Mark Andrew Cassidy

      With sadness we announce the peaceful passing of our brother, Mark Cassidy, in his 70th year, at Bruyère-Saint-Vincent Hospital’s palliative care unit, after a year long battle with cancer. Mark was born in Pembroke but lived most of his life in Ottawa. Mark was predeceased by his parents, John and Teresa Cassidy (nee Sheahan), brothers Phillip and Stephen, and brother-in-law Paul MacGillivray. He is survived by his brother Michael (St. Albert), sister Mary MacGillivray (Halifax), brother Peter (Cathy, nee Kenney, Ottawa), brother Paul (Jo-Anne, nee Fischer, Edmonton), sister-in-law Tresa Marchese (Ottawa) as well as numerous nieces, nephews and their children.

     Mark’s career path followed that of his father and grandfather, who established Cassidy’s Transfer and Storage in Pembroke, ON, in 1906, which still carries the family name. Mark was a reliable and hard worker throughout his career. Your Grandma’s good chinaware was never in better hands, whether it was moved across town, or packed in a container going overseas. Although Mark avoided flying, many thousands of accident-free miles on the road were noted in 2001 by his employer at the time, Boyd Moving in Ottawa. For a while his duties included transportation of communications equipment prior to press conferences given by the reigning Prime Minister of the day, when his employer held that contract. Mark always strove to do a good job, whatever that was, and didn’t mind telling you if your part wasn’t up to snuff. But, beneath that demanding exterior was a soft heart, and Mark enjoyed a good drink, a good laugh, and his family, always willing to lend a hand as chauffeur, carpenter’s apprentice, groundskeeper, dishwasher, and of course expert packer and mover for anyone needing help to relocate. But he was never happier than when asked to serve as bartender at large family gatherings, which ensured the opportunity to talk to his large extended family. Mark worked until January 2023, and only enjoyed a short retirement until his health took a turn. He made a valiant effort to fight the cancer diagnosis, with strong support from Dr. Tina Hsu and her team at the Cancer Centre of the Ottawa General Hospital. Bruyère-Saint-Vincent Hospital’s palliative care ward provided wonderful care and comfort in his final days. Donations can be made in Mark’s honour to either of these facilities by clicking on these links...

Ottawa General Hospital Foundation

 Bruyère-Saint-Vincent Hospital

Cremation has taken place, and a private burial will be held at a future date.