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
Julie Richer
Karen Schwinghamer
Very sad. I always enjoyed our rambling conversations and passionate discussions. He was articulate, knowledgeable, precise, warm, funny, interesting. Even when we shared different points of view, his perspective broadened the subject and added new dimensions for me. I was delighted to discover that he also belonged to the early morning crowd at the Y on Argyle after we both retired and we continued our discussions over lukewarm coffees at the Y entrance. His courtly manner, impeccable elegance and commitment to the Senate as an institution and to the role of senators in our bicameral system were inspiring. We will miss him.
Laura Peck
Mark was in one of our seminars and I was impressed with his experience and competence. Condolences to his family and friends.
Barry McLoughlin
I remember Mark very well as a highly intelligent, thoughtful and elegant person who cares deeply about his work, Parliament and humanity. He made a true mark on public policy and our society. Deepest condolences to his family and friends. May his memory be a blessing.
Helen and Alfred
Our condolences to the John,Mary and the Audcent family on this sad news about Mark's death. We have fond memories of spending time with him in Canada and Sydney, Australia. Helen first Mark in March 1993 when she was travelling around the world meeting up with family whilst she was still single. Then returned in 2000 with her husband Alfred and got to enjoy Mark's culinary skills enjoying a delicious meal from a recipe book from a restaurant Bill's in Sydney. When he came over with Henk to Sydney in March 2011 for cousin Caroline's wedding we were able to take them to Bill's restaurant and also reciprocate his hospitality by having him to our home and provide some curries. We feel fortunate to have experienced his kindness, thoughtfulness and interesting discussions about various topics sharing his wealth of knowledge. He will be missed greatly. May he Rest in Peace.
Leslie McDermott
Mark was a kind and supportive friend. He was unassuming and welcoming. I appreciated the words of encouragement that he gave to my daughter to keep being her great self and continue her academic pursuits. That meant the world to me. I will cherish the dinners and drinks that we shared together. Thanks for the laughs Mark ❤️ rest in peace. He always spoke highly of his family, condolences to all of you.
Caroline, Michael & Marion
We are all very sorry to hear of Uncle Mark’s passing. He was an upstanding member of the Audcent family and so well loved and respected by all.
There are so many amazing memories of our time spent with him.
Sending love to John, Mary, Karen & Tobey. Xxxx
Reginald Pelletier and Catherine Lauzon
Sincere condoléance to all the family. We meet Marc at spinning class downtown Ottawa and became good friend. He was definitely a gentleman.
Hal
I will remember Mark as a courtly, gentle man, imbued with lively intelligence, grace and serenity. His reading was wide, his ideas always remained fresh, and his tolerance of other views was a lesson in humility. I will miss him.
Carole Labelle
Jake and I are thinking of you all during this difficult time, our sincere condolences. It was an absolute pleasure to have had the opportunity to meet this charming man who we fondly referred to as “uncle Mark”. He will be missed at family gatherings.
Mark était un mentor. Un homme droit et authentique qui appréciait ma calligraphie. Un homme sur qui on pouvait compter dessus. Il avait toujours de judicieux conseil à offrir. La famille du Sénat a été bien choyée de le compter parmi les siens. Il nous manquera.