It is with deepest sadness the family of Mark Joseph Dunphy announces his passing on September 24, 2021.
As a “New Year’s Baby” born January 1, 1965, in Glace Bay, Nova Scotia at Saint Joseph’s Hospital, Mark brought a special light and love to this world from the moment he was born.
Mark was raised in Mira Road, Sydney, Nova Scotia, where he could be found running the roadways in Sydney and surrounding areas, always training for the next race or marathon. Running was his greatest passion for most of his life and he made many friends along the way. Maintaining superb health and fitness was one of his greatest priorities, along with showing care and compassion for others. One constant with Mark was his warm, gentle light. As a young adolescent, he would spend time visiting the elderly in his community, knowing they were lonely and, without hesitation, would always lend a helping hand to anyone in need. Mark would empty his pockets to give to the homeless saying, “they need it more than me”.
Mark was a graduate of Riverview Rural High School and pursued post-secondary education at Cape Breton University, and later graduated from Cornwallis, N.S. with military training. Ultimately, Mark found his greatest joy in the great outdoors, doing “hands on” work, something he did until his untimely passing. His current employer described Mark as the “hardest worker I’ve ever had who did every job to perfection and ahead of schedule”. Mark gave his all to everything he did.
Being in nature, surrounded by all of God’s creation, was where Mark found his greatest joy and peace. It was enviable how very little Mark required to find peace and contentment. At a very young age he was able to recognize what was truly important in life. His joy was never found in material possessions or gain, but in giving his all to others and having a deep love and respect for nature and all its critters. Mark lived humbly and with a servant’s heart and was loved deeply by all who knew him. The passing of our Mother in 2001 was a profound loss for Mark and we, the family, are finding great comfort knowing they are once again united and in God’s loving hands.
Mark was predeceased by his mother, Shirley Alice Dunphy, Michael Bates (birth father), Gordon and Marie McPhee (maternal grandparents), Mark and Pearl Bates (paternal birth grandparents), Harold and Willa Dunphy (paternal grandparents) and several aunts and uncles.
He will be forever loved by those of us left behind, father, James H. Dunphy (Cathy) and siblings, Ronald Dunphy, Jody Dunphy-Munn (Jason), and Faith Dunphy. Mark was also deeply loved and will be missed by his special Aunt Lynda McPhee-Williamson, Gordon and Darlene McPhee, Tony McPhee, Donald Kelly, several cousins and special nephew, Aidan James Dunphy.
A private interment will take place in Forest Haven Memorial Gardens at a later date.
Words of comfort can be sent to the family at www.sydneymemorialchapel.ca or e-mail sydneymemorialchapel@ns.sympatico.ca
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race. I have kept the faith and there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness”. -2 Timothy 4:7
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Mark Joseph Dunphy 2021..
Death notice for the town of: Sydney, Province: Nova Scotia