Mark Blaine Ivall, 34

Mark Blaine Ivall passed away suddenly at his home in Toronto, Ontario on Wednesday, May 4, 2005.
Mark was born July 29, 1970 in Rainy River, Ontario to parents Pam and Blaine Ivall. He was welcomed by his older brother Earl and a very close and loving extended family.
When Mark was born the twinkle in his brilliant blue eyes promised Mark was going to be a handful - and he never disappointed! While growing up, Mark’s playful spirit and adventurous antics kept his parents busy and every one near him delighted. Mark challenged boundaries and rose to every occasion, not with trepidation, but with excitement and vigor. Mark lived life to its fullest, enjoying every day as though it were his last. He enriched the lives of all who knew him through his sheer passion and vitality for life. Mark left the world a better place than he found it.
Mark channeled his artistic ability into his education, obtaining a diploma in Computer Graphics Design from Confederation College. Oddly, it was Mark’s artistic spirit which compelled him to choose a career with the CN on the maintenance crew. Having spent so much of his life on Lake of the Woods, Mark became the youngest maintenance foreman with CN in 52 years. Always craving the next challenge, Mark left a successful career with CN to join Ledcor Communications as it began building an international Fiber Optic infrastructure. Mark stayed with Ledcor for three years, travelling across Canada and rising quickly through the ranks.
Mark translated his experience and knowledge from Ledcor into another successful career as a construction manager for several telecommunications companies - beginning with his work for Bechtel, one of the world’s premier engineering and project management companies, and most recently with MasTec Canada. The smooth transition Mark made from the field to senior management is a testament to Mark’s intelligence, ability skill and performance.
Although Mark took great pride in his work as a manager, he was always nostalgic for the invigorating life of working outdoors and the camaraderie of the crews. Mark cherished his memories and the countless friendships he made in his travels. Mark’s charisma, beauty and presence electrified and consumed every space he entered. There are cities all across Canada, from Newfoundland to British Columbia, and from Minnesota to Michigan and Ohio, where Mark’s memory will live on in stories.
Mark married Shana Nicholson on July 1, 2000 on a beautiful summer's day at Sunset Beach. They were best friends, soul mates and partners. Their love strengthened over the years, standing together in the face of so many challenges. No matter what they encountered, they did it together, and lived through more in their all-too brief five years of marriage than most couples endure in 50. While the challenges they faced in their life together were more than enough to last a lifetime, so was their love and happiness.
Mark welcomed his daughter Dakota Elizabeth to the world on May 7, 1993 and later his son, Jacob Blaine Louis Ivall on October 15, 2002. Mark was an amazing husband and father who brought spirit, love, adventure, beauty, honour and playfulness to his family. Although Mark will be painfully missed, his children have been left with his legacy of exuberance and a zest for life.
Mark has left us after only 34 years, but the tremendous energy and spirit with which he greeted life enabled him to enjoy a happiness rarely attained by a man twice his age. Mark was a comet who burned brilliantly, though too briefly. Mark was the first to declare that he had no regrets; a man who lived life to the fullest, enjoying many happy hours with his family, friends, the outdoors, hunting, fishing, riding motorbikes, mudding in his jeep and most of all, playing with his son. Those who knew Mark and witnessed all he had been through in the past few years often marveled at his optimism and his gratitude for the hand life had dealt him. Mark took pleasure in everything around him; he focused on the big picture, but also treasured the small moments.
Mark will be sorely missed by all who knew him. Mark is survived by his wife Shana, his children Dakota and Jacob, his mother Pam, his brother Earl and wife Stephanie and their son Connor, father and mother-in-law Lou and Pat Nicholson, brother-in-law Sean Nicholson, his wife Brandy and their children Shaila and Kylar, his grandmothers Pearl Ivall and Vera McCuaig, as well as numerous beloved aunts, uncles and cousins. Mark was predeceased by his father Blaine, his grandfathers Joe Ivall and Earl Atkin and his Uncle Gary Ivall.
Memorial services were held on Tuesday, May 10, 2005 at 2:00 p.m. at St. James Anglican Church in Rainy River, Ontario with Reverend Ruth Ivall officiating with the assistance of Mr. Glen Armstrong. Musical tribute by Heidi and David Ivall. Eulogies by Sean Nicholson, Michael McCarl and Marsha Ivall. Active pallbearers were Sean (Sue) Gaudry, Jamie (Eddie) Gaudry, Neil Ivall, Matthew Ivall, Michael (Monkey) McCarl and Vlad Koljubain. Honourary pallbearers were Earl Ivall, Sean Nicholson, Heidi Ivall, David Ivall, Lou Nicholson and Sarah Berg.
Mark, as you travel roads we have not yet seen, may the road rise to meet you, may the wind be always at your back, the sun shine warm upon your face the rain fall soft upon your fields, and until we meet again may God hold you in the hollow of his hand.