Mark Snell

Mark Snell, Our Amazing Husband, Dad, and Dreamer

Mark left us on Sept. 21, 2025, after a hard three-year fight with cancer. Mark was 52 and lived a full and beautiful life. Mark was the kind of guy who loved big—his wife Heidi, his five kids, his faith in Jesus, and just about everyone he met. He was our rock, our problem-solver, the one who made us laugh, and comforted us when we cried. 

From the time he was a little kid, Mark was something special. By three, he was reading and as a child was devouring college-level books just for fun. He had this crazy curiosity—whether it was history, tech, or languages, he’d dive in headfirst. On a plane ride to Italy, with zero Italian under his belt, he taught himself enough of the language to converse with the locals. Mark was brilliant and fearless throughout his life. As a young man he was a total daredevil, pulling pranks and stunts that left him banged up but somehow scar-free. He’d laugh it off, claiming he had “super skin” and the “heart of an ox.” Those wild days turned into epic stories he’d share with his kids, who loved every word.

Then came Heidi. Mark was 22, she was 19, and sparks flew from the moment they met. He was charming, handsome, and larger than life, with a beautiful and sensitive heart. They fell hard and fast, tying the knot in no time. For almost 27 years, they were inseparable, you rarely saw one without the other. Their love was the stuff people dream about, truly a match made in heaven. Together, they raised five remarkable children and built a business from the ground up. He was the most wonderful husband and loving father. Mark was a tech genius, always fixing his kids’ laptops or solving whatever problem they threw at him, no matter how tricky, or how tired he was. 

Mark’s faith in Jesus Christ guided every facet of his life. His deep, genuine love shone through in his actions, from late-night heart-to-heart talks with his children—often lasting until 4 a.m.—to his unwavering commitment to his family. His home office was like Grand Central Station for heart-to-hearts—his kids would wander in, ask anything from “Why’s my computer broken?” to “What’s the meaning of life?” and Mark always had time, always had wisdom, always had love. Known for his dry wit and tailored humor, he brought laughter to every room, though his wife, Heidi, sometimes struggled to discern his deadpan jokes—a trait his children inherited with glee.

Mark had this knack for making people feel seen. He’d find the gold in everyone, no matter who they were, and he’d go out of his way to help. Quoting, “But for the grace of God, there go I,” he gave generously to those in need. This legacy of kindness lives on in his children, shaped by his example.

Mark was our dreamer. To say he was a visionary is an understatement. He would always dream so big, not just for himself but for those he loved as well. He would bubble up with passion and glee thinking of how to make all these big plans come about. Always inspiring others to think bigger. When he talked, you couldn’t help but feel hopeful—he had a way of speaking life into you.

Even when cancer hit, Mark fought so hard to stay with his family. He kept being Dad, kept telling jokes, kept loving hard. He was one of the greats. His life was a beacon of light, and the world feels dimmer without him. His love, faith, and his spirit, live on in Heidi, their kids and everyone lucky enough to know him.

Mark is survived by his beloved wife, Heidi; their five children, Joshua(Shelby), Joel(Emma), Sean, Daniel(Alyssa) and Xaris (daddy’s princess), his father, Gerald(Victoria), his brother, Timothy(Miryah), in-laws, Graham(Toni) Genge, and extended families, Snell, Genge and Wolosuk.  Mark was predeceased by his mother Carol. 

His family is heartbroken over the loss of this wonderful man, and he will be missed so much. He made us all better. We are deeply grateful for the time we had with him and will cherish his memory forever.

 The family extends their heart felt thanks to:  Dr Matthew Pyatt/staff Pyatt Health Centre, Dr Fung/staff The Arthur J.E. Child Comprehensive Cancer Centre, Collette, Home Nurse; Chestermere Paramedics and Fire Department,  Alim, Lily and staff at Remedy’s Pharmacy and all our family and friends for their continued support, kindness, and prayers. We are deeply grateful.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, October 26, 2025 from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Camp Chestermere Main Hall, 1041 E. Lakeview Rd. Chestermere, Alberta T1X 1B1