Obituary of Faron Mark Roberts
It is with shattered hearts the family of Faron Mark Roberts announce the passing of a dear husband, father, son, brother, uncle and friend on June 8, 2021.
Mark leaves to mourn the love of his life, Vanessa, his precious boys, Jaxon and Jordan, father Bob (Doreen), brother Dean (Winnie), sister, Colleen (Dave), his in-laws, Arch and Alice Lake, brother-in-law, Shannon (Karla), and sister-in-law, Edwina (Billy). Also leaving to mourn are his nephews, Troy (Kat), Grayson, Cohen, Will and Hudson, and his nieces, Deanna (Andy), Katie and Fallyn. His great-niece, Selena, and great-nephew, Izyk. His special, lifelong friend, Cathy Kennedy, is also left to mourn along with an extensive circle of friends and acquaintances.
Mark is predeceased by his mother, May (nee Cullihall), and his grandparents, John and Eliza Cullihall of Rocky Harbour, NL and Reginald and Hilda Roberts of Sally’s Cove, NL. He is also predeceased by many of his Aunts and Uncles.
Not even Roget or Webster, both masters of language and vocabulary, can offer the right words to describe our sense of loss, our sense of loneliness with the departure of Mark. Family and friends were the two most important things in his life. He was the love of Vanessa’s life! Together, they lived and loved life, laughed lots and took advantage of every chance to experience family adventure with their darling boys. Mark’s love and devotion to his boys was immeasurable and unwavering. He spent endless hours occupying them, taking them to all their activities, snowmobiling, camping, boating and simply ‘hanging out’ with them whenever he could. Jaxon and Jordan have been introduced to so much because of their dad’s endless hours spent with them.
Mark worked very hard every day to make it all happen, giving them every opportunity to enjoy life and to learn. He taught them to be silly, funny, happy and, especially, to be kind. Vanessa and the boys always felt so special and were told how important they were to him every day. They will miss his special « huggies » and will continue those “huggies” every day. In Vanessa’s own words, « I feel like I could go on and on, and it would never be enough to show how much he cared for us. No words can sum up the light Mark shone on our lives. We were so lucky he was all ours. We will love you forever and ever until we meet again, my love. »
Mark talked about his whole family with absolute pride, especially his wife, Vanessa and his precious boys, Jaxon and Jordan. He always showed that special glow in his eyes, that special smile of pride when he talked of his mom, May, and his dad, Bob. How much joy he would show when saying, « I’m May’s and Bob’s son! » After the loss of his dear mom, Mark had this constant concern for his dad and even when he was entering the hospital for treatment for this cowardly disease that would take his life, he was expressing concern, not only for his precious family but for his dad. He meant so much to him.
To all who knew Mark, everyone was his friend. Everyone he ever met became either a close companion or acquaintance, someone he would remember. Mark had this magnetic way about him that attracted people to him in an almost velcro-like grip that made those attachments lifelong and dear. Mark lived that old adage that there is no such thing as strangers, just friends we haven’t met. Those who knew him best remember his jokes, but they remember his story-telling skills relating to humour in everyday experiences. At any gathering, the sudden eruption of laughter from some corner of a room was usually from a group gathered around Mark, responding to yet another of his many tales.
His wit was well-known and often repeated. When the lady at the Air Canada counter at the airport in Deer Lake asked him to turn his ID card upright because he presented it upside-down, Mark quipped, « Ya, that would be better than standing on my head this morning. » In a place as sombre and serious as an airport, only Mark could bring laughter. Everyone knew Mark was around, and everyone wanted to be around him. That is simply the way he was.
Mark’s family and friends will remember his kindness, gentleness, sense of humour and love for people. They will always remember, too, how much he gave to people. He always believed that the happiest people were not always those getting things but those giving things. Many children of his family and friends will recall his generous offerings to buy ice cream and treats. His friends will remember his offers of help in so many ways, no matter what was required. His home was open to everyone either for a visit, a night or a ‘place to stay’ until other permanent arrangements could be made. We know that the saying that how people treat others reflects how they feel about themselves and shows the real Mark Roberts.
Mark has left such a void in all our lives, but it is an almost insurmountable chasm to his beloved family, one not easily bridged by either time or memories. We will all re-adjust our lives and move on as our memories of him become treasures. We will never forget that jovial boy who entertained us so much, that funny man who left us shaking with laughter and the gentleman who simply cared for everyone and reached out to all.
Wherever you venture, Mark, wherever your molecules settle in this vast yet unknown universe, our wish is that you find kind, compassionate people who have a sense of kindness and, especially, people who recognize the value of laughter. When we all reflect on the memories you have left, the precious moments that are etched in our minds, your presence will be there, telling us another story and reminding us to keep on smiling.
Rest in peace, precious soul!
The family would also like to extend special gratitude and appreciation to the ICU team at the Northern Lights Regional Health Center for their exceptional care and ongoing support over those last eight weeks. We recognize the dedication and devotion you all displayed in caring for Mark, and we were grateful for the regular updates that kept us informed and content. We always felt confident in knowing he was receiving the best care possible. You are all special people, on the front lines for us all in a time of uncertainty, fear and dread for this deadly virus. We will always remember you all and feel thankful for the care you provided.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Northern Lights Health Foundation in Mark’s memory at www.northernlightshealthfoundation.ca
Mark’s wish is to be cremated. There will be no formal service at this time. However, to allow Mark’s family and friends to say their ‘Good-Byes,’ there will be a viewing/visitation on Thursday, June 10, 2021, from 1 pm – 4 pm and 6 pm – 9 pm at Robert Anderson Funeral Services. Covid regulations will apply. Service will take place at a later date when it is safe to gather.
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Faron
Mark
Roberts 2021..
ROBERT ANDERSON FUNERAL SERVICES
Décès pour la Ville: Fort McMurray, Province: Alberta