Born in London, Mark’s early years were spent in Bucharest, Romania where his father was Reuters correspondent. When his father was declared persona non grata at the declaration of war, he escaped through Russia while Mark and his mother fled via Italy to France where they were spotted on a crowded quay in Nice and taken on the last ship to leave for America. After several years in Hollywood, the family was reunited in the U.K.

Mark attended the Hall School, St. Paul’s School and then joined the Royal Navy for his National Service where he trained as a Russian interpreter.

After graduating from Jesus College Cambridge with a double first in Classics and Human Sciences, he worked in marketing research for the British Marketing Research Bureau, Leo Burnett Advertising (London), Creative Research (Toronto), Groupe Innova (Montreal) before setting up his own marketing research company in Montreal.

Kind and curious, with a quirky sense of humour, he always had a passion project on the go: from astronomy to mycology to marathon running to video games. He loved classical music, opera, art, and, most recently, writing short stories, and watercolour painting. He was a mean shot at croquet, and enjoyed tending his vegetable garden in the Eastern Townships. He was the author of 8 books on child development.

Mark took immense delight and pride in his family: Susi, his wife of 50 years, their daughter Rebecca, son in law Robert and their children Wren and Felix. From his first marriage with Ann Scott Buccleuch, he cherished his children Frank, Sara, Simon and Stephen, as well as his daughter in law, Simon’s wife, Sara, and their children Harry, Charlie and Eirlys. He deeply grieved the death of his daughter Sara in 2017. His wide circle of dear friends, many dating from his school and university years, was very important to him.

Mark faced some debilitating illnesses in his last years. He bore these with grace and good humour, always trying to lighten the load and spirits of others.

Many thanks to St. Margaret’s Day Centre where he found fun, friendship and purpose in the last 18 months of his life. The family would also like to extend a huge thank you to the gentle, loving and generous team on the fourth floor of Vigi Reine Elizabeth.

Memorial donations may be made to Médecins Sans Frontières, a charity dear to his heart, or to a charity dear to your heart.