Mark Walter Kotylak

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the sudden and unexpected passing of Mark Walter Kotylak, age 57, of Edmonton, Alberta, after a long battle with serious medical issues.

Mark was a warrior and fought right until the end. He battled numerous conditions and endured several operations. He baffled medical staff on many occasions by beating the odds and will be remembered for his stubbornness and tenacious spirit.

Mark was born on March 23, 1967 in Balcarres, Saskatchewan to Walter and Verna Kotylak. His childhood stories were filled with adventure! He grew up on the family farm near Kelliher, Saskatchewan and loved the outdoors. As a young boy, he would often be found making fields in Verna’s garden with Miles. As the boys got older they spent hours racing dirt bikes and snow machines across the fields. Once Mark got his license, you could be sure to find him driving his Capri up and down the streets of Ituna. Mark travelled abroad, he loved friends and sports. He was incredibly gifted at hockey and football. Most of all, he loved having the sun on his face!

After graduating from Ituna High School and a stint at the University of Saskatchewan, Mark was often employed doing landscaping. He was incredibly creative. He would spend hours trimming trees and plants, restoring flower beds and planting perennials and shrubs. He made every space an oasis.

In 2016 Mark moved from Regina to Edmonton. Family became very important. He never missed family dinners, birthdays, bonfire’s on summer nights, or just hanging around the kitchen table surrounded by the people he loved.

In recent years, Mark’s greatest love was his dog Buddy. He convinced Walter and Verna that a pit-bull / bull mastiff puppy would be the ideal family pet. In 2017, Buddy arrived and never left Mark’s side. They walked, hiked, camped, travelled and slept together. She was his side-kick wherever he went.

Mark will be missed for his sense of humour, his quick smile, the joy he brought to parties and gatherings, and the courage and resilience he showed while battling medical conditions the last several years. Our sorrow at his passing cannot be put into words, but he is with us in so many ways and our love and memories will live forever. Our hearts are broken, but joyful he has found peace at last.

Mark is survived by his parents, Walter and Verna Kotylak, his older sister Maryanne Kotylak (Kaila & Chris Turley) of Victoria, B.C., and younger siblings, Miles (Kim, Jaxon, Mason, Haven) of Edmonton, and Michell (Ryan Webster, Isabella,& Max) of Chestermere, Alberta.

Please join us in celebrating the life of Mark Kotylak. A service is being held on :

Friday, November 1, 2024 at the Chapel at Beulah Alliance Church, 17504, 98A Ave NW at 11:00 am. A reception will be held immediately following the service in the Atruim.