Mark Hanna passed away on September 5th, 2021, at the age of 51, after a battle with leukemia. Growing up in the West Island of Montreal, Mark attended John Rennie High School. After graduating from John Abbott College, Mark went on to study at Western University.

Mark was diagnosed with Myeloid Sarcoma/Acute Myeloid Leukemia in January of 2021. He underwent challenging treatments at the MUHC in Montreal. Just a few weeks ago in August, Mark underwent a round of chemotherapy. He was positive and strong after the treatment was over, hoping to recover quickly and resume his normal life. Unfortunately, complications arose and he was not able to recover.

Mark’s passing has saddened us all so deeply. Mark touched the lives of countless numbers of people. Everyone who knew Mark adored him, with his bigger-than-life personality. He left a positive and lasting impression on everyone he would encounter. Mark loved all people, no matter who they were, and he treated everyone with kindness and respect. Throughout his whole life, Mark went down the road less traveled, refusing to be confined to norms. As an entrepreneur from a very young age, he had creative visions and ideas. Mark was exceptionally unique in this way, staying true to what he believed in, and he always maintained a high level of morals and integrity. Mark’s generosity knew no bounds. He was truly a role model for us, and we will continue to live our lives asking ourselves when we reach a fork in the road, “what would Mark do?”

Mark’s special place of peace was his home in Hudson, in particular his backyard. It is a setting surrounded by large trees in a natural forested setting. You could find Mark there feeding his fish, tending to his grounds and his vegetables, fixing ANYTHING that needed attention (because there wasn’t anything he couldn’t do), barbequing for friends and family, or simply relaxing with a cup of coffee by his pool with his dog Ella. Mark was a devoted, nurturing and loving father.

Mark was predeceased by his role model and father, George. Mark leaves behind his mother, Marlene, his daughters, Sophia, Amanda, and Victoria, and their mother, Stephanie, his brother, Anthony (Stephanie), and sister, Kathy (Paul). Mark also leaves behind an endless number of family and friends who treasured him.

We thank the dedicated and caring nurses on the 10th floor of MUHC, and the nurses and doctors in the ICU department. We also thank Dr. John Storring and his team of physicians.

Due to COVID-19, we will delay larger services until further notice. Mark’s life will be celebrated in a small, private family gathering.

We will be creating a Foundation in Mark’s name, and we will reach out with details in the near future where donations can be made.


Messages from Mark’s daughters:

My father was an incredible man and my greatest role model. He always put the needs of others above his own. Those who were fortunate enough to know my dad, would know how truly special he was. He made everyone around him laugh and smile. I think about my dad all the time. My heart aches knowing that he is no longer with us. I am so incredibly lucky to have had such an amazing dad. I miss him more than words can describe. Love you forever and always dad.
Sophia (Sisi)

Dad, you left the world too early. The ones you loved and who loved you were blessed to know your true self. Dad was driven by caring for his family, helping others, and attempting to solve problems. He called it “taking care of business”. Dad took on every challenge as an opportunity to learn. I wish I had more time with you, Dad, to make new memories, and to see you grow old. Know you left my heart abundantly full.
Amanda

As Mark’s youngest daughter, I couldn’t be prouder of who my dad was. My dad worked so incredibly hard for our family and will forever remain my biggest inspiration. MH was the most caring, generous, and loving father to my sisters and myself. He taught me so much and has truly shaped who I am today. My dad was my everything. To say I’m going to miss my dad would be an understatement. Dad, I love you forever and I will never stop thinking about you.
Victoria