“Mark was a busy guy,” said Marilyn McDermott when asked what always comes to mind when thinking about her late husband Mark McDermott.
As a scientist and outdoorsman, Mark had a thirst for knowledge and adventure. He enjoyed testing his limits on ski slopes, on mountain ascents and, as a kayaker, on rapids and open water.
It’s fitting, then, that the Mark McDermott Memorial Fund supports the things that were so important to him.
Shortly before his death, Mark was asked what charity he wanted his friends and family to support in his honour. He chose the Georgian Bay Land Trust because he loved the area, had wonderful memories of trips there and wanted to contribute to its preservation.
He first visited the Bay as a teenager canoeing and camping in Killarney Provincial Park and spent a summer working as a camp counsellor on Beausoleil Island.
“A favourite campsite on Georgian Bay was the place he chose for his ashes to be scattered,” said Marilyn.
With the help of The Foundation, Marilyn set up the Mark McDermott Memorial Fund to provide annual donations in perpetuity to the Georgian Bay Land Trust. “Wendy Rinella, a good friend and CEO of OCF, liaised with the Land Trust to make that happen,” said Marilyn.
“I found that process helpful in dealing with my grief,” said Marilyn.
Marilyn and Mark grew up together. They met as kids in Grade 5 and attended the same elementary, middle and high schools. In grade 13 biology they were lab partners and competitive top-of-the-class students. These long-time friends started dating in their first year of university and were together until Mark passed away in 2019.
Mark was a hobbyist and always had a project on the go. He modified boats, airplanes and houses to make them work better.
“He loved a challenge, was curious and enjoyed learning new things,” described Marilyn.
Mark is remembered for his love of Georgian Bay and the time he spent exploring the islands. As a pilot, he adored flying low and slow over the eastern coastline of the Bay and showing off the geographical features to his passengers. He took up sea kayaking in his late 40s, and the islands between Parry Sound and Killarney were a favourite destination.
The Mark McDermott Memorial Fund commemorates his lifelong love of the Bay.
Read more stories about Oakville’s Dreamers and Builders:
“I Can See Your Smile”: Remembering Graeme Moffat.
The EZ Giving Fund: How the Shemko Family Makes Giving Easy.
To learn more or to become a Fundholder contact us by emailing giving@theocf.org.
