01/23/2026
Dr. Whittaker was a dedicated and compassionate physician, who showed great commitment to his patients and community over the course of his long career. He was greatly respected by both colleagues and patients, and will surely be remembered for the countless lives he touched during his medical career.
We offer our sincerest condolences to Dr. Whittaker’s family and loved ones at this time.
Dr. Mark Whittaker
March 14, 1957 – January 14, 2026
Mark Edward Whittaker, age 68, passed away suddenly but peacefully on January 14, 2026, at the Dryden Regional Health Centre.
Mark was born in New Westminster, British Columbia, and raised in Fredericton, New Brunswick. As a teenager, his family moved to Winnipeg, a city that would remain an important part of his life. He later moved to Guelph, Ontario, to pursue his master’s degree, before returning to Winnipeg where he worked as a researcher at the University of Manitoba Medical College. During this time, Bev was working nearby at the Health Sciences Centre, and it was there that their lives came together.
Inspired to further serve others, Mark entered medical school in 1985, and in 1986 married Bev. After completing his residency, Mark and Bev moved to Dryden in 1991 with their two young sons. Mark went on to serve the Dryden community as a dedicated family physician for more than 30 years. He was deeply respected by his patients and colleagues for his compassion, steady presence, and commitment to care. In 2022 Mark retired after a long and fulfilling medical career, leaving behind a legacy of service and kindness.
In retirement, Mark embraced life to the fullest, travelling widely and sharing his love of scuba diving with Bev. These adventures brought him great joy and many cherished memories.
Mark was predeceased by his father, Dennis, and his mother, Barbra. He is lovingly remembered by his wife Bev; his sons Kevin and Colin; his brother Roger (Beth); his sister Christina (Ted); and his nieces Lauren (Ehren) and Heather.
A celebration of Mark’s life will be held at a later date, with details to be announced. Mark will be remembered for his kindness, his dedication to his community, and his ability to balance a serious profession with a warm heart and a wry sense of humour.
Memorial donations may be made to the Second Chance Pet Network, Box 343, Dryden, ON P8N 2Z1, or Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre Foundation - Northern Cancer Research, 980 Oliver Road, Thunder Bay, Ontario P7B 6V4 or through Aurora Funeral Service, 304 Kennedy Rd., Site 202, Comp 39, RR3, Dryden, ON P8N 3G2.
Condolences may be posted at https://aurorafuneralservices.ca/obituaries/mark-whittaker
