It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our father, Mark Joseph Cartier.  Dad was born in White Star on April 27, 1935 to Odias and Yvonne Cartier along with 13 brothers and sisters where he resided until the ripe age of 14.  It was them that his dad and his brother Bill   headed west to work in the bush. This was the beginning of the life and time of the modern day legend.  For a man that always said that he had half a grade 12 when in reality, according to his school attendance records we think he only had a grade 4 or 5, he was a very intelligent, adventurous, hard working man.  During his early years of driving truck he met and married our mother Mary (Rusty) Jenkins in 1957.  In 1962 we moved to Dawson Creek, BC where dad started a construction business in which he cleared the right of way for the Alaska Highway.  His next adventure was starting a Land Clearing business which evolved into Newland Equipment.  Together with 2 partners he operated the company until 1968 then moved the company home to Prince Albert and operated here until 1971.  After he sold out he continued in the equipment business and opened Beeline Welding and Equipment and operated a very successful business for 30 years.  In this time he designed and built many trailers for the logging industry, many of which are still on the road today.  During this time he was also travelling all over the country to rodeos.  Dad was very athletic and became one of the top calf ropers around which he was very proud of.   He roped calves for many years until the old body would not take the rigors of the rodeo life.  Next he decided to roll in a different direction and along with son Cam and family and designing help from nephew Gary Brandon he proceeded to build a golf course on the family farm.  After 2 years, in 1991 Mark’s 9 was completed and open for business.  Dad always said that he and Donny Ruszkowski came up with the brain wave one night over drinks.  He would reminisce how many people thought he was crazy at the time, but Mark’s 9 Golf Course over the last 25 years has become and continues to be favorite sport for many special people.  Pops was very proud of the golf course and it was his favorite place to be on his outings from his home at Mont St. Joseph.  We would like to thank the staff and extended family at Mont St. Joseph for all of the care and love dad felt there and the many special friends he made.  Also thank you Dave Broderick and Dale Fiddler for the many rides you gave dad to the Golf Course and for always looking out for him.  He thought the world of both of you.  Also thank-you to Dr. Lombard and staff at the Victoria Hospital and special thanks to Dr. Keith and staff at the Royal University Hospital for not giving up on dad.  Mark is survived by his son Cam (Wendy); daughters Laurale (Glen) and Deanna (Chuck); grandchildren Alicia (Andrew), Mitch (Brittney), Mason, Karlie, Kendra, Kelsey (Marco), Riley and Brody; his 5 great grandchildren; his siblings Evelyn Brandon, Angeline McKenzie and Vivian (Wayne) Bertram; his brothers Bill Cartier and Allister (Arlene) Cartier; sisters-in-law Rose Cartier and Ethel Cartier; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.  He was predeceased by his parents Odias and Yvonne Cartier; his sisters Gertie (Bill) December, Lillian (Bill) Tait and Delia (Leo) Latzkowski; his brothers Tom, Arnold, Buster (Lilly), Lenard (Lauraine); sister-in-law Charlotte Cartier; brothers-in-law Norman Brandon and Ron McKenzie.  A Celebration of Life will be posted and held at a later date at Mark’s 9 Golf Course.  In lieu of other tributes, memorial donations may be sent to Mont St. Joseph Foundation, 777 – 28th Street East, Prince Albert, SK S6V 8C2.  Dad touched many lives and will be truly missed by all who knew him.  Condolences may be sent to the family at www.grays.ca.  Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Gray’s Funeral Chapel, (306-922-4729).

• Date : 2016-02-03