August 12, 1928 – September 8, 2023
at the age of 95 years:
Alfred Mark Cawston, born August 12, 1928 in Cawston, BC, passed away peacefully in his sleep on September 8, 2023, where he resided at Bastion Place in Salmon Arm, BC.
Mark started his life in Cawston, BC with his parents Alfred Hamilton “Ginty” and Myrtle Cawston. He was the youngest of 5 with siblings Jack, Dick, Don, and Betty.
Mark started on the rodeo circuit as a young cowboy, riding bulls and bucking broncos, then started his family. When his children came into his life, he changed careers to work in mining and blasting. Mark earned a bravery award for trying to rescue a miner from a collapsed mineshaft. Mark also spent a season guiding hunts in the Chilcotin and working on the Coquihalla highway.
Mark had many hobbies throughout his life. He enjoyed reading, kayaking, telemark skiing, rock climbing, playing cards (mostly cribbage – he would hang out at the barber shop on Lakeshore Drive and play crib a lot), tying all sorts of different knots, as well as fly tying and fishing. He would go to the school grounds nearby and practice casting daily, grumbling in jest to those nearby that they were scaring away his fish. ln later years, he enjoyed gardening, where he grew beautiful roses and blackberries. Mark spent a lifetime helping others where he could and will always be remembered for his sense of humour, ready smile, and cowboy wisdom. His other favorite pass time was telling stories and sometimes tall tales, earning the nickname “HS”.
ln Mark’s later years he married Jeannie and spent their 30 years of marriage together in Salmon Arm, Enderby, and Armstrong.
Mark is survived by his loving wife Jeannie, celebrating their 30th year anniversary together on Sept 4th. They were affectionately called the “The Love Train” by the staff as they were always together, wheelchairs linked, wherever they went. Mark was adored by his children Teresa (Mark) Port Alberni, Bruce (Linda) Sechelt, Brenda of Nanaimo, Cheryl (Chris)Victoria, stepchildren Andrea (Bruce), Phyllis {Fleming), Kenny (Sara) all of Salmon Arm, grandchildren Rebecca, Rachel, Lindsey, Mitchell, Erin, Shauna, Kenzie and great grandchildren Edric, Levin, Andrew, Ava, Sydney, and Ryann, as well as many loved nieces and nephews and dear friends and neighbors who he considered family.
There will be a gathering at the Cawston Cemetery at a later date.
You were a great friend Mark..I enjoyed all the things we did together.. Working and playing..My wife thought you were the greatest…. So happy to have known you and Jeanne..
I have a wonderful history with Mark….We worked and played together lots of times. Your friend Clarence Bone
Auntie Jeannie, I am so sorry to hear this. But I am happy you had a lovely 30 years with Mark. Phyllis, Andrea and Kenny and their kids too. Sending much love
Mark and Jeannie were are neighbors in Enderby for about 10 years. He always wanted to use his ropes to climb our trees, which was not allowed as he was getting close to 90. He was also the first one out in the morning in winter to shovel his driveway and then his neighbors, which was not allowed. Mark and Jeannie were wonderful neighbors, we spent quite a few hours on our back deck having happy hour with Joanne, Judy and Mike and ourselfs. We have missed him since they moved and will continue to miss Mark. Loved him.
Thank you for the alpine butterfly loop Uncle Mark, I think of you every time I use it. Sorry I couldn’t tie a bowline one handed behind my back. I’ll get it, just watch me.
Jeannie l never met Mark but the pictures l have of him show him as a happy, smiling man. I am happy for you that you found him again after Sidney died. I know he brought happiness to Phyllis and Andrea and their families. I hope the many happy times you and Marj had will bring a smile to your face when you recall them. I find a lot of happiness when l remember the wonderful life l shared with Austin. We were very lucky because we both loved one another very much. I am sure you both felt the same for one another. Much love to you. Love from Phyllis and family.
Mark was my favourite cowboy. Thank you for sharing much more of his life.
I adore both Mark and Jeannie, the love of each other’s lives.
Covering Mark with joyful prayers of his life well lived.
xxxx Jane Eby
Love you, Uncle. Thank you for your peaceful presence in my childhood. Rest peacefully now. xoxo