On Monday, March 4th, 2024 at the age of 69, Mark Shurvin, our beloved dad and Grampa passed away unexpectedly. Predeceased by his parents Robert and May and his brother Stephen. Survived by his brother John and sister Colleen. Mark has left behind his four children Jamie (Emily), Michael, Nicole (Dave) and Jessica (Ryan) as well as his six grandchildren Spencer, Reese, Clara, Ben, Callum and Jack and his long-time friend and the mother of his children, Michele. A lifelong resident of Greensville, he was a pillar in his community. A former town councillor and Mayor of Flamborough, Chairman of the Hamilton Conservation Authority and President and honorary life director of the Rockton Fair. He held a certificate in arbitration and mediation from the University of Toronto and worked in adjudication and management for the Ontario Ministry of Labour for 28 years, retiring just 5 years ago. Ahead of his time, he was passionate about the environment, he was inclusive and he was a firm believer in a publicly funded system in which everyone has access to quality health care and education, always looking out for the greater good of society. It was his lifelong dream to own a farm and that dream came true in 2004. He was in his element driving a tractor, tending to the animals and just being on the farm. He was one of a kind, he taught us so much, but above all of this, he was our dad, our Grampa and our friend and we will miss him terribly. Friends may pay their respects at Turner Family Funeral Home, 53 Main St. Dundas, on Tuesday, March 12th from 2 – 4 p.m. and 6 – 8 p.m. Funeral service will take place at Christ Church Flamborough, 92 Highway 8, Dundas, on Wednesday, March 13th at 11 a.m. with reception to follow at Rockton Fairgrounds, 812 Old Highway 8, Rockton. If desired, donations can be made to the Hamilton Conservation Foundation.
I am in shock and disbelief reading this announcement. I have known Mark since high school. He was one of the funniest, intelligent and insightful individuals I have ever known. You will be missed by so many friends Mark. Have a good laugh with Clive Richardson when you get to Heaven. ❤️❤️❤️
Rest in Peace dear friend.
I had the pleasure of knowing Mark for well over 50 years. He was all at once one of the most clever, funny, principled, dedicated and socially conscious human beings you will ever meet. His contributions to our local community and environment are immeasurable. We have truly lost one of the good ones.
I was so very, very sorry to learn of Mark’s death. He has been a good friend since high school and through work with the NDP. He and my brother Rod travelled quite a lot and even I was along on occassion. He was always bright, funny and insightful in all our our discussions about so many different topics. He always had a human perspective and one with a focus on the common good. This moral backbone was evident in everything he did.
My sincere condolences to his family
Oh my goodness!!! I can not believe that Mark has left us! Our family grew up in Greensville. I went to public school and high school at Parkside with Mark and is brothers and sister. He was always a leader in knowledge at our high school classroom trivia contests held in the gym and one of the funniest and quick witted persons I have ever known! Truly taken away from us way too soon! We will miss Mark dearly! Our deepest condolences to all of Mark’s family!
The Lightfoot sisters Sharon, Gail, Carol and Julie
I’m so sorry and shocked to hear of Mark’s passing and he is so young, he was my supervisor and friend while working at the Ministry of Labour and helped me through some of my difficult times with the passing of my parents, my thoughts and prayers are with all of the family , god bless
My deepest sympathy for the family’s loss. I had the pleasure of working with Mark. His intellect and humour were always appreciated. A very good person.
In my role as Inspector, Manager and Director at the Ministry of Labour, Mark was one of my go-to colleagues at the Hamilton Office. His experience and knowledge of the Employment Standards Act was second to none. His dedication to public service will not be forgotten. Mark will be sadly missed at “The Grumpy Old Men Meeting” That Mark enjoyed attending with the other M.O.L retirees. We will be sure to raise a glass in remembrance of Mark at the next meeting. My sincere condolences to Mark’s family and close friends. He will be surely missed.
i’m four years older than mark but knew him a bit from greensville school and living in greensville as a kid and adult. always seemed like a good guy whenever we met and chatted.
sorry to read of his sudden death.
Our paths crossed through our active involvement in municipal politics, he with Flamborough Council and me with Dundas Council thence both on Regional Council. He had a wicked sense of humour and could usually find something funny in any situation. I served on the conservation board with him and Mark truly had a passion for nature and a need to preserve it whenever appropriately needed. I was an infrequent visitor to the ‘Shurvin Farm’ which he truly loved. He always shared loving stories of his children and g-children…He truly loved you all!
Mark, I’ll miss your wit, passion and love of life!
Mark was my supervisor at Canada Post for several years. He was one of a kind. Desk piled high…he could reach in and find anything we asked for. His sense of humor brought joy to the job every day. He treated all of us with dignity. Rest in peace…..I remember you with a smile..
My condolences to the family. I knew Mark for many many years. From the horse world at dreamcatchers as well as a neighbor and farm owner. I will never forget when I bought my first horse of my own and brought it to his farm. He was always such a great person and a helping hand. I also will never forget how you would see him come home in business attire then come out to the farm in coveralls, that always reminded me of a train conductor. Mark must be up there going to bring in Binks & Jimmy from the lush pastures. Thank you for all you did for me and my horse over the years, and for letting me experience farm life hands on. Rest in peace Mark, give Binks and Jimmy a scratch and mint for me !
I am so sorry to hear about Mark’s untimely passing. We were friends in high school in the back row of the band and we could always count on Mark to keep us in stitches. I also had the distinction to be kicked out of history class with Mark and others due to his antics. He was a very bright guy and clearly gave of his talents to the local community which he loved so much. I can well understand what a devastating loss this is for his family and friends and extend to you all my heartfelt condolences. “Here was a man, take him for all in all,
we shall not look upon his like again.”
Our deepest sympathy to all of Marks family. Mark was our treasured friend . We will miss his sense of humour and amazing knowledge on so many different topics. May all his family treasure his memories as we will treasure our friendship forever.
I am so sorry to hear of your dad’s passing. Take comfort in the fond memories you have of him.l
Very sad news, to learn of Marks passing. His departure will leave a huge void for his family and all who knew him. Our paths crossed due to our children attending Greenville and Spencer Valley schools. Friendships developed parents and kids, especially Michael and my so , Chris. Very fond memories of T- ball at the park, play times at both our houses.
My heartfelt sympathies to everyone in the Shurvin family.
Thoughts and prayers to you all….
Mark was one of my best friends in high school! He was always clever and so funny! He had many friends who all wanted to be the comedian he naturally was! Mark was always kind and never afraid to speak his mind. He was passionate about the Flamborough community and preserving our natural world. His passing is tragic as I feel he had many important projects to tackle. I’ll miss him forever 💜
I was deeply saddened and shocked to hear of Mark’s sudden passing. He began his devotion to community service very early in life. Mark was my peewee hockey coach in 1974 in Dundas. He was only 19 coaching a bunch of 13 year olds. He was an amazing coach! He was incredibly skilled at matching our players with players on opposing teams. Even though we didn’t necessarily have the best players, it was his astute coaching abilities that led our team to go undefeated that year in the regular season, playoffs and even exhibition games. More recently, I would run into Mark from time to time at the farm or at Denninger’s and we would reminisce about those days. Mark’s lifetime of community service helped make the world a much better place. His passing is a huge loss to our community. Rest In Peace, coach. You were the best! I would like to extend my heartfelt condolences and sympathy to all Mark’s family. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this difficult time.
We were fortunate to have known Mark through our son David’s marriage to Nicole. We were shocked by his sudden death. The last time we saw Mark was just before his passing and he was happily cheering on our grandson Spencer’s hockey team. He had a huge smile on his face as he excused himself before the end of the game to attend another grandchild’s game at another arena. We will miss our interesting conversations and his extensive knowledge of the history of Dundas. Our deepest condolences to the family.
Mark was commited to his community and to the environment. He stood next to the Greensville community no matter what and guide us thru many years of opposing a local quarry landfill. He was funny and always there for you. He had a unique character that just made you feel good. He was one of a kind and will be missed and remembered.
Struggling here, thinking how can I add to all the wonderful, heartfelt, and so appropriate, offerings so far.
Nevertheless, here goes:
Mark was:
Giving. He personified what Alan Fotheringham defined as a “Canadian: One who believes that the rights of society come first and to hell with the Individual. “
I will let you go find the editorial. Great op/ed and hugely impactful to someone who has lived well more than half his life in the US.
Witty. Honestly, I think “acerbic” might be the better adjective, but heaven knows, no matter the subject, I often agreed with him and always acknowledged his wit.
Missed. We lived 800 miles apart. We spoke F2F or, more likely, in social media, a couple of times a year. Not enough.
Family and friends…so very sorry for your loss.
Our sincere condolences to the entire Shurvin family, extended family, and friends☹️
Karen and Peter Turkstra and family
I didn’t know Mark well but would chat with him while watching our grandsons play hockey .Mark was a witty , genuine man who I know was deeply committed to his family and his community . I do know his daughter Nicole and her husband David and I want them to know how very sorry john and I were to hear of Marks passing. Our hearts go out to you and your family during this heartbreaking time. With our love and prayers. Xoxo John and marilyn meagher
Mark was my friend for half a century. Don’t know what else to say, except to commend his lifelong dedication to devising the best ways to redistribute society’s wealth (a subject he’d happily discuss for hours on end) and join John Lafferty in recalling how hilarious he was. (In fact, to this day all you have to do to get John laughing is look him squarely in the eyes and utter the word « Mass! »).
So very sorry to learn of Mark’s Passing. Sending love to Michele, Jamie, Mike, Nicole and Jess, their partners and those adorable grand-children. It is times like these that we wish the distance between us wasn’t so far. BIG HUGS from Prince Edward Island. Uncle Glenn & Aunt Wendy Holmes XOXOXOXOXO
I was so saddened to hear such a dear friend, Mark Shurvin, has passed away. I worked with Mark and as such, got to know him quite well. He was a good person, with genuine compassion for others. This world we live in will be impacted by this loss, as he did not fear standing up to so many issues. I send my condolences to the Shurvin family, for your great loss. Victoria Biocca
Our deepest condolences to the Shurvin family. What a sad and unexpected loss. We met Mark at family events, trough Jessica and Ryan. RIP Mark
Mark was one of my first students at Spencer Valley, in 1968.
He was an incredible kid. Condolences to the family.
We lost a friend today. I’ve known Mark for 33 years, and worked closely with him most of those years. He was witty and charming. A great storyteller. Fun at parties. Socially conscious. So much more. He will be missed. My deepest condolences to the Shurvin Family
I knew Mark for many years. We were Town Councillors before amalgamation: he in Flamborough and me in Dundas. We also served together on the Board of the Hamilton Conservation Authority. He was a delight to work with and a pleasure to know. Condolences to his family. Gone too soon!
I met Mark 16 years ago when I was pregnant with my son. He worked in the cubicle next to mine. I would sometimes hear him on the phone with his children and he never failed to say, “I love you” when he hung up. I thought it was so beautiful. We worked together for many years, and he taught me so many things, but the thing that impacts me every day is that I also now say “I love you” before I get off the phone or leave my children. Mark was a good man who impacted many people’s lives positively. But, more than anything, he clearly adored his children. I will be keeping his family and friends in my thoughts and prayers.
It was sad to hear about Mark and I am sorry for the great loss to his family and Michele. Mark was very likeable, smart and unpretentious. Many years ago we were one of those people who he voluntarily helped over a matter which was positively resolved within a couple of days. My husband and I had great admiration of Mark for his dedication of environmental ethics and serving his community.
So sorry for your loss, Michele, Nicole, Jessica, David and Michael.
Our sincere condolences to all of Marks’ family and friends.