Obituary of Mark Norman MacLeod

MacLEOD, Mark. N. Durham It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of Mark Norman MacLeod, 43, of Durham, Pictou County. Mark left us peacefully on June 29, 2022, surrounded by his loving family following a courageous battle. Born on May 29, 1979, Mark was a graduate of West Pictou District High School, the Culinary Institute of Canada and Nova Scotia Community College. Mark spent the majority of his career working as an award winning Chef in Calgary, Alberta at such restaurants as Teatro and The Living Room. For many years he was employed at CFS Canadian Forces Station Alert, Nunavut where was a member of the “Chosen Frozen”; most recently Mark was employed with the Government of Canada. Mark’s love of life was evident in everything he did. An outdoorsman, adventure seeker & traveller, Mark was passionate about nature and was a terrific artist; whether swimming with sharks in Hawaii, photographing arctic wolf cubs or mountain climbing in the North, he took every opportunity to experience life to the fullest; in the short time he was given he accomplished so much. Mark being ever so young, has earned the respect of many. Along with an abundance of memories, Mark leaves behind his parents, Sharlene (Miller) & Norman MacLeod, Durham; sister, Krista (Aaron) Tingley, nephew and godson, Aidan, Three Brooks; aunts, Florence MacLeod, Maureen (Tom) Lays, Brenda (Bobby) Gordon, Denise (Gordie) Marr as well as special uncle, Roddie (Kathy) Miller; and a large circle of cousins, extended relatives, and many wonderful friends across the globe. He was predeceased by his paternal grandparents, Dr. George Norman & Alice MacLeod; and maternal grandparents, Rod & Theresa Miller. Special thanks to the Oncology Team at the Aberdeen Hospital (Cassidy, you were more than a nurse; Mark considered you a trusted friend), VON, the Palliative Care team and Mark’s doctors; Dr. Horton, Dr. Walsh, Dr. Ravi, Dr. Kwasnik & Dr. Jota; along with loving nurses and cousins, Melissa, Patti & Heather for providing exceptional care to Mark which allowed him to spend his last days at home where he wanted to be. To Mark’s best friend and brother by choice, Rhodri, you, like our Mark, are one in a million. Cremation has taken place. Arrangements are under the direction of McLaren Funeral Home, Pictou. Internment will be in Heatherdale Memorial Gardens. In keeping with Mark’s wishes, the family will celebrate Mark’s life privately at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Pictou County SPCA (www.novascotiaspca.ca/how-you-can-help/donate) a charity near and dear to Mark’s heart, or The Aberdeen Health Foundation Palliative Care Unit Endowment (www.aberdeenhealthfoundation.ca/ways-to-give/donate). In honor of Mark’s thoughtful ways, please take time to spread a little kindness today. Call or text an old friend, check on a neighbor, offer to mow someone’s grass or shovel their walkway, leave an extra tip - and if you have an exceptional meal at a restaurant, give regards to the Chef. Mark, the legacy you created will forever be remembered. Your smile, bravery and humble ways will be missed by everyone you have touched. Until we are together again, fly high on eagle’s wings.