Mark Vincent Dowling, age 67, of Halifax and Waterville, NS, passed away on Sunday, December 21, 2025, at the Valley Regional Hospital in Kentville, NS. Mark had been a resident for the past 10 years at CORE Long Term Care (formerly Kings Regional Rehabilitation Centre) in Waterville, NS.

Mark was born on November 14, 1958, to Carl and Marjorie (Kline) Dowling of Halifax.

Mark is survived by his 11 siblings and their spouses, 30 nieces and nephews, and 36 great-nieces and great-nephews, with another great-one arriving soon. He lived a vibrant life filled with many achievements and had an unwavering love for his large family.

Cherished for his infectious smile and kind heart, Mark will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

He is survived by his seven brothers and sisters-in-law; David and Gerry; Bobby and Paula; Bernard and Marie Josée; Ronald (Ronny) and Bernadette; Larry and Elaine; Eric and Monique; Cyril and Melody; and his four sisters and brothers-in-law, Eileen and Ken Ross; Anne Marie and Paul Kennedy; Carolyn and Steven Sinyerd; and Geraldine (Genie) and Steve Bradley.

Mark retired from the Prescott Group (Adult Service Centre) in Halifax after 33 years of service, where he learned many life skills. His favourite place to work was the woodworking shop.

A trailblazer, Mark was one of the first students enrolled in the Halifax School Board Special Needs Education Program and was a proud graduate of the Queen Elizabeth High School special needs program.

A passionate athlete, Mark competed with the Nova Scotia Special Olympics – Halifax Area for over 40 years, participating in every sport and athletic program offered, most notably swimming. He excelled in swimming and was the only sibling to compete and represent Nova Scotia provincially, nationally, and internationally. Mark travelled extensively for competitions and proudly stood on the podium as a medal winner, earning over 100 medals, along with numerous trophies, certificates, and awards. He also trained and competed with the Dalhousie University Swim Team (Halifax Trojans), a remarkable achievement as one of the first individuals with intellectual disabilities to do so. Mark loved sharing his medals with visitors, proudly explaining their significance and often noting that no one else in the family had “that many medals.” Among his proudest moments was meeting NHL legend Wayne Gretzky early in his career with the Edmonton Oilers, along with many TV celebrities, singers, and NHL players.

Mark’s talents extended well beyond athletics. He had a deep love of music and was always singing—especially if a song included the word “baby,” enthusiastically singing “Baby, Baby.” He collected cassette tapes, listened to them on his Walkman, and danced wherever he could. He also discovered a hidden talent for painting, creating cherished artwork of family homes, dogs, cars, flowers, and birds that remain treasured by his loved ones.

Mark cherished his photo albums and framed pictures of his nieces and nephews, which reflected his pride as a devoted uncle. He enjoyed family gatherings, celebrating with a hearty meal and a Schooner beer. A devoted Toronto Maple Leafs fan, he also cheered for winning teams—sometimes even the Montréal Canadiens. Mark loved watching all sports, though he was less fond of football.

Other pleasures Mark enjoyed included his favourite superheroes, Spiderman and Batman, and doing word-search puzzles. He was rarely without a puzzle book tucked into his shirt pocket, going through countless books and pens over the years.

Mark was a happy, good-looking gentleman with an easy-going nature, infectious smile, and kind heart. His warm spirit endeared him to the nursing staff at CORE Long Term Care, who often remarked on his friendliness and radiant smile. Mark lived a good life—longer than expected—filled with joy and happiness, despite facing early-onset dementia and mental health challenges during his final 15 years. Though he encountered many challenges throughout life, he was always watched over by his “Guardian Angel,” his beloved mother, who passed when Mark was a teenager.

Mark was predeceased by his parents, Carl and Marjorie; brothers-in-law, Wayne Ernst and Tim James; his beloved Auntie, Carol Kiley, and many Dowling and Kline aunts and uncles.

The family extends a sincere and heartfelt thank you to all the staff who supported and cared for Mark at CORE Long Term Care, with special thanks to the staff of the Valley Regional Hospital Emergency Department and 3rd Floor Surgery Unit.

A Celebration of Life, visitation with family will take place in T.J. Tracey Cremation Burial Specialists, 71 McQuade Lake Crescent, Beechville, NS, B3S 1C4. (Bayers Lake Business Park), on Wednesday January 14, 2026 from 3pm-7p.m.

A Catholic Mass will take place in St. Francis and St. Clare of Assisi Parish formerly St. Catherine’s Church, 6476 Bayers Road on Thursday, January 15, 2026 at 11 a.m.

A family burial will take place following the Mass at the Gates of Heaven, where he will be placed with his parents.

Donations may be made in memory of Mark Dowling online to any of the Charities listed or a charity of your choice:

The Apple Tree Foundation - MacArthur Unit

1349 County Home Road, Waterville, NS B0P 1V0 902-538-3103

https://www.coresupportservices.ca/fundraising-apple-tree-foundation/

(MacArthur Unit)

Prescott Group, 5505 Clyde Street, Halifax, NS B3K 0B7 902-454-7387

https://prescottgroup.ca/

Special Olympics of Nova Scotia, 100-371 St. Margaret’s Bay Road,

Halifax NS B3N 1J8 902-429-2266

https://specialolympicsns.ca/