Forever in our hearts!

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our dear son and brother, Mark Robert Gouldie, on Wednesday, May 31, 2023.

Mark was born on August 31, 1977 at the Brandon General Hospital to Bob and Pat Gouldie. He was their firstborn, later to be joined by brothers Curtis and Evan.

At the age of 9 months, Mark was diagnosed with cerebral palsy and epilepsy ~ something that he would never let get in the way of living life to the fullest. This diagnosis would also lead to a life of opening doors and creating a better path for himself and others to follow.

As a young boy Mark travelled with family to SK, AB, BC several times and ON in 1978. Many weekends were spent travelling to Boissevain to visit Grandpa and Grandma McCausland.

Mark attended Beginnings Preschool, George Fitton, Green Acres, Harrison Jr. High and Neelin High School.

After high school, Mark enjoyed a community-based program that would foster new relationships and enrich his life in a meaningful way.

In 2006, at age 29, Mark took over the family home in Green Acres. In a program called "In The Company of Friends", Mark was able to live a more independent life with the support of his wonderful staff.

As an adult, Mark travelled twice to Temple Spa and many trips to Asessippi to sit-ski and dog-sled. He enjoyed swimming, skating, bowling and watching his brothers and niece Morgan play hockey. At home he watched the Blue Jays, Bombers, Jets or Team Canada on TV. He enjoyed the music of the '50s & '60s, ABBA, the Good Lovelies and his good friend Lynda Dobbin-Turner.

One of the biggest events for Mark was his 2016 trip to Toronto to see a Blue Jays game, but the real highlight was going to iFly where he experienced a similar sensation to sky diving. In 2022 with failing health his parents took him to Temple Spa and on to Calgary to again experience iFly!

Mark took part in Movember for 11 years and in year 10 he added a goatee to go with his 'stache.

Without a word spoken, Mark touched the lives of so many people in so many positive ways. He taught us to celebrate our differences and what really matters is invisible to the eyes!

His smile was contagious; his laughter warmed our hearts; his hugs were the best!

Mark is survived by his parents Bob and Pat; brothers Curtis (Jessica) and their children Ashleigh, Jayson and Morgan; Evan (Jennifer) and their children Alex and Rowan, as well as numerous Aunts, Uncles and Cousins. Mark was predeceased by his Grandparents Eugene & Alma McCausland and Rae & Eva Gooden. Mark's Grandfathers Bob Riddell and Leonard Gouldie passed away before Mark was born.

The family extends their heartfelt thanks to those who touched Mark's life in such a positive way ~ his teachers, EAs, Support Network, Innovative Life Options Staff, and his exceptional Home Support Staff. Thanks also to Dr. S. White, Dr. A. Tamayo and the late Dr. R. Tang-Wai along with the many doctors and nurses at the Brandon Regional Health Centre who provided such wonderful care each visit.

A Celebration of Mark's Life was held on Saturday, June 17, 2023 at Monterey Estates Recreation Hall. Urn Bearer and Gratitude ~ Curtis Gouldie, Eulogy ~ Evan Gouldie, Remembrances by Morgan Gouldie, Jennifer Kennedy and Grant Irvine. Songs "When You Look At Me (Shane's Song) and "I Won't Say Goodbye" written and sung by good friend Lynda Dobbin-Turner, Celebrant ~ Sheldon Seafoot. Homemade apple pie, made by Aunt Arlene Carlson, and ice cream, Mark's favourite, was served. Interment will take place at a later date.

Donations in memory of Mark may be made to Innovative Life Options, Possibilities Grant, #4-120 Maryland Street, Winnipeg, MB R3G 1L1.