Mark Wynnyk - A Memory, A Legacy
When a child unexpectedly leaves your life, it’s as if the world has come to a complete standstill. There is an endless flood of emotions to wade through and just getting up in the morning seems like an insurmountable task. Most of us wouldn’t know what to do with ourselves let alone envision how anything positive might come out of such a tragic loss.
Yet that is exactly what Nancy Barlett did after her youngest son, Mark Wynnyk, was killed on his motorcycle in May 2007. Nancy decided just a few months after his death that she needed to do something to honor the child who was so gifted in whatever he touched, yet so frustrated on how to find his way in the world. She was put in touch with Cheryl Taylor, Executive Director, Burlington Community Foundation (www.burlingtonfoundation.org) who was able to put her son’s memory into something that was as unique as Mark himself. The Mark Wynnyk Memorial Fund was created this past December as a donor advised fund with the BCF. It was a means to reach young people and encourage them to cultivate their distinctive talents.
Nancy helped to foster Mark’s natural abilities by encouraging his participation in physical activities. From the age of 4 Mark was immersed in both i
ndividual and organized sports, sport camps and other recreational activities. Much to his delight, Mark found himself drawn to extreme sports; alpine skiing, BMX racing, boxing, motocross and motorcycling. Despite a penchant for these more physically challenging sports, Mark surprised many by being a gifted golfer which was remarkable in that he had no professional training. He also excelled at baseball, hockey, horsemanship, tennis, chess and poker. He was proficient at studying the player and the game.
Mark was proud of his achievements, but struggled with the realization he would not be happy living the nine-to-five lifestyle and took on a variety of part-time jobs to pursue his passions. “Mark was an exceptional individual, who didn’t get caught up in materialistic nonsense – instead choosing to pursue activities that made him happy,” said his brother Dan. “The memorial fund will help other kids like Mark, who don’t necessarily fit into the academic or corporate culture.”
It was on Christmas Day that the Barlett/Wynnyk family decided to write a cheque to the Mark Wynnyk Memorial Fund in lieu of gift-giving to one another. A pledge of $10,000 was made by CIBC Wood Gundy in 2008 as part of their continuing commitment to raise funds for children’s charities.
The first major organized fundraising event “Fallen Riders Memorial Ride”, a motorcycle charity ride was held on July 12th of this year in memory of Mark and other Fallen Riders. Although the day forecast thunderstorms, along with hot and steamy temperatures, over $12,000 was raised in support of disadvantaged children and youth. The Fund (www.markwynnykmemorialfund.ca) has generously received both corporate and individual support and plans are already underway for next year’s event fundraising event.
When all is said and done, reaching out and caring is what Nancy and her son Dan had on their mind when they realized there are others like Mark, who are highly gifted yet frustrated in their desires to find their footing in this world. Giving kids who may be struggling “footsteps to a brighter future” through grants for alternative education and skill development is really what the Mark Wynnyk Memorial Fund is all about.
