Markku (Mark)
Kullervo Kaarremaa
Passed away peacefully, but far too soon on March 2nd at the Palliative Care unit at Nanaimo Regional General Hospital. Predeceased by his parents Keijo and Elsa, he is survived by his loving wife of 34 years Liz (Hammond), his son James (Heidi), brother IIkka (Barbara) and mother-in-law Dodie (Hammond). Missed and well-loved by his extended family of Lorne (Monica) Hammond, Catherine (Tauno) Tuominen, Sarah (Bruce) Fraser, James (Fern) Hammond, and nephews and nieces: Christine, Tracy, Jayne, Anne, Alexander, Emily, Kavan, Darby, Adéle, Darcy and Lara.
Born in 1947 in Mikkeli, Finland, he moved to Canada at four and grew up in Surrey and New Westminster. After finishing high school he attended Emily Carr Institute of Art and Design (Vancouver School of Art) where he pursued his passion for fine arts and photography. After graduation, he became a professional photographer and moved to Nanaimo in 1976, where he worked for the Nanaimo Free Press for over 20 years then he became a freelance journalist for magazines. His photos appeared in publications such as The New York Times, National Geographic Adventure, Wooden Boat, Beautiful British Columbia Magazine, and The Globe and Mail. His art lives on and a sample is posted at www.flickr.com/photos/fergie.
Mark married Liz in 1981 and together with many close friends they explored the coast and warmer climates in cars, vans, boats, ships, dragon boats, canoes, kayaks and on foot. He loved nature and life on Protection Island. A wonderful neighbour, dinner companion, and chef, Mark was known for his sense of humour, love of quality food and conversation. He will be deeply missed by those lucky enough to have experienced his warmth and kindness.
Liz wishes to thank Dr. K. Mann, the caring staff at the Palliative Care Unit as well as the Protection Island Lions and fellow islanders for their assistance. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the Protection Island Lion’s Club. A Celebration of Life will be held at the Nanaimo Yacht Club, 400 Newcastle Avenue, Nanaimo starting at 2pm on Saturday, March 21st, 2015.