Mark Gilliland

Born February 18, 1949 in London, Ontario Canada. Mark passed away Thursday, August 10 surrounded by family and friends after a long battle with esophageal cancer. Mark leaves to mourn his wife, Jeanette (Newhook) his son, Matthew, and daughter-in-law, Alexandra, as well as a number of dear friends. Mark was predeceased by his parents, Francis and Edna Gilliland, and by his sister, Tonya Marie (Alan Dietrich). 

As a child, Mark excelled in school and at hockey. He taught in the Halton School District of Ontario, beginning with third grade, math and physical education, then moving into the role of high school teachers union negotiator and into school administration. Mark was a beloved teacher. Many of his students have continued to stay in touch to share their gratitude for the grounding he gave them as a teacher. 

After a short, but successful teaching career, Mark left at the urging of an associate to try his hand at an exciting new career in school fundraising. Within a few short years Mark, and a team of sales representatives, who were leading the industry in Canada, travelled to Philadelphia to seek a partnership with Cherrydale Farms. Thus began a relationship that would lead to friendship and family which would last forever.

Mark was known for his integrity, and the respect he extended to those around him. He loved to laugh and longed to be surrounded by family and friends on all occasions. His greatest pleasures, aside from increasing Cherrydale efficiency annually, were hosting Super Bowl parties, barbecues, and especially Christmas parties.

In 1971 Mark began lawn bowling which became a passion. Mark was also a decorated international athlete, medaling in the Asia Pacific Games and competing in) the Commonwealth Games and World Bowls with Team Canada. In 2019 he was inducted into the Ontario Lawn Bowling Hall of Fame. Mark also took great pride in mentoring a dear friend, Jacqueline Foster, Canadian Lawn Bowler and national team member.

In 2020 Mark found an exciting new family venture in the Kona ice franchise. Mark, Jeanette, and Matthew became partners and Kona Ice of Georgetown S C, and have found yet two more groups counted as family, Kona corporate, and beloved Kona customers

Mark identified himself as a giver, not a receiver and was delighted to see other people receive. There is an endless list of people he helped over the years and one of his private pleasures was donating and attending Christmas parties for the Marines Toys for Tots program. Mark could fill a room (simply by being present)and leaves a space behind that is impossible to fill.

A Memorial service will be held at 10:30 AM on Monday, August 28 at the chapel of McMillan Small Funeral Home, 910 67th Avenue North, Myrtle Beach, 29572. Those attending the service are encouraged to wear the colors of summer that Mark so dearly loved. Those who cannot attend, are welcome to view the service live on YouTube at the McMillan-Small website. Donations to your favorite children’s charity are encouraged.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Mark Gilliland, please visit our floral store.