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In his 60th year, Mark passed away peacefully with Karianne by his side on Monday, August 28, 2023, in Tarpon Springs, Florida. Mark was the beloved and devoted husband of Karianne for 25+ years. Mark was born at St. Michael’s Hospital in Toronto to Eileen (nee Carr) and the late David Ramsay. As the youngest of nine children, Mark leaves behind Paul (Marci), Joan McKelvey (Ron), Peter (Rosemary), Colleen Dehm (Wayne), Michael (Peggie), Theresa (Doug), Bill (Nancy), and Chris (Denise). Mark will be greatly missed by his precious bichons Junior & Tex. During most of Mark’s adult life, he was never without his 2 bichons. Always generous and affectionate as Uncle Mark, he will be missed by his many nephews and nieces.
Being the youngest of nine, Mark had to work hard to keep up with his siblings and he always did his best to tag along with them. On one occasion when Mark was 6, he didn’t tag along. The family packed the car and headed to their cottage on Buckskin Lake, once there and unpacking it was suddenly realized that Mark had been left behind. Everyone was quite upset that Mark was home alone. Mark however was totally unphased by the situation.
In his teenage years Mark was a star on the hockey rink. He loved hockey and was a devoted Toronto Maple Leafs fan. Living in Florida, Mark enjoyed seeing the Leafs play in Tampa. It was the best of both worlds to be able to watch his beloved hockey team from Canada, in sunny Florida.
During his leisure hours Mark had many interests. He loved being outdoors especially when it involved being in or on something that moved at a rapid speed – his Corvette, his boat, or his snowmobile. You always knew when Mark was visiting the cottage in Canada because you’d see him down at the dock tinkering with the boat motors trying to get them to go faster. Mark took great pride in creating a beautiful home to welcome family and friends.
Although Mark left public education at an early age, his greatest learning took place when he became a lineman and a very successful businessman. Mark’s background in the powerline industry gave him the experience needed to establish Golf Range Netting. He attended a 5-year lineman school with a focus on High Voltage and Engineering. He worked with several power companies throughout Canada and the U.S. Mark supervised and trained over 300 lineman apprentices in a high voltage setting. After creating a successful cabling company (Fibre-Tech) which was contracted with Rogers Cable and the Hydro Electric Company in Canada. Mark designed and created golf course netting and lighting design in 1994. Over the last 24 years, Golf Range Netting has constructed custom netting solutions nationally and internationally from the United States, to Canada, the UK, Bermuda, and other locations near and far.
Mark, your passion, innovation and zest for life will live on in our hearts.
My heartfelt condolences to the 'Ramsay' clan, Mark displayed great courage and foresight moving to Florida, seeking his 'north star' , it has been said people like Mark are the truest example of the pioneer, he was a pioneer in his field, forever young at heart, a real 'man's man'. 'Memories are better than dreams', Mark built memories for the entire family, God will not call us home until our work is done, his beloved parents have set a place setting at the Lord's table, . 'Blessed are the workers, for they will be called children of God, and will sit at his feast of love' Psalms Mathew 5-9.
To Karianne, Aunt Eileen, and each of you, his family and friends, who loved Mark and are most deeply affected by his loss, I extend my most sincere condolences. Your pain and grief are felt and shared by many. You are not alone. It must still feel both surreal and heartbreaking as the reality sets in that Mark is no longer with you. I know it changes everything. Mark was my youngest cousin. Due to our ages, circumstances and distance, I spent precious little time with him in the years beyond childhood, and I probably knew him the least. Yet, every occasion we were together was memorable. I only wish there had been more of them. How strange and so very sad that he had to leave first! In every life a little rain must fall, and Mark’s life was no exception. Whether you were with him in the rain or the sunshine (or both), whether his student, his teacher, or his companion, or all three at times, I hope you will take comfort in the knowledge that you mattered to Mark. Every encounter in his life had purpose. We all have at least one treasured memory, and for those more fortunate among you, there are so many memories and “Mark stories”. One of the few really deep and meaningful conversations I had with Mark was on a phone call just after his Dad, my Uncle Dave’s funeral. He was so deeply saddened, and even more so that Covid restrictions had prevented him from coming home for the funeral. Yet, Mark was confident of where his Dad had gone and that they would meet again. His faith was evident and so important to him! I love the story of little Mark being left behind when his family drove all the way to the cottage … how unconcerned he seemed to be about the whole ordeal. It always made a great “Home Alone” story! I like to think that Mark has a bit of a twinkle in his eye as he sees the irony here … he has already arrived and we are the ones left behind. We don’t know when we will make that same trip, but we have a great hope of seeing him again. I believe Mark has arrived at the ‘cottage’ greeted by his Dad, and welcomed home by his Heavenly Father, and there are some awesome stories being retold! Mark, never to be forgotten …. Love, Jane
Mark, I have so many cherished memories, watching you as you took apart & reassembled motors, going for extraordinarily fast boat rides & enjoying good food together. We shared a love of nachos & a love of Thai food…although I couldn’t quite reach the same spice level as you! In the building of your business, I learned that achieving success takes hard work, innovation & perseverance. I am grateful to you & Karianne for the endless love & care you showed us (Aaron, Oliver & Elliott). All my love ? Megan
R.I.P. old Friend My Deepest Condolences for you Karianne and the Whole Ramsay Family
Mark married our daughter in 1998 and we will miss him every single day of our lives. He was so in love with our daughter and this was a mother in-laws dream come true.
Hi Eileen / Peter + Ryan + family Sorry to hear of Marks death. In Marks photo I can a resemblance to Alex who passed on 2000. Best wishes to you and your family. Please extend my condolences to Peter and Ryan. Paul Sinnott ( husband of Kim Lawson who died in 1997 )
Dear Joan and Ron. so sorry to hear that you have lost a sibling. Our heartfelt condolences to all who loved your brother. Our hope is that you have wonderful memories that will help you as your grieve someone you loved. Judy and Randy
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Karianne, We are so incredibly sorry for your loss. We have a lot of great memories of you and Mark and he will be greatly missed. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Dawn and Leon Hammond
So sorry to read of your brother’s passing. Thinking of you at this difficult time.
Dear Rosemary and Peter, I was very sorry to read about the passing of your brother, Mark. I will be thinking of you at this sad time, With Sympathy, Lauren Maclean ( Dutch Oven )
I have you in my thoughts and prayers. I feel like I know Mark through things your mother has told me. Having just experienced the death of my husband of 60 years, I know what you are going through. Thank God that this is only a “see you later” moment and not the end. God Will provide everything you need to navigate this season of your life.
Sad to read of Eileen,s Son passing away. My late Husband Bill & I knew Eileen & David ( also her sister Dorthy & Len Crover) at the beginning of St. Timothy's Parish and School. We had eight children and oldest Michael said he was at school with Joan. Please let Eileen know that she and her Family are in my prayers. Sincerely, Pat Poole
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
SickKids Foundation
Dear Joan, Marianne and the entire Ramsay Family, I never met Mark but he sounds like a fascinating man. I wish our paths had crossed. It's nice to hear a success story about a self made man. Not only did he train many lineman, he also developed Golf Range Netting and his idea became very prosperous. He accomplished a lot in his lifetime and although he passed at a relatively young age, he became friends with many people from all walks of life. He will be missed dearly by his family and friends. Sincere condolences to all. Mark Joseph Ramsay May 30, 1964 - August 28, 2023 - REST IN PEACE -
So very sorry to hear this. Mark was a lot of fun. I talked to him last year on the phone. I can’t believe he is gone. My heartfelt thoughts and condolences go out to you Karianne.
Karrianne, sending our deepest condolences to you and the Ramsay family. We will cherish our memories with Mark growing up in Fenelon Falls and our visits to Florida were always filled with fun and adventure. Hugs❤️
Karianne, I am so sorry for your tremendous loss. I will be forever ever grateful to have known him and for all the kindness he and you have shown me in the last 20 years.
You’ll always be remembered for our friendship and the knowledge you taught me in the line trade. We had some really good laughs and memorable times together, my wife and I always looked forward to getting together with you and Karianne when we were in Florida. You’ll be truly missed Mark, rest in peace friend.
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of your brother Mark. Sincere condolences to Karianne, Eileen and his beloved brothers and sisters.
We were very sad to hear the news of Mark’s passing. Our deepest condolences to Karrianne and the whole Ramsay family.
Karriane were so sorry for your loss. Mark always said your in my heart,our hearts are broken.I looked up to him even thou he was my little brother. We have some great memories growing up.We will miss him, May he rest in peace. Love Bill and Nancy
My very deepest condolences to Eileen and her beautiful family. Another Angel watches over you. ❤️?❤️
I meet him once but I hear many good stories about Mark. I will remember you R.I.P.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Thickson Woods Foundation
We are so sorry for your loss Karianne. Our hearts are broken! We will miss him greatly. He will always be in our thoughts Mark. Love Paul & Marcia
Karianne - you brought out the best in Mark - you nurtured and supported Mark's kind and generous nature. Our family has many Uncle Mark stories. One of the most memorable was Uncle Mark showing up on Megan's wedding day to chauffeur her to the ceremony. Mark will be greatly missed. Our deepest condolences. Love Joan & Ron
Ron & Joan, our sincerest condolences to you and your family.Murray & Lesley
Karianne, Eileen and the Ramsay Clan, Jo and I are truly saddened by the passing of Mark. We have so many great memories of him though. He was such a fun, happy kid and many years later when he would come to the lake with Karianne, they always made a point to come and see us that lead to hours of drinks, laughs and reminiscing…so many stories from back in the day and Mark loved to talk about them! He was the little brother we never had and Jack and Joan loved just him as well. Love you “Fats” XOXO Karen & “Bones”
Joan and Ron and family: So sorry to read about Mark - gone too soon. Our sincere sympathy. Ron and Barb
Our sincere condolences to Karianne & the Ramsay family at this difficult time..Paul & Heather Mcgivern... Horseshoe Valley Ontario
Being around Mark was always an adventure as he was larger than life at all times! We enjoyed his wonderful hospitality with Karianne in Florida and will remember those times with great fondness. We will miss you dear friend. Our deepest condolences to Karianne and all his family.
From your half century friends up at Buckskin lake, the Weichel’s, our sincere condolences. A sad time for all the Ramsey’s and Karianne. Rest in peace Mark.
My condolences Carrianne, thoughts and prayers are in my heart. I will miss Mark dearly. We had lots of great memories. Hugs to you.❤️
Goodbye my friend. I've known Mark since he was about 4 and have always been impressed with his optimistic hopes, dreams and ambitions. Even as though he was the youngest in the family, Mark's spirited determination has been seen by us all.
Although Mark was 5 years younger than me, we spent may good times in Fenelon Falls together enjoying boat life. He was a confident person that everyone admired about him. He will be sadly missed but many good memories of him that will not be forgotten.