Mark Genge
January 17, 2018
Obituary
Died peacefully at St. Clare’s Hospital on January 17th, aged 90, Mark Genge, surrounded in his final hours by his wife and five daughters.
Mark was born in St. John’s to devoted parents Lambert and Lily Genge (formerly of Flower’s Cove). He was predeceased by his brothers Nelson, Tony, Bruce, and Dave.
Mark graduated from Bishop Field College and worked at the family grocery business and as a mechanic prior to entering Queen’s College to train as an Anglican minister. He was ordained priest in 1952. He subsequently studied at Durham University in England, graduating with a BA and MA in theology. In 1984 he was awarded an honorary doctorate from King’s College, Halifax.
He spent two years as vice-principal of Queen’s College. Through his many years as deacon and priest, he served in several areas of our province – St. John’s, Corner Brook, Stephenville, Conception Bay South, southern Labrador, Burgeo/Ramea/Grey River, and South River/Port de Grave. He also served in Marbleton, QC and Toronto.
In 1973 he was appointed provincial Secretary of the Canadian Bible Society, which brought him to countless communities throughout the island and Labrador. In 1975 he was elected the first Anglican Bishop of Central Newfoundland and served tirelessly until 1990. Known to everyone as Bishop Mark, he was a true spiritual shepherd. He will always be admired for his down-to-earth goodwill, his humour and story-telling, his willingness to devote himself to the myriad of concerns of all the parishes he served. Among his foremost initiatives, acting on his strong personal conviction, was advocating for the ordination of women.
Bishop Mark played a leading role in the early days of the Cursillo movement in the province. After his retirement, he strapped on rollerblades and undertook a fundraising campaign to revitalize Queen’s College as a training facility for men and women called to the Anglican ministry. In his late 60s, he crossed the island on rollerblades, and later made separate trips to cover the Great Northern, Burin and Bonavista Peninsulas. He voyaged through southern Labrador by snowmobile to complete his campaign. The public attention landed him on the cover of The Globe and Mail, in rollerblades and full bishop regalia.
For several years after retirement he volunteered as chaplain of Queen’s, as well as continuing to bring pastoral care to the sick and shut-in. He was a dear friend and counselor to countless people over the years. He will be forever remembered for his sincerity, his grace infused with a playful wit, and more than a few practical jokes. He lived his life as a true Christian, an inspiration to all who knew him.
Mark is survived by Maxine (Major), his wife of 58 years. Their marriage was one of enduring love and devotion, of understanding and support for the direction of each other’s path through life. Love and concern for family and friends surpassed all other aspects of their years together. With him during his final days were his daughters Angela, Stephanie, Michele, Margot, and Christine. With him always are also his son-in laws Greg Gomes, Scott Wilson, Anton Scamvougeras, and Scott Ackwood, and grandchildren Rebekah, Joshua, Kendra and Marcus; Nathan, Shelby, Molly, Abby and Maggie; Adam, Jacob and Kate; Nicole, Hannah and Grace, together with the extended Genge and Major families.
Visitation will be at Carnell’s Funeral Home, 329 Freshwater Road on Friday, January 19th at 10-12, 2-4, and 7-9. The funeral service will take place at St. Mark’s Anglican Church, Logy Bay Road on Saturday, January 20th, at 11 am. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Queen’s College.
Now it is our turn to pass to Mark his favourite blessing, the one he rendered to so many individuals and gatherings over his many wonderful years with us:
The peace of God, which passeth all understanding, keep your hearts and minds in the knowledge and love of God, and of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord; and the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, be amongst you Mark, and remain with you always.
Schedule
Visitations
10-12 Noon on January 19, 2018
2-4 p.m. on January 19, 2018
7-9 p.m. on January 19, 2018
Carnell’s Funeral Home
329 Freshwater Road
View on Map
funeral
11:00am, Saturday January 20th
St. Mark's Anglican Church
203 Logy Bay Rd, St. John's
I am asked so often if I am related to the Genges of the northern pensula. I say proudly I am sure as Bishops Mark Genge and my dad Preston Genge look enough to be brothers. I found out just today that Angela Genge is an authority in als. My name is Tim Geng of Gander I was diagnosed with als in March. It would be a treat to hear from Angela. Bishop Mark was a known friend of my dad. I am quite ok with the diagnosis. Be safe all.
Tim
Oh dear, we’ve lost a great one, a one of a kind. I feel as if I knew Mark all my life, whereas in reality, I spoke with him only a dozen times, and most of these in the late forties when we attended the old Memorial College.
My first impression of Mark was that of the great basketball player he was, and of course what a great athlete the turned out to be.
But also what a beautiful, gracious person he was as well. The last time we met, ironically was at a funeral reception at the Presbyterian church on Elizabeth Ave, he recognized me instantly and greeted me warmly, person to person, name included.
It is not surprising that he rose to the station in life that he achieved.
I join willingly with his family and congregation in mourning his loss.
I was saddened to hear of the passing of Bishop Mark. I remember when he visited Gander Bay in the 50’s. He came to our house Christmas morning and looked in the living room where the tree and opened presents were, and said “It looks like Aubrey’s shop in here!” There were nine of us children. He was referring to Uncle Aubrey’s General Store.
My sincere condolences Maxine and all the family.. Beautiful tributes.
To Bishop Mark’s family,
I met Bishop Mark through my mother, Hazel Bishop. She spoke of him and his family with affection quite frequently and I had the privilege of meeting him when mom was, unfortunately, quite ill. We all, especially mom, took great comfort in his caring ways and of course his humour. I thank him for bringing such light into mom’s life.
My heart filled condolences to you Maxine and your children.
June Ellis (Bishop)
St. John’s, NL
Maxine and Family:
I am so sorry to hear of the loss of Bishop Mark. My heartfelt condolences go out to you and your family. Thinking about you all during this difficult time.
Mrs. Genge, Angela, Stephanie ,Margo , Michelle, &Christine. Many wonderful memories come to mind when I hear Bishop Genge’s name. During his term here as our minister, he became as well known to our communities as our churches of which he ministered to 7. While living in South River , people were exposed to the first minister who integrated with his parishioners as though they were family, and treated them the same. He was so much ” fun” a word rarely attributed to a minister in those days and ” ordinary “. Fun and ordinary, two words that set this man apart from any other clergy I have known, and the very two that had him bring people from all walks of life and religion to our churches here in this parish. He will be forever loved in our neck of the woods and most certainly remembered. Love & most sincere condolences Mona (Taylor) McCarthy
Our condolences to the Genge family. I have always treasured my memories of Bishop Mark. When he first came to St. Peter’s Parish at Upper Gullies I was one of the first servers for the parish and it was Bishop Mark that shaped my religious upbringing. I last saw him about 7 years ago and he still remembered me after so many years. We have all lost a great friend and mentor. May he rest is peace.
Maxine and family: so sorry to hear of Bishop Mark’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
George & Una
Our condolences to your family. Bishop Mark married us at All Saints Church in Foxtrap fifty five years ago and also christened our son in the same church in 1968. Sincerely Everett and Marlo Kearley
Bishop Mark baptized our daughter in Lewisporte, at a time when all of the clergy of Central Nfld, lent a hand to Rev. Walters when his vision was failing. Actually, Bishop Mark filled in that day for his brother David, who couldn’t make it due to an April snow storm. I was a slowly becoming an Anglican, and I will always remember his hands so full of water, as he marked Allison as Christ’s own forever. My mother thought he was going to drown her :), but have no fear, she has been a joy with babes of her own now. Maxine, Ina sits behind us in church here in Truro and has kept us informed over the years about Mark. He also shared a meal with us in Montreal in the days when they accompanied Rev. Walters to Montreal. They both enjoyed being able to talk, instead of observing Compline. Our memories of his humour,, ministry and faith will be forever treasured and remembered by our family, Sincere condolences to the family.
Deepest sympathy to all the family.you are in my thoughts and prayers..I remember bishop Mark well..God has gotten, another special angel
Marilyn Pike ( Anglican Carhedral)
We are sorry for your loss. May your faith support you and your family.
Maxine, our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family today. Bishop Mark touched the lives of so many. His lovely smile and wisdom will be remembered by many. Hoping to see you again sometime. Love, Florence {Newhook} and Allenby Pinhorn
So sorry to hear of Mark’s passing. Sending blessing to you and your extended family.
To Maxine and families,
So sorry to hear of Bishop Marks passing,, our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this difficult time, , cherish all your memories . Take Care.
George and Bertha Coles
Savage Cove.
Aunt Maxine and family, We were so very sad to learn of Uncle Mark’s illness and death. You have both been such tremendous family friends throughout the years. Uncle Mark and Uncle Jim Reid and your families were such fixtures in our lives! Uncle Mark’s kindness, unfailing ability to listen and not judge and his energy were renowned. We send you all our love as you grieve his passing. He will be greatly missed by so many whose lives he touched. Much love always.
Sorry for your loss. My mother met Bishop Genge while caring for others. She was always touched by his kindness and sense of humour. His kindness at her funeral is a cherished memory I hold deeply. One of many lives he touched.
Maxine and family, my sincere condolences to all of you as you grieve Bishop Mark’s passing. Because he has made such an impact on our world and a tremendous difference in the lives of all that had the honor and privilege to meet this Godly, loving and gentle man, he will not be forgotten. his memory will live on for many years to come because he was a maverick, a one of one of a kind human being.
God speed Bishop Mark, we will miss you
1
Maxine , my deepest sympathy to you in the passing of your loved one . My thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time .
So sorry for your loss. May God Bless you in your time of sorrow. Deepest condolences to you all. R.i.p. Bishop Mark. From Miriam Cole’s Genge and Hubert Genge
Maxine and families, my condolences to you on the passing of your dear husband . My sympathies to you and the children and extended families.
My sincere sympathy to your family . All i remember is the good things as a child and our visits to uncle lam and aunt Lily in st johns . My grand mother was Naomi hodge.
Our deepest condolences to Maxine and all of the Family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this sad time. Much Love Cindy (Hodge)and John Sampson
My sincere sympathy to Maxine, your daughters, and their families on the passing of Bishop Mark. I first meet him as a child when you were in South River. He was a kind, gentle soul and touched the lives of many with his love and compassion and joy of living. I am better for having known him. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family in your loss. May God grant him eternal peace and wrap your family in the warmth of love Bishop Mark so generously gave to everyone.
Sincerest condolences to Maxine, the girls, and all of their families. We will remember Mark for his life well-lived, full of love, charity, joy, and,yes, a dash of innocent mischief that spread laughter and warmth to so many. God bless you all
To Maxine and family. Our condolences on the passing of Bishop Mark. He was much loved by all those who knew him. “O Lord, glorify his station, shelter him under the pavilion of Thy supreme mercy, cause him to enter Thy glorious paradise, and perpetuate his existence in Thine exalted rose garden, that he may plunge into the sea of light in the world of mysteries.”
Maxine Genge and family. Accept our sincere condolences and heartfelt prayers on the passing of Bishop Mark.. His pastoral ministry to the people of Nfld. and Labrador, and the wider church community was always a shining light, revealing deep love and compassion. May His rest be this day in peace, and his dwelling place in the Paradise of God.. Love and blessings of peace.
I have a memory of seeing Bishop Mark and Michele out running along Cotton Street. At the time I remember thinking how wonderful it was as you didn’t often see fathers and daughters doing things together like this, and especially with teenaged daughters. It was only a moment, but it left a warm and lasting impression. His kind spirit left many lasting impressions over the years that are still warming people’s hearts today.
Sincerest sympathy and condolences to your families.
Bishop Mark was a wonderful person and I appreciate his visit to my Family in Flower’s cove and his kindness he showed to us over the year. Deepest Sympathy to the Genge Family on the passing of your Dad. He was a Great Person and a wonderful human being. I will always remember his kindness to me when I was in St. John’s and anytime I was ever in his presence. My thoughts are with Maxine and the Family.
To the family of Bishop Mark:
I remember ever so fondly the many conversations filled with laughter that we enjoyed through the years. The special friendship that he shared with Rev’d Walters warmed my heart. Counting my blessings that I had the pleasure of his spiritual leadership. Sending you all prayers and hugs from Labrador. Rowena
Over 25 years ago I had the blessing of having Bishop Mark as a supervisor at a field placement opportunity at St. John’s York Mills. His graciousness and humour have stayed with me throughout my ordained ministry. My wife, Mary Beth, and I offer our condolences and prayers.
Maxine & girls,
Our deepest sympathies to you all. I have such fond memories of Bishop Mark. You were such good friends of my parents (Sonia and Morley) and I remember sleepovers and swimming and Sunday dinner with Christine. Bishop Mark shared all the major moments with our family – christenings, weddings and funerals. Such kindness, generosity and love will be missed.
Our deepest sympathy to the family.
To Angela
It is with sadness that we learned of the passing of your father. We did have the pleasure of meeting him and your mother at a party at your home in Montreal., a beautiful couple..
To all your family our hearts go out to you in your time of sorrow.
Danielle & William
I first met Bishop Mark when he was the Anglican rector in Burgeo. I was there with a band and we played a concert at the church hall. The next time I saw him was when he confirmed my son and daughter at Holy Trinity Anglican Church in Grand Falls-Windsor. What stands out in my memory is how nice he was. My condolences to his wife and family.
To the Family of Bishop Genge:
I am so very sorry to learn of his passing.
Bishop Genge was the Bishop who confirmed me in St. Lewis, Labrador long ago. I still remember his kind face.
Please accept my deepest condolences.
My sincere condolences to each of you on the passing of a man whose life deserves, not only to be celebrated, but also imitated. Bishop Mark beamed brightly through his wife and children, as it significantly enhanced my motivation to offer my best for the provision of a Christian education.
The Peace of God…
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time.Will miss him at Saturday ‘s service. Sarah and George Chafe
Maxine and family, sorry to hear of his death; he was indeed a great priest and Bishop: he was loved by us and so many others, May God bless you and family today and in the days ahead .
Rev Joan and Ron Antle
Our thoughts are with the Genge family at the time of bishop Genge’s passing. Bishop Genge certainly lived a full life and will be missed. He sincerity , grace and wit will always be remembered. May the blessing that he often shared be with him.
Maxine and family, So sorry to hear of Mark’s passing, but we know he is with us still in a different capacity..My memories of him are always pleasant as I remember visiting you and him at your home and of his wit when having him play jokes on me at Aunt Lil’s home…never a dull moment when he was present…love and may God Bless you at this time.
What a life well lived…too much to reflect upon in a few sentences…definitely an example for us all. Heaven is certainly rejoicing with his presence and, if it’s a sense of humour (among others attributes) that they have been looking for, they have the right man. Wilson and I send our heartfelt sympathy to all his family. He will certainly be missed. God bless you all.
Maxine and Family
Our thoughts are with you. I recall the first time I met you and Mark in Neddies Hr. I accompanied you and Mark with our guide, cousin Lambert (Bertie, )to the top of Gros Morne.
Your Cousin
My condolences to you and your family on the passing of Bishop Mark.I am a former grade 2 student of yours when you taught at Westport and will never forget your kindness to me and all the other students. In 1972 Uncle Tom Hewitt and I had the pleasure of spending an afternoon with Bishop Mark at South River while we waited for you to return home from school.His genuine kindness and love for others shone through that afternoon. God Bless
Bishop Mark touched the lives of so many people with his deep abiding faith and his ever present sense of humour. Love and prayers to His wife and family.
Thoughts and prayers are with The Genge family at this time..Take care and God Bless you all..
Maxine and family, our thoughts and prayers are with you as you celebrate the life of Bishop Mark, shepherd and friend to many. We have such fond memories of our connection with him during our time in the Central Diocese. A life well lived.
Kindest regards,
Myrtis and Wilson Guy
Deepest Sympathy to all the family, our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
Frank & Cindy Blackwood
Greenspond
Maxine and Family we would like to send our thoughts and prayers to you during this difficult time. Many years have gone by since those wonderful years we spent together in Conception Bay North and the many Sunday evening visits our families spent together, but in fact they seem like only yesterday. “Uncle Mark” as we would refer to him was kind, considerate and oh so funny and always had us on our toes. Those memories are priceless and timeless and will live on in our hearts forever. His devotion and dedication to the ministry was inspirational and special to all. Rest In Peace.
Sorry for the loss but I feel pleased and blessed to have had Bishop Mark as our Rector.
Christine, please accept heartfelt condolences on the loss of your Dad. My thoughts are with you.
I am trying to process Mark’s death – he was such a formative presence in my ministry, but so much more than his influence on individuals was his leadership in the Central Diocese which was inspired and profound, building a diocese and inspiring a spirit that grew the church and the faith of the people, the benefits of which continue to be felt.
We were saddened to hear of Bishop Mark’s passing. In the short amount of time we knew him, he was truly an inspiration. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Well done, thou good and faithful servant.
A next door neighbour for many years, a jovial and wonderful friend, an advisor, a gentle comforter in times of family need. Bishop Mark, or ‘The Bish’ as my former son-in-law affectionately called him before his own passing in 2002, was indeed a man among men. He married two of our three daughters and was a pure delight to chat with. There has to be a special place in heaven prepared for him.
Our sincere condolences to Maxine and all his family.
Maxine and family saddened to hear of Bishop Marks passing but a blessing knowing he lived a full life . We all have wonderful memories of time spent in his presence. Keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers . Sending hugs your way Betty
Bishop Mark was such a lovely, Christian man. My condolences to his family.
Mrs Genge and families,
So sorry for your loss. Bishop Genge was such a sweet soul that once you meet him, he stays in your heart forever. He had such an impact on my mother and our family during the Synod Office years. Truly a well respected gentleman. God has gained a magnificent angel. . God Bless
Beautiful Man loved by so many, blessed to have know you from Burgeo, May you Rest In Peace.
A beautiful man loved by many, have great memories from my childhood in Burgeo, May you Rest In Peace
sorry to hear of bishop mark’s passing. our thoughts and prayers are with you. please accept our deepest sympathy.
A beautiful obituary for a beautiful person. So blessed to have known him. May Bishop Mark Rest In Peace and rise in glory. Wayne and Roberta+ Woodman, Little Rapids
My sincere condolences to Bishop Mark’s entire family. May the love of God, and the promise of His eternal peace, comfort and sustain you all now in your time of sorrow and in the weeks and months ahead.
God bless you all always.
Maxine and family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. We will always remember Bishop Mark as a kind, gentle, caring man. We will miss his beautiful gentle smile at the Saturday service.
Love, Noreen and Harold
Deepest sympathies to Maxine and my distant cousins. Even with being relatives, I’ve never met Mark’s family but I cherished my kinship with “Bishop Mark”, and fondly remember his periodic visits to St. Barnabas Church in Flowers Cove when I was a young boy. Even at that young age I felt honoured to be related to a bishop, and often bragged to my fellow choir members! He had a perpetual smile and was a beautiful man. Praying for all friends and family through this time of sorrow…God bless you all.????????
My sincere condolences on the passing of Bishop Mark. I remember him from my years as a very yong woman in Gander Some 40 plus years ago, as my parents were close to both he and Mrs. Genge, as well as Reverend Jim Reid and Mrs. Reid. He offered to perform our marriage ceremony in 1978. However, Rev Reid was not agreeable to passing that over! Our 40th wedding anniversary is this year, so I guess all went well. Please keep your memories and each other close.
Sincere condolences to the families of Bishop Mark. A truly great person. He was in charge of the Burgeo, Ramea, Grey River Parish when I taught at Grey River in 1965-66 and when I taught at Burgeo in 1966-67. Rest assured that others share in your sorrow. May God Bless you all.
rev. Mark was a wonderful personthat served his people well, god bless you rev for all that you done for us, god bless
Very sorry to hear of Bishop Genge’s passing. Our deepest condolences to all the family. Big hugs & lots of love to you all.
To Angela and Family,
Please accept our deepest sympathy on the loss of a very dear man. May your memories bring you comfort and peace.
Please accept our most sincere sympathy on Bishop Marks passing.Always nice to greet you both at St Marks church services..
To Maxine and Family: I extend sincere condolences on the passing of Bishop Mark. I treasure fond memories of my time at Queen’s College with Bishop Mark as chaplain. His love, wit, and faith set a lasting example for me and many others to follow. May cherished memories give you comfort and the promise of the resurrection give you hope in the days ahead.
To Bishop Mark’s Family. We are saddened to hear of the passing of your loved one. We remember him with such fondness & recall with smiles the times he came for a little visit in Deadman’s Cove. Hope it helps a little to know we too will miss him -he really was one of a kind-the very nicest kind. Love & God Bless from Mabel Genge & Family. RIP Bishop Mark & Rise In Glory
Christine, please accept heartfelt condolences on the loss of your Dad. I see you and your sisters in his beautiful photo. I’m sure he will live on in all of you. Remembering you from Gander Collegiate and your Mom from Gander Academy. May you have treasured and lasting memories to bring you peace and comfort.
We send our.prayers and.condolences.
Bishop Peter and Carmen Mason
Retired Bishop of Ontario
Helen and Hollis Hiscock give thanks to God for Mark’s life and ministry, in particular for the several years we worked as a team at St. John’s parish in Toronto., as well as our many associations in Newfoundland. Memories flood our minds as well recall wonderful times together, for which we are grateful to have shared part of the journey with Mark. To Maxine and family, we offer our prayers of support. He is gone to that special place God prepared for him.
Bishop Mark was a very caring and loving man.Our condolences to all the family.Rev Genge married us in 1967.RI P Bishop Genge. Matthew and Elizabeth Parsons Burgeo
God rest his soul. My deepest condolences to Maxine and his family. Rev. Mark was my first boss when I went up the Labrador coast to be a teacher in 1964-65. He was my inspiration, my strength, and my mentor. I had such respect for him. I remember so well the joy in the community of Port Hope Simpson when Rev, Mark was to arrive on his annual pilgrimage along the coast of Labrador. It was beautiful. He was beautiful.
Sincere condolences to all the families for the passing of a very special soul. He meant a lot to many people . He touched many lives in many different ways. . For me in particular when he was our minister at All Saints in the 1960 and again fir the first year he was in southern Labrador in 1964-65 . He was an excellent role model. Loved him dearly . Rest in peace and enjoy the wiork ahead. I am sure you will be busy.
Sorry for your loss.
To Maxine and family,
I was heartbroken to hear the word earlier today that Bishop Mark had passed away. It was indeed his encouragement and support which led me training for ordained ministry and eventually a Priest in the church of God. Our history goes back over many years when as a layperson in the Diocese I served in many capacities and so was given that opportunity to know the love of Christ as it shone through Mark. When he served as curate in the Church of the Ascension, Mount Pearl in the mid 50’s I was one amongst the first Brownie Pack. His life was well lived in humility and love as he walked in the footsteps of Jesus. My prayers are with you all as we prepare to celebrate his life in communion with one another and with God, our Creator. Shalom.????
Our deepest condolences to the family of Bishop Mark.He was a very loving and caring person.He married us in 1969.RIP Bishop Mark,you will be remembered fondly.
My thoughts and prayers are with you all. 38 years ago i was confirmed by bishop Genge in McCallum. He was very caring with a soft gentle voice. Rest In Peace.
Patricia Poole
Mrs. Genge and family, my deepest condolences on the loss of Bishop Mark. Diane Davis, retired from Gander Academy
The personality of a beautiful human being, the heart of a true Christian and the soothing voice of a compassionate pastor. I remember him well with fond memories. My condolences to his family. RIP
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. He was such a wonderful man that I remember fondly.
To Maxine and family. Our prayers are with you at this time. We knew Bishop Genge to be a man of great humility and compassion. We are in Ontario at present but be assured our thoughts are with you . Hugs.
Joyce and Mont Pritchett
To you Maxine and your family . My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time . Yes “May the blessing of God the Father be with you all and remain with you always “ May you live with the beautiful memories of a lifetime together. Hugs to you all . ????????