As the last one standing of the children of Michael Mantyak and Pauline Siroski, I sadly announce the death of Mark John Mantyak, second eldest and my last living sibling. Mark died peacefully while being comforted in the Palliative Care Ward, 3A of the Regina Pasqua Hospital. His earthly journey came to an end in the very early morning on Monday, July 31, 2023. His battle with metastatic cancer was much shorter than expected.
Working from obituary notes found amongst Mark’s effects, he noted several noteworthy items of importance to him. After working for several years, mostly in the potash industry, Mark moved back to the family farm in 1978 after our father’s death and to allow our mother to remain in her home. He soon became a pillar in the community. He served terms as counsellor for RM 187 and served on the boards of directors for the Balcarres Hospital, Echo Lodge care home and the Regina District Health Advisory. Mark notes how grateful he was to chair the selection committee for the All Nations’ Healing Hospital.
Mark was also very involved within his church community, Our Lady of Sorrows, as well as being a member of the Knights of Columbus. He was a volunteer at the Lebret Museum and the charity, Too Good to be Threw, also in Lebret. He was most grateful for the close bond of friendship established with Sisters Bernadette, OSU and Theresa, OSU. With the Pletz family, Gerald and Rita and their sons and families. With the Reit sisters Gertie and Agnes, longtime dearly departed friends. Human frailties lead us to safe places and for Mark, it was the Qu’Appelle House of Prayer for which he expressed thankfulness for the solace he found under the leadership of Glenn,
Margaret, Chantelle and volunteers. It is such a peaceful haven and I can understand Mark’s attachment and we are grateful that Mark had them in his life. Our sincere appreciation is extended to all for the caring and love shown to Mark. May God continue to bless your lives of service going forward.
At the time Mark partially composed his obituary, he had no way of knowing the care he would require during the last month of his life. Thank you to all who were involved in Mark’s care from June 29th to July 31st. From initial care at Trinity Manor, EMT, Emergency, MSU, 5D and finally palliative care 3A who guided Mark gently home. Also, for the care he received from the Allan Blair Cancer Clinic and for the guidance from the social and palliative care workers.
Mark was predeceased by our parents and siblings: Joseph, Theresa Ann, Peter, Lawrence. Only I, Richard (Joanne) remain along with brother-in-law, Ron Bourdois. As well, there are numerous nephews, nieces, great-nephews and one great-great nephew.
At Mark’s request a vigil for immediate family will be held at the Qu’Appelle of House of Prayer the evening of Friday, Aug. 18 with a funeral service to be held at Our Lady of Sorrows parish in Fort Qu’Appelle at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 19. Rev. Glenn Zimmer OMI presiding.
Mark chose to live life as a single and as much as Mark relished privacy, he also made sure that he was never truly alone. Mark signed off in his obit notes using the words of Red Skeleton, “Good Night and God Bless!”
