Mark Anthony Audcent died unexpectedly on December 16th, 2023.
Mark was born in England, immigrated to Canada at the age of 2, and spent his childhood years in Montreal and then Ottawa. Beloved son of Gerard (d. 1981) and Eileen nee Kenway (d. 1989). Cherished younger brother of John (Mary nee Plunkett), adored uncle of Karen (Paul Labelle) and Tobey (Peter Nor), and doting great-uncle of George Nor and Hannah Nor. He was predeceased by his long-time love and partner Hendrik (Henk) Vanderhorst (d. 2021).
Mark was deeply kind. His gentlemanly manners, generous hospitality, impeccable taste and charming style will be dearly missed by his large circle of family, friends, colleagues and neighbours. Mark kept in close touch with numerous friends and family across Canada, as well as abroad, with connections in the United States, England, Europe and Australia.
Mark was called to the bar in Alberta in 1976 and had a distinguished career in law. He remembered appreciatively his time with the firm of Jones Black (now Bennett Jones) and his early years of practicing law in Calgary, Alberta. A devoted public servant he was proud to serve as the legal advisor to the Senate from 1982, as Law Clerk and Parliamentary Counsel from 1996 until his retirement in 2014. Well-known for his integrity, humility and discretion, and committed to excellence in his work, he strongly believed in leading by example. He served on many committees including the University of Ottawa Health Sciences and Science Research Ethics Board and the Association of Parliamentary Counsel in Canada. He also greatly enjoyed contributing to the education of young people about Canada’s government and Parliament through the Forum for Young Canadians, and his time teaching law at the University of Ottawa and at the University of Saskatchewan in Saskatoon.
Mark had battled with health challenges in recent years, but maintained his sense of humor, and his characteristic style and grace. We were privileged to have him in our lives and he has left us too soon. He will be greatly missed.
Friends and family are invited to gather at the Sacred Space of the Beechwood National Memorial Centre, 280 Beechwood Ave. Ottawa on Wednesday February 7, 2024 after 12 noon. A Celebration of Mark’s Life will be held at 1 p.m. followed by a reception with light refreshments. Those unable to attend in person are invited to attend via live stream by registering here.
In memoriam donations can be made to the Shepherds of Good Hope in Ottawa or the Stephen Lewis Foundation.
Digital Guestbook
Rose-Marie Chrétien et Claude Simard
Michael Smith
I'm so sorry to hear the news of Mark's passing. I have known him for many years and always kept in touch, although seen each other in recent years. I remember the wonderful parties he hosted both at his apartment on Richmond Road and later with Henck on Concord St. I remember also his kindness when my partner passed away several years ago. Wonderful memories of a wonderful man.
Blair Armitage
When the moment called for calm deliberation, thoughtful reflection, and considered, careful advice, Mark provided it. When the moment called for boundless enthusiasm, great good humour, and joie de vivre, Mark was also your man. I wish all who knew him and loved him the comfort of nothing but the very best memories of a man well worth remembering.
Reina Bernier
Beaucoup de beaux souvenirs avec Mark, au bureau, en voyage. Belles discussions mémorables. Je suis contente d’avoir pu le revoir l’été dernier. Bon voyage Mark!
Françoyse Picard
Mark était doué d’une grande intélligence, de l’entregent sans pareil, et d’une générositè abondante…tout ce qu’on pourrait souhaiter d’un ami ptoche et aimé de tout coeur. Il ne fait aucun doute qu’il nous manquera terriblement.
Jim Parkin & Alisson Regis Silva
Mark welcomed us into his neighborhood this past April when we bought the house across from his house in Old Ottawa East. We became fast friends, and we cherish the many times, get togethers and conversations that we had with Mark. A very kind, classy, knowledgeable and interesting man. We miss him. So glad that our lives crossed these last few months. RIP Mark.
Catherine Pearl -Côté
I was privileged to have worked for a little over 10 years at the Senate. Mark was the consummate gentleman, kind, thoughtful, extremely intelligent and dedicated to the law and the Senate. He made the world a better place.
Jacques Demers
Mark, un ami fiable, fidèle, intéressé à tout et interessant, généreux. Irremplaçable.
Merci Mark pour ce que tu as été pour moi et pour tant d’autres. Repose en paix.
J’aurais tant aimé te dire adieu. Je prévoyais donc me rendre Ottawa aujourd’hui pour la cérémonie mais un grave problème de santé m’en empêche.
Toutes mes profondes condoléances à sa famille et ses proches.
Bruce Williams
For over 40 years I have had the good fortune to be one of his friends. I first knew Mark as a young man: he was so handsome, so energetic & so much fun to be with. Il etait toujous plein de joie de vivre. More recently he has dealt with losses, his partner Henk van der Horst & years before... son ami et copan, Francois Chretien. He managed a long series of health issues bravely & with dignity. Mark was a true gentleman & an honorable man. We have all been fortunate to have know him, to have benefited from his friendship & to have enjoyed his company.
Francine Pressault
A great legal mind and gentleman. No matter how busy his day was, Mark always took the time to stop and chat. He will be forever remembered.
Nos sincères condoléances à la famille, aux amis et aux collègues de Mark.
Depuis 40 ans, Mark était un ami précieux de notre famille. C’était un homme d’honneur attentif et fidèle. Il nous impressionnait par son esprit critique et sa grande culture française et anglaise.
Nous avons passé de très bons moments avec lui et il nous manquera énormément.
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