Mark Gaetz, beloved husband, father, son, uncle, and friend passed away on Thursday, December 22, 2022 at his home in Medicine Hat, AB. Mark will be lovingly remembered by his mother, Frances Gaetz; daughter, Brittany Barker (Keagan); son, Anthony Gaetz (Devon Carlson); brother, Chris Gaetz (Claudine); sister, Tracy Reid (Gordon); nieces, Stephanie Friesen (Derek) and Kasandra Reid; nephews, Sean Gaetz (Alissa Fitzsimmons) and Tradon Reid (Kylie); great-niece, Olivia Friesen, and great-nephews, Carter Gaetz and Easton Marshall. Mark was predeceased by his wife, Jacqueline Gaetz; newborn son, Andrew Gaetz, and his father, Pius Gaetz.
On September 21, 1966 Mark was born in Medicine Hat, AB where he lived the majority of his life, aside from a brief move to Hanna, AB in high school.
Mark was what some might call a “jack of all trades” and had a wide variety of jobs throughout his lifetime; he was never afraid to get his hands dirty and was willing to try anything at least once.
In 1992 Mark met the love of his life, Jacqueline “Jackie” Gaetz (Cleveland) and they were married in September of 1994. Jackie and her daughter Brittany were a “package deal” and Mark gladly took on the role of stepdad with an open heart and open arms. Mark and Jackie went on to have two more beautiful sons together, Anthony and Andrew, before she passed from breast cancer in July of 1996.
Mark absolutely loved people of all kinds and easily made friends and conversation wherever he went. He loved to be creative and work with his hands and had a real knack for working on cars (real or model). Mark had a huge heart for animals (despite being very much allergic to most of them) and knew every James Bond movie inside and out. He was extremely patient, which his hobbies such as building puzzles or model cars showcased. Mark was a talented drummer and musician; he loved all kinds of music, just like his dad. His daughter, Brittany, can never hear an Eagles or Nitty Gritty Dirt Band song without remembering her dad teaching her to play the drums to their iconic songs. Mark and his son, Anthony did just about everything together and loved spending time outdoors biking, hiking, and exploring; Anthony was his dad’s little shadow and looked up to him in so many ways.
Some of his family’s fondest memories with Mark include camping at Elkwater and Rattlesnake, with much of his large extended family in tow. His family will always remember his laid-back, friendly demeanour and the way he went the extra mile to make those around him laugh.
Mark loved his family and friends fiercely and was greatly loved in return. After many painful years spent battling with his mental health and addiction, his family will take comfort in knowing that he has finally found peace.
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We offer our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Mark Gaetz December 22nd 2022 and hope that their memory may be a source of comfort during this difficult time. Your thoughts and kind words are greatly appreciated.
Saamis Memorial Funeral Chapel and Crematorium
Death notice for the town of: Medicine-Hat, Province: Alberta