It is with broken hearts that we share the sudden and unexpected passing of Mark Daniel Wilson, age 54, at his home in Fergus, on Friday, October 17, 2025. Beloved husband, best friend, biggest supporter, and soulmate of Allison (Taeger) Wilson, Mark and Allison built a beautiful life filled with love, laughter, and adventure. Together they raised two amazing children, Abby (Will) Hendrick and Drew (Kaitlyn) Wilson, who were their greatest pride and joy. Mark was an amazing father, always there at every dance recital, hockey game, swim meet, birthday party, graduation — and anywhere else he was needed. He loved them deeply and was endlessly proud of them and the lives they are building with their partners, whom he loved as his own. Mark deeply loved and was loved by his family — his mother, Janice Wolf of Las Vegas; father-in-law, David Taeger of Fergus; brothers and sisters Jim Taeger of Fergus, Ted & Heather Taeger of Elmira, and Meghan & Robert Ewing of Kitchener; and his bonus sisters Christine (Omerza) Yonce of Denver, and Jennifer Omerza-Barber of Georgia. He was also cherished by his cousin Jason Lambert and nephews Oliver Ewing and Edgar Taeger. We take comfort in knowing he’s reunited with his mother-in-law Maureen Taeger, bonus father Dan Omerza, and his beloved cat Cookie, who all meant so much to him. “Chef” Mark Wilson was a beloved teacher at Westside Secondary School in Orangeville for 23 years. He inspired generations of students to love food, try new things, and embrace life with curiosity and confidence. His care for his students extended well beyond graduation — he loved hearing from them as they shared their stories and milestones. In 2018, Mark and his colleagues launched a partnership with the Orangeville Food Bank, preparing meals for those in need. For this initiative, they received the Everyday Hero Award from the Upper Grand District School Board. Most recently, Mark focused his energy on the Westside Secondary School Breakfast Program, ensuring every student started the day well-fed and cared for. Mark never missed an opportunity to feed staff, students, or visitors — his kitchen was always a place of warmth, welcome and fun. Mark had a gift for bringing people together. He loved cooking and sharing wonderful meals with his family and many friends — no one ever left his table hungry or without laughter. A natural host, his door was always open, and everyone who walked through it felt welcomed and cared for. Mark never met a stranger, striking up conversations everywhere he went — at gas stations, stores, airport lounges, and even sidewalk cafés in Italy. He had an adventurous spirit and a love of travel, always ready for a road trip, a new destination, or a weekend getaway — especially when it meant spending time with Allison, Abby, Drew, Will, and Kaitlyn. Mark also had an incredible love of music, with a vast repertoire that ranged from Metallica and Queen to Hamilton show tunes or even Mongolian throat singers. His playlists were as diverse as his interests, and his quick wit and encyclopedic trivia knowledge made him the perfect teammate. And every fall Saturday, you could count on Mark cheering passionately for his beloved University of Michigan Wolverines, texting running commentary back and forth with family, especially his mom. Mark filled our lives with laughter, love, and endless kindness. Our hearts are shattered, but we will forever cherish the beautiful memories, meals, adventures, and moments we shared. He was the heart and soul of our family gatherings, and we are endlessly grateful for the love and care he poured into every meal, every laugh, and every connection. Visitation will be held at the Hardy-Lee Funeral Home, Harriston on Thursday, October 30, 2025 from 6:00 until 8:00pm. The Celebration of Mark’s life will be held at Centre Wellington District High School, Fergus, on Sunday, November 2, 2025 at 2:00pm, with reception to follow. The service will be livestreamed and the link available on the funeral home website. To honour Mark, please feel free to wear your Hawaiian shirt. Donations to Upper Grand Learning Foundation Attn: WestSide Secondary School Breakfast Program or to the Orangeville Foodbank would be appreciated, and may be made through the Hardy-Lee Funeral Home, Harriston. Online condolences at www.hardyleefuneralhome.com
