Mark Anthony Gabriel
July 18, 1955 – October 6, 2023
Mark Anthony Gabriel was born to Clarence and Jeanne (née Tinant) Gabriel at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital, Humboldt, SK, on Monday, July 18, 1955. He was the coveted Middle Child in a family of seven children. Being a prairie boy at heart, Mark lived his entire life on the family farm south of Englefeld, SK, where his grandfather Bernard Gabriel had homesteaded in 1918. He was a devoted and respectful son to his mom and dad and a gracious blessing to them all his life.
Mark became actively involved in the many aspects of a busy farm life, from caring for the livestock to caring for the land, learning from his dad at a young age. Spring was always an exciting time with the arrival of the much-anticipated baby farm animals. Mark had an especially soft spot for all his little furry friends and loved to spoil them with lots of extra affection and attention. From 1961 to 1971 Mark attended elementary school in Englefeld for Grades 1 to 10 and graduated from Watson High School in May 1973. Mark had many fun times in his younger days, hanging out with his siblings and also his favorite Gabriel cousins who lived on a farm nearby. Countless carefree hours were spent outside on warm summer evenings, playing games of anti-i-over, hide and seek, cricket, frisbee, catch and baseball, and riding bikes, motorbikes, and horseback. A favorite springtime activity for Mark and his siblings was rafting on the ‘big slough’ on their homemade raft, which often resulted with ‘booters’ for everyone! Relaxing winter activities Mark enjoyed included cards, checkers, crokinole, and board games with lots of time spent skating on the dugout and sledding on the ‘big hills’. Frozen fingers and toes were the painful proof that a good day was had by all! With his mischievous nature and ingenious ideas, Mark and often his accomplices, ‘sometimes’ got in trouble. Mark’s little smirk was usually the only proof needed to incriminate him and his sidekicks. Mark often relived the memories of his years competing in school sports, as well as playing baseball and hockey with several local teams. The camaraderie and competition shared during those times became a fun and fond memory that stayed with Mark throughout his life.
The love of music was Mark’s true calling --- like his mom, Mark was born to sing! Whether in four-part harmony with his family or a choral group, making music was the ultimate joy for Mark! Besides his family, Mark was also blessed to sing for many years with his beloved Holy Guardian Angels Church Choir, as well as several seasons joining in song as a valued member of the Marysburg Chorus. Mark touched many hearts with his heavenly tenor voice, adding beauty and glory to every hymn. He treasured every memorable moment spent with his fellow choir members throughout the years, sharing not only uplifting melodies, but also much laughter, fellowship and amusing anecdotes which were never revealed …. what happened in choir stayed in choir!
Another of Mark’s meaningful memories was the annual trek to the Mount Carmel Pilgrimage with his family. Because his birthday, (July 18th), was so close to Our Lady’s Feast Day (July 16th), Mark often spent his birthday ‘up on the Hill’ for Mount Carmel Sunday. Because of an early connection, Mark developed a deep devotion to Our Lady and counted her as a Faithful Protector and Trusted Confidante all his life. Mark’s life was a constant quest for answers to the ‘Mystery of Life’. He could talk for hours, discussing philosophical issues with anyone and everyone, hoping to quench his insatiable thirst for knowledge. Mark had a unique language all his own which only he truly understood. His sophisticated speech and comical lingo seldom failed to impress, often leaving his listeners in either shock or awe! Mark lived his entire life based on the Gospel… the “Gospel according to Mark”!
Mark had a huge heart. He would willingly help out anyone in need. He always had time for a chat, greeting those he met with a warm smile and often one of his big bear hugs. Mark had his own unique signature sound; his habitual humming of a favorite tune always signified his presence and let everyone know he was around! Mark was a natural-born ‘Character’. He loved to entertain, especially his many nieces and nephews, and later his great-nieces and great-nephews. Mark devoted much time and attention to them, whether by playing games or tricks, telling stories or jokes, giving treats or teaching them a lesson that he found important. Those fun times were always the highlights for him and left behind many favorite memories for their uncle and great-uncle Mark.
Following the passing of his dad in December 1985, Mark farmed with his older brother Pat for many years. They were an inseparable team; together they loved to visit family, friends and neighbors, making lots of miles and lasting memories cruising around the countryside. Mark and Pat were blessed with wonderful neighbors who always looked out for one another. They all enriched each other’s lives with their calls, visits, jokes, pranks, as well as intriguing stories, many of which will never be proven true or false. The grievous loss of his brother Pat in December 1990, was a life-changing event for Mark, leaving a deep void in his life. Mark greatly missed his ‘Big Brother’ and ‘Best Buddy’. Life was never the same for Mark, but he carried on farming alone for several years. During that most difficult time in Mark’s life, he truly appreciated the comfort and company of family, friends, neighbors, and the ‘Watson Coffee Crew’. Countless early morning drives were made to Watson every day to hang out with his coffee buddies, shoot the breeze, and discuss the relevant issues of the day. Those friendships meant a lot and made such a difference to our brother Mark!
When Mark developed health issues in December 2020, his life changed once again. He was forced to leave home and enter into medical care. Over the next year, Mark spent time in Humboldt District Hospital, Royal University Hospital and Parkridge Centre in Saskatoon, SK. It was a glorious day on November 25, 2021, when Mark returned to Humboldt where he was fortunate to become a resident of The Elizabeth for the next 16 months. At his new home, Mark was welcomed with open arms and caring hearts. With his considerate ways, quick wit, and love for socializing, Mark made many new friends who became like family. Mark enjoyed various activities and spending as much time as he could visiting with everyone. Those were grace-filled days for our brother; he felt ‘at home’ and was so happy to be among friends. Mark was truly grateful for all the wonderful people he met and for the priceless memories he was blessed with while at The Elizabeth. Declining mobility issues caused Mark to return to Humboldt District Hospital in March 2023, and once again to Royal University Hospital for several weeks. Mark’s final move was to Golden Acres Care Home in Wynyard, SK, on July 10th, 2023. A week later, his family and staff celebrated Mark’s 68th birthday together. Our brother became a source of inspiration to everyone he met during his arduous journey. As was his way, Mark accepted his state with grace and dignity, and was always grateful for his many gifts, especially the care givers. He faced each day with an enduring faith, renewed hope, and steadfast trust in God’s plan. As always, even on difficult days, Mark’s amazing sense of humor shone through; he would often surprise us with a sweet smile, a tender touch, a thoughtful word, a witty comment, or a customary wink – signs of the everlasting and loving bond our brother shared with all of us. At daybreak, on Friday, October 6th, 2023, our beloved Mark was called Home. Mark taught us all priceless lessons; his selfless example and humble Spirit left behind an indelible imprint on the countless hearts he touched. Although the loss of our dear brother, uncle and friend leaves an empty space in our lives, the precious memories we shared will comfort and bless us always. He will be so sadly missed and most lovingly remembered by four siblings: Norbert (Irene) Gabriel and family, Melissa (Ed), Wayne (Amber), Rhonda (Trevor), Sandra (Randy), Mike (Heather), Carmen (Tony), David (Lyndsay), and Dennis (Amy); Suzanne (Glenn) Taphorn and family, Joel (Wanda), Monte (Kathy), Jadah (Greg), and Monique [Godchild] (Aaron); Regina Laybourne and family, Jessica (Dwight), Norey (Wade), Dionne (Mario), Miguel (Rae Ann), Austin [Godchild], and Shayna (Gerard); and Bernadette (Robert) Gehl and family, Adrienne and Ian; aunt, Bertha Tinant; and by many great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and friends. He was predeceased by his devoted parents, Clarence (1985) and Jeanne (née Tinant) Gabriel (2001); brother, Pat Gabriel (1999); sister Elaine Gabriel (2018); brother-in-law, Brian Laybourne (2015); nephew, Gregory Gabriel (1993); great-niece, Kaya Taphorn (2002); paternal grandparents, Bernard and Catherine (nee Schmidt) Gabriel; maternal grandparents, Achille and Gertrude (née Hoppenreys) Tinant; paternal uncles and aunts: Bernard Gabriel, George Gabriel, Elizabeth Gabriel, Catherine Heasley, Bernadine (Bob) Cowan, Dorothy Ferguson, Theresa Lain, and Julian (Marie) Gabriel; and by his maternal uncles and aunts: Joe (Helen) Tinant, Emile (Gertrude) Tinant, Clara (Ludovic) Lacelle, Marie (Julian) Gabriel, and Leo Tinant.
The Funeral Mass was offered at Holy Guardian Angels Roman Catholic Church, Englefeld, on Thursday, October 12, 2023, at 11:00 a.m., concelebrated by Fr. Francis Akomeah and Fr. Lawrence DeMong OSB. Others taking part were: David Gabriel, cross bearer; Natalie Wilson and Dawson Gabriel, altar servers; Monique Strueby and Adrienne Gehl, scripture readers; Jadah Mensch and Rhonda Wilson, intentions; Sandra Weinberger and Norey Hyra, gift bearers; Joel Taphorn, eulogist; and Mykenzie Taphorn, Grace Gabriel and Jessica Bunyan, memorial table attendants. Pallbearers were Monte Taphorn, Ian Gehl, Wayne Gabriel, Austin Laybourne, Melissa Ratcliffe and Shayna Bedard. Interment followed at Holy Guardian Angels Roman Catholic Cemetery. Memorial donations may be directed to either Holy Guardian Angels Cemetery (P.O. Box 26, Englefeld, SK, S0K 1N0) or the Humboldt District Hospital Foundation – General Equipment Fund (P.O. Box 1740, Humboldt, SK, S0K 2A0). Schuler-Lefebvre Funeral & Cremation Services, Humboldt, SK.
“We, Mark’s family, wish to express our humble and heartfelt gratitude to all who attended Mark’s Funeral Mass. Your presence meant so much to us. Special thanks to Fr. Francis and Fr. Lawrence for concelebrating the Mass, the Englefeld music director, organist and choir for the uplifting music, all the participants who took part in the Mass, and the CWL Ladies for the lovely lunch. We truly appreciate everyone who enriched Mark’s life before and during his illness; for all the medical teams, especially the doctors, nurses, spiritual ministers, and support personnel at all the hospitals and care centers, who gave so much to help Mark on his three-year journey and to Mark’s Elizabeth family and friends, who meant the world to him – We are forever grateful…
This Notice Is Courtesy Of
Schuler-Lefebvre Funeral & Cremation Services - Humboldt, Saskatchewan
(306-682-4114)