Browse the obituary of residing in the province of Nova Scotia for funeral details

Obituary for
Mark Edward Simkins
Family and friends regretfully announce the passing of Mark Edward Simkins of Halifax on November 19, 2022.
Mark entered this world in 1954 in Victoria, BC to parents, Mary Shirley Martindale and Harold Edward (Ted) Simkins of Toronto. As the son of an RCAF navigator, Mark moved with the family through BC, Quebec, Ontario, as well as to Florida. Settling in Omemee, Ontario, Mark attended Crestwood Secondary School in Peterborough. He and brother, Paul were record breaking track and field athletes; his long-distance running records stood for many years.
In the 1970’s, he studied Journalism at Carleton University, then in 1977, he attended Dalhousie University in Nova Scotia, studying Journalism, followed by English literature at the University of King’s College. He then embarked on a career in photojournalism. Around 1978, he travelled to Paris and at various times through other countries including England, Scotland and Italy. His early trip to Europe ignited his love of photography. He was an avid reader and lover of literature, and student of languages.
In the late 1970’s, he worked at the Dalhousie Gazette newspaper followed by the Truro Daily News. He was a photographer for United Press International in Halifax, the Montreal Gazette Marine News, Canadian Press (1981), and 1981-82 Atlantic Bureau photographer for UPI (United Press Canada) . He was a reporter/photographer for the Peterborough Common Press, the Truro Daily News, the Chronicle Herald – Bridgewater Bureau, the Alcan Ingot, and a reporter for the Bridgewater Bulletin.
He photographed for Macleans and many other publications, as well as commercial work, including fashion, industrial and film stills.
Mark’s film career saw him working as a camera assistant, cinematographer, and technician. He worked on many films, including “Delores Claiborne” and “Titanic”. Some of his work can be found listed under his name on www.imdb.com/. He wrote and directed the docu-drama, “Mary and the Mayor” about homelessness, which premiered in 1989 at the Atlantic Film Festival. In 1990 – 91 he travelled to Guatemala and documented the civil war conflict, leading to the short video, “Traveller/Refugee”.
For over 30 years, Mark was a member, Treasurer and VP of the film union IATSE (Local 849), (International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, Moving Picture Technicians, Artists and Allied Crafts). He was active in the labour movement with a strong sense of social justice.
He was a long-time member, technical coordinator, board member and instructor for the Atlantic Filmmakers Co-operative (AFCOOP), leading many workshops, and mentoring many in the field, always ready with a kind or encouraging word. With his wealth of knowledge about AFCOOP’s past, many loved to listen to his stories about the “early days” at the co-op. He was known as a gentle soul who loved to socialize.
Mark was a key player in the development of Nova Scotia’s film industry, and his large photography collection, which captured so much Halifax cultural history, now sits with the Nova Scotia Archives.
He ran his own retail photography business, was a founding member of the LaHave Craft Co-op, and worked at several call centres in Bridgewater, Dartmouth and Halifax. Additionally, he did various labour jobs – working on a big Rails to Trails project outside Mahone Bay and worked at both LaHave Seafoods and Fisheries Products International.
Mark is survived by his brother, Paul and sister, Lisa; daughter Vanessa, grandchildren Taylor and Kelsie, and lovingly remembered by former partner, Susan Bone. He will be missed by his many friends.
Through fierce and bonnie seas, Mark set sail through life’s waves till he was last at ease.

2023

colchester community funeral home

Death notice for the town of: Truro, Province: Nova Scotia

death notice Mark Edward
Simkins 2023

obituaries notice Mark Edward
Simkins 2023

We offer our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Mark Edward
Simkins 2023  and hope that their memory may be a source of comfort during this difficult time. Your thoughts and kind words are greatly appreciated.