Obituary of Mark Malcolm

With heavy hearts the family announces that Mark passed away peacefully at Hospice Renfrew on Thursday morning, June 11th, 2026.

He was 74.

Loved and treasured husband of Heather Zak (nee McIsaac). Remembering also Mark’s beloved late wife Kathy (nee Sonley).

Cherished Dad, Grandfather, Brother and Son.

Mark will be remembered and missed by many people who’s lives he touched with his wisdom, humor, kindness, strength and an unwavering spirit of optimism. The outpouring of affection and condolence from friends, family and community has been overwhelming.

He was loved as a mentor to many aspiring mechanics and valued as a scrupulously honest and talented mechanic himself for decades at the service centre he owned- Mark’s Maintenance in Nestleton, (since renamed Malcolm’s Auto Service by son Jodie). He spoke often of the many friends and family he loved in that community for so many years.

During the last decades of his life, with his adoring wife Heather, Mark learned the joys of travel, of photography, and of stand up paddleboarding. They lived in several Ontario communities including Lakefield, Campbellford, Crowe River, Renfrew, and White Lake. Together and with family they travelled to Washington, Jamaica, Costa Rica, Cuba, Mexico, France, and even crossed a border on foot and back to Nicarauga.

Mark’s favourite place to visit, however, was Barbados, where his greatest joy was friends and family there, especially his sister and brother-in-law Denise and Jamie Kent. Mark spent many adventure filled winters in Barbados, where

he was well known as a professional surf photographer and is remembered today.

Mark was introduced to stand up paddleboarding by Heather and her family and found in it an enduring passion and retirement business. He became a certified World Paddle Association Instructor and shared his knowledge and job of the sport with countless students over many years at Campbellford Paddle, Barefoot Paddle, and Constance Bay Paddle, all businesses he and Heather owned in their retirement renting, teaching and selling paddlecraft.

Mark also loved and appreciated art. He was an avid collector of the work of Patrick John Millls, Renfrew. They became best friends and Patrick was a tremendous support to both Mark and Heather through Mark’s illness. We thank him.

A special thanks for years of love and support goes as well to his son in law Josh. Thanks also to Kelly, Laura, and Sarah for their love and care during his illness. Heather would like to thank so many other friends and family for their love and help during the difficult times behind us now; they are far too many to mention here. Please know you are appreciated and loved. Heather will be speaking to you all individually.

We would also like to thank Hospice Renfrew for the unbelievable compassion, care and comfort extended to us and to Dr. Munene at Ottawa General, and Dr. Nixon and Dr. Pinard at Hospice Renfrew. To the nurses and staff at hospice there are no words sufficient to say what you have meant to us. We would encourage anyone who would like to pay tribute to Mark to make a donation to Hospice Renfrew in his name.

Mark’s private arrangements have been entrusted to the Pilon Family Funeral Home, Arnprior.