With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Mark Gregory Decyk, who left us far too early on July 17th, 2024. Surrounded by family, Mark departed knowing he was loved and cherished.

Mark was a devoted husband, loving father, and a beacon of will and strength who inspired everyone around him. His interests were vast and varied. He adored travel, often reminiscing about his time as a student in Rome and vacations in Mexico with his beloved wife, Odarka. A passionate sportsman, Mark was a teacher of Tai chi and Shotokan Karate, spent weekends at the range with friends, and enjoyed watersports at his McGinnis Lake cottage. He also had a profound interest in technology, including software programming, video gaming, and data engineering.

Mark’s identity was strongly tied to his Ukrainian roots. As a child, he was enrolled in a Canadian branch of Plast, a Ukrainian scouts organization. Coupled with his calm, collected demeanor, his family opined that he would make a fitting priest.

Instead, Mark graduated from the University of Waterloo with a degree in mechanical engineering. After working independently for a decade, his professional journey took him to Oracle, Allstream, and eventually IBM, where he served as an Associate Partner. Throughout his career, Mark was known as a leader and problem solver, commanding peerless respect among his colleagues, a legacy that endured even after his retirement.

In September of 2012, Mark fell into a chronic illness that tried and failed to usurp his life. Mark never let himself become defined by his ails. With the support of his wife, he enjoyed a fruitful life, embracing his hobbies well into his twilighting months.

Mark is predeceased by his Mother, Helena. He is survived by his wife, Odarka; his children, Olena and Gregory; his sister, Dana; his aunt, Dana; his many nieces and nephews; and a large extended family in Canada, the United States, and Ukraine.

Thank you to everyone that helped Mark on his journey. Thank you to his doctors and nurses who allowed Mark to live with dignity in his final weeks. Thank you to Odarka, who was the indomitable strength lifting Mark up whenever he needed somebody to lean on.

You are loved eternally, Mark Gregory Decyk.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Toronto General Hospital - UHN Foundation (https://support.uhnfoundation.ca).