Mark Stanley Richardson passed in his sleep at the age of 67 Saturday, December 2, 2023.

Mark touched everyone he met. Few were left neutral after encountering him. His was a life defined by overcoming challenges and defying the odds.

Mark’s wife Gillian describes him as “a man with a wealth of knowledge and most of all, a kind heart. A man whom everybody loved and enjoyed. He will be sorely missed”.

Diagnosed with Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis as a toddler, he was told that he would not live beyond age 20 which, of course, he took as a personal challenge and chose to live life to its fullest.

Mark worked out religiously his whole life to compensate for the arthritis, logging multiple hours per day on both his own workouts and, for the past several years, coaching other seniors through theirs.

Upon hearing of his passing one of Mark’s clients remarked “Mark was a truly wonderful man who only wanted good things for all those around him”.

He was always challenging himself – to do better, go farther.

In his youth Mark was an accomplished equestrian competing at high level all over southern Ontario.

Mark’s devilish side came out in his legendary exploits among the Richview Collegiate crowd and working in Banff in the 70’s where he got his start as a waiter.

Life Is Just A Bold And Daring Adventure

Unsurprisingly, Mark was a super salesperson achieving records in the cellular industry when it was new, selling Northern Telecom systems to businesses and achieving diamond status in Amway which took him all over Canada and the US.

The late phase of Mark’s life was dedicated to helping older adults overcome their afflictions, lose weight and get stronger. He researched tirelessly and compiled enough knowledge to earn the respect of the medical professionals with whom he came in contact.

Mark was a miracle in many ways. He never made (or accepted) excuses. Despite the constant pain he lived with and the complications from several other medical conditions, he would strap up his knees and go out to take on the world with a smile on his face and kind words and positivity for all.

The times when he was overwhelmed by life were many but he never quit and always got back up, straightened himself up and started over.

As much as his indomitable spirit will be missed it is nice to know he finally found peace.

There will be a service for Mark on Saturday, December 16th at 11 a.m. at St. Paul’s Church, Runnymede, 404 Willard Avenue, Toronto, Ontario.

Be advised, there is no parking at the church. Anyone who is fully mobile should either consider taking transit or plan to park and walk multiple blocks and plan in extra time to get to the church leaving the area around the church open for those who need assistance.

No celebration of Mark’s life would be complete without a party. This will happen in mid-late January at the Canadiana restaurant in Six Points Plaza where Mark was a regular. Details to follow.

There is a fundraiser in progress to cover funeral and party costs and hopefully start a memorial fund to donate to causes near to Mark's heart at https://gofund.me/3dfa37d1