The following was posted in The Toronto Star, The Winnipeg Free Press and the Barrie Examiner. Please note the change in venue for Mark’s memorial on January 22.
RUTHERFORD, Mark Campbell Comrie - September 13, 1950 to December 31, 2010 - Musician, husband, father, brother, son, grandfather and friend. Born in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Mark always referred to himself as a Winnipegger. Leaving Winnipeg to further his career as a musician in Toronto, Mark moved to Innisfil, Ontario where he raised his family for over 25 years. Six years ago, Mark and family relocated to Phelpston, Ontario where he skied the trails he established on his farm with his loyal canine companion Freddie. Mark’s love of the outdoors, skiing, cycling, running and general exuberance for life was curtailed by Myeloid Dysplastic Syndrome which progressed into Acute Myeloid Leukemia taking him from us New Year’s Eve. Mark leaves behind his wife Heather, daughters Willow Rutherford and Cassandra Rutherford-Epp (Bryn), grandchildren Peter and Dinah, brothers Ed, Gerry, Tom, Bruce, (predeceased by brother Peter), mother Willow Rutherford of Nanaimo, B.C., father Ed Rutherford of Pto. Escondido, Mexico . . . and half brother to David, Jose and Daniella of Mexico. A special thank you to all who have helped Mark on his journey, especially the staff on 15B Princess Margaret Hospital. A celebration of his life will take place at the Elmvale and District Lions Hall 1979 Flos 7 West, Elmvale, Ontario from noon until 4 pm on Saturday, January 22, 2011. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, a donation to the Princess Margaret Hospital would be appreciated.
The following are directions from Hwy 400 North & Horseshoe Valley Road http://maps.google.ca/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=Exit+117&daddr=44.538157,-79.898762&geocode=FcFKpwIdQ1g_-w%3BFS2ZpwIddtc8-w&hl=en&mra=dme&mrcr=0&mrsp=0&sz=14&sll=44.522091,-79.734478&sspn=0.032862,0.055361&ie=UTF8&ll=44.543995,-79.823914&spn=0.131398,0.221443&z=12
Additionally you will find a lovely article by Barrie Examiner writer Susan Doolan on Mark at this link: http://thebarrieexaminer.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=2926901&
Posted by Phil Morris on January 29, 2011 at 11:57 pm
I remember taking photographs of Mark when he worked with
Dianne Heatherington, going over to his home with Dianne
and his wonderful upright piano there. The last time that
I had emailed him was in earlier 2010. I am so sorry to
hear that he lost his battle, he will be sorely missed.
My heart goes out to Mark’s family and friends, such a nice
man.
Posted by Dave on January 22, 2011 at 10:01 am
Heather,
My thoughts are with you and your family today and I am there in spirit as I am unable to attend. May you all be blessed with joyful memories of Mark on this special day.
drummerDave (on Roatan)
Posted by Mae Jocson, Nghia Buchan, RNs. on January 19, 2011 at 5:59 am
Sending our heartfelt condolence for Mark’s family. All we can say is “Mark you will always be in our prayers”. It seems that it was just yesterday that you were here playing the piano in the lobby of Princess Margaret Hospital & you captured a lot of spectators who loved your music. The other thing is we also enjoyed playing the CD that we got from Mark & we surely missed him as a very nice & respectable man.
the hospital of Princess Margaret Hospital & you captured
Posted by Derek Edwards on January 16, 2011 at 10:30 pm
OMG!!!! I’m so sorry to hear about this,for the years I knew Mark he was such an inspiration,such a great man!! I am so sorry
Posted by Bill McBirnie on January 15, 2011 at 10:36 pm
…A great musician and a very classy guy!…
Posted by Carol Longshaw on January 18, 2011 at 7:29 am
Mark was truly a well rounded man, Glad that he made such an impression on us at Princess Margaret Hospital. His short stay enlighten many of us about nature and how to live life to the fullest. Mark will surely be missed.
Carol