Obituary of Mark Joseph Heitshu

MARK JOSEPH HEITSHU

 At the age of 89, Mark died peacefully on November 6, 2019, at Bridgepoint Health in Toronto.

While he lived most of his life in Ontario, Mark’s spirit and charm were firmly rooted in Quebec City where he was born on April 24, 1930.

A lifelong bon vivant, Mark had boundless curiosity and a creative soul, and was always mastering something new. One year, he built a harpsichord, and for years gathered together singers and musicians to fill the house with music. One summer while vacationing in the Maritimes, he took up watercolour and quickly became an accomplished amateur painter. He was a talented cook and generous host, not to mention a determined baker famous for his tourtiere. In later years, he discovered knitting and was even giving lessons to the nurses at Bridgepoint. And through it all, his enthusiasm and joie de vivre were infectious.

Mark was an engineer, an urban planner, and public servant. But music was his passion. Most of all, he loved playing the role of impresario and bringing people together to play, sing and celebrate music.

Mark was proud of being a father to his two sons, whom he raised with his ex-wife Janet.

Mark leaves behind his wife Marjorie; sons Paul and his wife Lori, and Michael and his wife Tania; grandchildren Griffin and Brooke; and a large community of friends. He will be very much missed. Heartfelt gratitude to the extraordinarily kind and compassionate care team at Bridgepoint.