Mark Anthony Audcent died unexpectedly on December 16th, 2023.
Mark was born in England, immigrated to Canada at the age of 2, and spent his childhood years in Montreal and then Ottawa. Beloved son of Gerard (d. 1981) and Eileen nee Kenway (d. 1989). Cherished younger brother of John (Mary nee Plunkett), adored uncle of Karen (Paul Labelle) and Tobey (Peter Nor), and doting great-uncle of George Nor and Hannah Nor. He was predeceased by his long-time love and partner Hendrik (Henk) Vanderhorst (d. 2021).
Mark was deeply kind. His gentlemanly manners, generous hospitality, impeccable taste and charming style will be dearly missed by his large circle of family, friends, colleagues and neighbours. Mark kept in close touch with numerous friends and family across Canada, as well as abroad, with connections in the United States, England, Europe and Australia.
Mark was called to the bar in Alberta in 1976 and had a distinguished career in law. He remembered appreciatively his time with the firm of Jones Black (now Bennett Jones) and his early years of practicing law in Calgary, Alberta. A devoted public servant he was proud to serve as the legal advisor to the Senate from 1982, as Law Clerk and Parliamentary Counsel from 1996 until his retirement in 2014. Well-known for his integrity, humility and discretion, and committed to excellence in his work, he strongly believed in leading by example. He served on many committees including the University of Ottawa Health Sciences and Science Research Ethics Board and the Association of Parliamentary Counsel in Canada. He also greatly enjoyed contributing to the education of young people about Canada’s government and Parliament through the Forum for Young Canadians, and his time teaching law at the University of Ottawa and at the University of Saskatchewan in Saskatoon.
Mark had battled with health challenges in recent years, but maintained his sense of humor, and his characteristic style and grace. We were privileged to have him in our lives and he has left us too soon. He will be greatly missed.
Friends and family are invited to gather at the Sacred Space of the Beechwood National Memorial Centre, 280 Beechwood Ave. Ottawa on Wednesday February 7, 2024 after 12 noon. A Celebration of Mark’s Life will be held at 1 p.m. followed by a reception with light refreshments. Those unable to attend in person are invited to attend via live stream by registering here.
In memoriam donations can be made to the Shepherds of Good Hope in Ottawa or the Stephen Lewis Foundation.
Digital Guestbook
Brenda McNally
Marjorie Robertson
May the precious light which Mark brought to the lives of all who knew him keep aglow in our hearts, reminding us of his gentle, courageous spirit and kindly, generous ways.
Sincere sympathy for your loss to John, Mary Pat, Karen, Paul, Tobey, Pete, George and Hannah.
Jean et Monique Lanouette
Nos plus sincères condoléances John, Mary et votre famille.
Hon. Mike Duffy
John, Mary Pat, Karen, Paul, Tobey, Pete, George and Hannah; sincere condolences on your/our loss.
Mark was truly an "honourable gentleman" whose integrity was an example for all of those wo choose a life in public service.
May he rest in peace.
Rob Walsh
A valued colleague, he is sorely missed and deservedly so.
Jean & Michelle Weddell
A beautiful life Celebrated, Remembered & Honoured now & always. With deepest sympathy from the Weddell family to all of you.
Claudine Santos
I wish I was able to join everyone for this; Mark's was a life to celebrated. I have fond memories working with him at the Senate. I will always treasure our conversations and shared memories.
My heartfelt condolences to the family for this tragic sudden loss.
Jeannine Audcent
So very sorry Mark to hear that you passed away but grateful that it was without pain. I remember so well the time you came over to the UK and to France to visit the family and the fun we had. Well done for all the wonderful achievements you made during your lifetime to the family, to your work and for your community too. You have made a massive difference to the world and it won't be forgotten.
Mike Cleland
Mark was a good friend with whom I often sat and drank a bottle of wine on my back deck while we debated and disputed like a couple of Talmudic scholars. He was also a very good friend and confidante to my dear and now long departed Mollie. Two Marks, both of whom will be recognized by most people who knew him. He will be missed.
Jack Stilborn
As a member of a small non-fiction book club for a number of years, Mark's wide-ranging interests enriched our reading menu and he never failed to have an interesting and often very original opinion to share. I am grateful to have known him.
Mark was a very special man, who made everyone feel special.
He will be missed by all.