John Mark Ching
September 2, 1959 - June 10, 2025
Mark Ching, 65, of Darlingford passed away peacefully on Tuesday, June 10, 2025. He will be missed by Cathy (Holenski), his wife of twenty-six years, his sisters Terry (Larry), Pam, brother Hal, (Karen), many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Mark was predeceased by his dad Murray in 2010, his mom Jean in 2023, and brother-in-law Bill in 2014.
Mark was born in Morden on September 2, 1959, and his adventures in life began. As a child he loved the outdoors and was always ready for action. Family camping trips were a highlight, and he would still talk about camping in South Dakota. Sleeping in the station wagon, Mark and Hal were lucky that the bear ate the butter dish and not them.
Mark attended Lorne School until grade two, and because the school was just across the road it was probably the only two years of his life that he attended school every day. When the school closed Mark went to school in Darlingford and Manitou. As school was not Mark’s favourite pastime, he entered the workforce at a young age. He farmed with his dad and brother for ten years, and during that time he was married to Debbie Tack on the family farm.
Mark enjoyed entertaining the children of his friends and family. For those in his care, his babysitting skills are legendary and memorable.
He loved hunting and fishing and was always sharing stories of hunting mule deer in Montana with his dad and friends.
In 1991 Mark and Cathy started their life together. They shared a love of the valley, nature, and animals. They moved to their forever home in the valley where Mark always enjoyed coffee on the deck watching birds, deer, and other critters passing by.
Mark spent many years working on the pipeline which took him from Northern Alberta to Nova Scotia. Cathy shared a summer with him there and it was a place he always wanted to return to. Mark enjoyed spending time with family and friends, and many stories are told around a campfire about his epic adventures. He had a great sense of humour and would help anybody who needed it. He appreciated the help and support he got later in life as he struggled with his addiction…
“My life’s journey ended early, The path I chose was short. You all tried your best to change it, But in the end it was for me to sort.”
A celebration of Mark’s life will be held at a later date.
Donations can be made in Mark's memory to:
The Bruce Oake Recovery Centre, 255 Hamilton Ave., Winnipeg, MB R2Y 2C3
September 2, 1959 - June 10, 2025
Mark Ching, 65, of Darlingford passed away peacefully on Tuesday, June 10, 2025. He will be missed by Cathy (Holenski), his wife of twenty-six years, his sisters Terry (Larry), Pam, brother Hal, (Karen), many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Mark was predeceased by his dad Murray in 2010, his mom Jean in 2023, and brother-in-law Bill in 2014.
Mark was born in Morden on September 2, 1959, and his adventures in life began. As a child he loved the outdoors and was always ready for action. Family camping trips were a highlight, and he would still talk about camping in South Dakota. Sleeping in the station wagon, Mark and Hal were lucky that the bear ate the butter dish and not them.
Mark attended Lorne School until grade two, and because the school was just across the road it was probably the only two years of his life that he attended school every day. When the school closed Mark went to school in Darlingford and Manitou. As school was not Mark’s favourite pastime, he entered the workforce at a young age. He farmed with his dad and brother for ten years, and during that time he was married to Debbie Tack on the family farm.
Mark enjoyed entertaining the children of his friends and family. For those in his care, his babysitting skills are legendary and memorable.
He loved hunting and fishing and was always sharing stories of hunting mule deer in Montana with his dad and friends.
In 1991 Mark and Cathy started their life together. They shared a love of the valley, nature, and animals. They moved to their forever home in the valley where Mark always enjoyed coffee on the deck watching birds, deer, and other critters passing by.
Mark spent many years working on the pipeline which took him from Northern Alberta to Nova Scotia. Cathy shared a summer with him there and it was a place he always wanted to return to. Mark enjoyed spending time with family and friends, and many stories are told around a campfire about his epic adventures. He had a great sense of humour and would help anybody who needed it. He appreciated the help and support he got later in life as he struggled with his addiction…
“My life’s journey ended early, The path I chose was short. You all tried your best to change it, But in the end it was for me to sort.”
A celebration of Mark’s life will be held at a later date.
Donations can be made in Mark's memory to:
The Bruce Oake Recovery Centre, 255 Hamilton Ave., Winnipeg, MB R2Y 2C3