Errington - 49°17'13"N 124°22'26"W

There are terrible reasons for wonderful events. This is one of them.

After being picked up Lorne in Tuk and enjoying a high-speed and surprisingly non-bumpy drive down the Dempster Highway, we overnighted in Dawson City and the next day continued down the sealed road to Whitehorse. Lorne had a plane to catch, so he deposited us in front of our hotel, we said our ‘goodbyes’ and he left us to make our own way back to Calgary.

Then the email came.

My brother, Jeff, let me know that Uncle Mark, one of the reasons we were inspired to transit the NorthWest Passage, had passed away last night. Generally in good health, he had been managing some heart issues and had woken up the previous night with chest pains. An ambulance ride to the local hospital took place with him joking with the Medical Technicians on the way.   A helicopter transfer to the regional hospital was next, then the rest of the day in Intensive Care with a brain bleed. By 3 am the next morning, he quietly left for better places.

As soon as I read the email, I called Aunt Jan to see how I could help. She was devastated and needed family around, so I made arrangements to get to Parksville as soon as I could. Jan and Mark live in the same town as Mom and have been her main support people - visiting, picking up prescriptions, bringing treats, going on outings - as both Jeff and I are too far away for regular visits. Aunt Jan really wasn’t up for providing that support. It would be a dual purpose trip.

I stayed with a couple I have known since high school - Don and Denise. They have retired to Vancouver Island a few years ago and have a marvellous life set up for themselves, including a wonderful guest room for their children and itinerants like me. They seemed to know that I would be busy with family-related tasks and immediately gave permission to come and go as I needed to and not worry about guest formalities.

The next week and a half was a blur of visits from Jan and Mark's many, many friends; preparations for the celebration of life; phone calls; sorting out and tidying up the details of a life unexpectedly and abruptly finished.

This all culminated with Kate joining me on the Island and then a big ol' get-together at the Errington Memorial Hall - a place where Mark had tapped his foot to many, many great musical performances.

The celebration was packed.  Some very nice stories were shared about Mark's life; sandwiches and pastries were served; hugs and re-acquaintances occurred.  My heart was warmed by how genuinely cherished he was by sooo many people.

We were so glad we were able to be here around so much love.