POWER

It is with great sadness that the family of Mark Christopher Power of Chester, Nova Scotia announce his passing on February 27, 2026, at the age of 67, after a brief but challenging battle with cancer. Mark was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, son and brother.

Mark was born on December 13,1958 in Halifax, Nova Scotia, the 3rd of 4 sons to Kenneth James Power and Viola Evelyn Power (nee Keeping).

Mark spent his formative years growing up in Herring Cove surrounded by extended family and friends. Many summers were spent swimming at Ladders Lake for several hours a day or building go-karts and bicycle jumps to duplicate Evil Knievel’s feats. Winters were spent playing both organized hockey and pick up hockey either on Power’s Pond or back at the “pit” not far from the house.

Mark’s love of sailing started in his teenage years when Granddad Power began building small wooden sailboats for his grandsons. Then most of his summer days were spent on the water with friends and relatives, where he honed his sailing skills and his knowledge of the sea.

After graduating high school, Mark attended Nova Scotia Vocational School and earned his Diploma in Industrial Instrumentation. He started his career at the Michelin Tire Manufacturing Plant in Bridgwater where he practiced his trade for 17 years. He had a brief stint at ECI Medical Manufacturing Plant in Bridgwater where surgical gloves were made. He then spent the final 20 years of his career with Facilitates Management at Dalhousie University maintaining the heating and ventilation systems throughout the campus. While working at Dalhousie University, Mark won the Stoker Award. This award was created by Facilities Management to recognize outstanding work in the areas of appreciation, innovation and safety. His career offered him the opportunity to travel on a regular basis to various locations in the United States for training and certifications which he enjoyed.

Mark met his wife Carolyn, a graduate of Dalhousie School of Nursing, in 1979, and they married in May 1983. For a few years Mark and Carolyn rented at several addresses in Halifax with Carolyn working at the Victoria General Hospital and Mark commuting daily to work in Bridgewater. They eventually bought a house and settled in Chester. It was here they started their family with Chris being born in November 1989 and Kelsey in June 1992. The next years were spent enjoying watching their children grow and supporting them in their activities. Mark was always present at Kelsey’s dance recitals, he was a devoted and enthusiastic hockey dad to Chris, and he supported both when they played soccer.

In his adult life Mark continued his love for sailing and regularly raced out of Chester Yacht Club for many years. His passion for racing took him to the J24 Class Nationals twice and he completed the Marblehead to Halifax Ocean Race. Chester Race Week was a special part of the summer for Mark, where he enjoyed racing and helping to organize events. September’s Rum Race was also an annual highlight.

When not on the water and being the very capable handyman that he was (the only one out his siblings), Mark enjoyed maintaining his property and gardening. He even took up bee keeping for a time. Leveraging both his technical skills and practical knowledge he was always willing to help relatives, friends and neighbors. Mark was President of the West Chester Community Homeowners Association for over 30 years.

Mark also had a passion for food. He was an excellent home chef and made phenomenal smoked salmon which was well loved by his family and friends.

Mark had recently (February 17th) become a grandfather with the arrival of a grandson. A precious gift he was able to experience before passing.

Mark is survived by his wife Carolyn; son Christopher (Breugh); daughter Kelsey (Nicolae); his grandson; his mother Viola; brothers Michael (Marion), Kevin (Lynn) and Laurie (Kim). He was predeceased by his father Kenneth; mother-in-law Gail Riley; father-in-law Jim Riley; and sister-in-law Marnie Riley.

Mark and the family would like to thank the doctors, nurses and staff at the Nova Scotia Health Authority, the VON, the South Shore Palliative Care Service and MAID, as well as all his neighbors and friends for their compassion and support throughout his illness.

As per Mark’s wishes, a private family celebration of life will be held at a later date, so as to include the sea, which he loved so much. He also requested that any donations in his memory be made to the organizations listed above or to the Canadian Cancer Society.

Arrangements entrusted to Sweeny's Funeral Home, 35 York Street, Bridgewater, where online condolences may be left at www.sweenysfuneralhome.com.