Mark Hart

A lifetime resident of the Chesterville area, Mark Richard Hart passed away at the Ottawa Civic Hospital on Saturday, August 26, 2006, following a lengthy illness. He was 61.
Mark, born in Chesterville on August 28, 1944, was the eldest of three children of Roy and Marion Hart. He grew up on the family farm, attended SS #7 Williamsburg public school at Colquhoun and later Chesterville High School.
Except for a few months in the fall of 1964 when he helped a relative in Alberta with harvest, Mark spent his whole life in the Chesterville area.
Although he had a lifelong dream of being an officer with Ontario Provincial Police, less than perfect eye sight kept him out of the force. After high school Mark worked a short time for Earl Cross at Earl's Meats and later Nestlé's in Chesterville, before he joined the Chesterville Co-op. That was the beginning of a six-year career in the feed and farm supply business that began with general sales and led to management positions at branches in Finch and Avonmore.
It was during those years he met the love of his life, Connie Cleary, and they were married on October 29, 1966 in Cornwall. Together Mark and Connie were blessed with 2 children - Chris who was born in November 1971 and Debbie who was born on their anniversary in October 1973.
After his years with the Co-op, interspersed with further education, Mark took on a new career in January 1972, landing a job as a case worker in the social services area of the United Counties.
Mark thrived on being instrumental in helping provide food, clothing and shelter, other financial support, counseling, and often moral and emotional support to anyone in need.
Although a no-nonsense and professional administrator, Mark was also known as a very compassionate person, with a big heart who treated people fairly. Regardless of a person's station in life, he treated people with dignity and respect and kept his cool even under adverse conditions.
He served in ever-increasingly responsible capacities with SD&G Social Services and later the City of Cornwall until he retired in 2003 due to health issues, following more than 30 years of service.
It wasn't just a 9 to 5 job, however. Mark put his heart into his work and the community at large. Along with work, he also served his community in several capacities including being: a member of the auxiliary OPP; a one-time member of the Avonmore Volunteer Fire Department; a founding member of the Dundas Community Living Association; a board member of the Detox Centre; actively involved in the South Dundas Christmas exchange; a member of the board of directors of the Dundas County Food Bank; a board member of the Williamsburg United Church for the past 6 years, involved in several committees; a member of the pastoral care team at Winchester Memorial Hospital; a volunteer with Dundas County Hospice; and a volunteer with the Emergency Measures Organization during the Ice Storm.
Mark was a larger than life figure, a person with a great deal of compassion, a good sense of humour, a huge heart, a hard worker, a loving family man, and a great friend, always willing to lend a helping hand.
Aside from his professional career, Mark was a great outdoorsman and always enjoyed hunting and fishing. He and several of his friends formed a hunting group they called the Devil's Fork Hunt Club and a cabin built in the cedar bush on the farm was often their central meeting place.
Mark was a great family man, devoted to his wife, children and grand kids who were the sparkle in his eye. He was the consummate doting grandfather.
Due to complications related to diabetes, his last few months were a real struggle. But fortunately, Connie so beautifully, lovingly and courageously was there to hold his failing hand. He was also strong in his faith which saw him through until the end.
Mark is survived by his loving wife Connie Hart (nee Cleary), his children Chris (Dawn) of Winchester and Debbie Hart (Dwayne Pirie) of Chesterville, his parents Roy and Marion Hart (nee McConnell), his sister Brenda (Walter) Conrad of Carp and his brother Lee (Angie) of Calgary. He is also survived by his mother-in-law Ursula Cleary of Cornwall, his in-laws Betty Farrell of Woodstock, Mary Cleary of Ottawa, Tom (Cathy) Cleary of Cornwall, Mike (Debbie) Cleary of Cornwall, and Bob (late Donna) Drake of Brussels. Mark will be fondly remembered by grandchildren Madison Hart and Dylan Pirie. He is also survived by nieces and nephews.
Friends called at the Marsden and McLaughlin Funeral Home in Williamsburg on Tuesday, August 29, with the funeral service held at the Williamsburg United Church on Wednesday, August 30th at 11 a.m., followed by cremation. Donations to Williamsburg United Church, Winchester Hospital, or the Diabetes Society would be appreciated by the family.
Pallbearers were Lenny Bass, Derrick Tippins, Clayton Lawrence, George Runions, Scott Helmer, and Walter Gravely.