfelt condolences to the whole family.  MJL will be dearly missed and 4ever in our hearts.    I worked with MJL for over 10 years in the legal department of the Carpenters' Union.  He was brilliant!  He was so thoughtful, magnanimous and full of knowledge!  I loved all the stories he would tell me about when he was young living in Ireland and so many places.  He always made us feel appreciated for our work.  I worked every Raid with Mark at the Carpenters doing all his submissions to the Board.  What an honour it was to create history with you!!  I have so many wonderful memories of MJL over the years.  I remember when the kids were small, at Christmas he would be like an elf in his office wrapping so many presents for the kids and he was so generous to the staff.   MJL loved Christmas    #gonetoosoon #whataman  ~ Lisa Pittari xo

The Library - everyone's favourite hangout to be shushed by Ms. Chapman.  

Mark coined the name for our band that was supposed to debut in a battle-of-the-bands event at school.  This was going to be our album cover....that is if we were to ever learn to play, write music and sing in key.  

Hi Ginny - it's me, Steve Luk!  I hope these photos of Mark bring back some good memories.   I didn't realize that I was part of his first union movement with the SLU (Student Liberation Union)!    Although we lost touch,  I am saddened all the same with the loss of my old friend.  He was quirky but full of spirit that made him endearing.   Always in the same turtle neck sweater - even on the hottest of days in summer!   May he rest in peace!


Mark will forever be remembered for his ability to inspire others. A fair and kind leader, Mark took the time to listen to everyone equally. A true visionary, he saw the bigger picture and how we all played an important role in it. He had the unique ability to make you feel truly appreciated, like you were a friend first and a colleague second. He greeted everyone with a smile and was a true presence in the room. All who knew Mark carried a sense of honor and respect for him. He was a true gentleman and innovator, and his legacy will live on in our hearts and memories. His joyful spirit was contagious, and he leaves behind a void that will be felt by many. Our deepest sympathies go out to Mark’s family, you are all in our thoughts and prayers. 

From all of us at Local 2222, you will be greatly missed. 


Mark was a very special man. That he was also an excellent Lawyer was almost beside the point. He was always gracious, kind, thoughtful and wise. He would have had an enormous presence and impact regardless of any profession he might have chosen. That he became a valiant and fulsome trade union Lawyer was in his soul, as was his commitment to bettering the lives of others. His passing will be felt by countless people and families whose lives and futures he helped to make more secure and fruitful. I will miss talking with Mark, sometimes about work “stuff”, but mostly about far more important things. A life that was worthwhile. 

On behalf of all of us at Filion Wakely Thorup Angeletti LLP, we express our sadness at Mark's passing and our sincere condolences to Mark's family and to the trade union leaders and members who Mark served so well.  At times like this, it does not matter which "side" we are on.  Mark was a treasured member of our labour law community.  Mark was a strong advocate, but even stronger as a problem solver, focused on getting to a good and fair result.  Mark was a model of civility, intelligence, and rationality - he also often displayed a wry amusement that seemed to lessen the tension and help us find our way to resolution.  Mark will be sorely missed by all of us, especially those who are heavily involved in construction labour issues - Jamie Knight, Managing Partner, Filion Wakely Thorup Angeletti LLP

Mark was a truly remarkable man.  A brilliant advocate, a gifted story teller, and a committed champion for working people and the trade union movement.  Such a loss.  My deepest condolences go the Ginny and the family.

I have many fond memories of shared conversations on the rugby pitch while watching our sons play together.
Sending comfort, condolences and prayers to all the family at this time.

sincerely 

Tanya & Nicky Barakett ( Nomads )


Mark was one of the greatest advocates for working people I have known. He was truly committed to the trade union movement and to its members. He will be missed by so very many people. My sincere condolences to his family. 

Mark was a wonderful person who loved his family, was a loyal friend to many, an excellent lawyer and trade unionist, a great colleague, and always had his heart in the right place.  We will all miss him.  Our sincere condolences to Ginny and their kids!  

A good friend. A good colleague. A good person with a great sense of humour, irony and absurdity. No one quite like Mark. We share your grief. 

OBITUARY

Mark Jonathan Lewis

May 28, 1962 – July 24, 2023

Rosar-Morrison Funeral Home & Chapel

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