Mark TOEWS

MARK TOEWS Mark Toews passed away peacefully on May 22, 2021, surrounded by loved ones. The cause was cancer. He was 68 years old. Mark was born in Berens River, Manitoba, to the late Jacob and Anna Toews. He is mourned by his brothers and sisters Herb (Carol), Grant, Walter (Sandra), Kathryn Haberlin and Karen (Dana) Carstensen and a large extended family. He will be missed by his many friends, parishioners and professional colleagues. Mark was an accomplished organist, choral director and educator. After receiving the B.Mus degree from the University of British Columbia and the ARCT diploma from the Royal Conservatory of Music, he was awarded a Canada Council Arts Grant and attended the University of Michigan where he earned the M. Mus and DMA degrees in organ performance. In the early years of his career, Mark held positions with Shaughnessy Heights United Church in Vancouver and Dominion-Chalmers United in Ottawa. Since 1991, Mark has served as the Director of Music for Lawrence Park Community Church in Toronto. In addition to weekly services of worship, Mark oversaw Lawrence Park's vibrant musical programs including numerous choirs, soloists, a concert series and special events. With the support of his congregation, he commissioned a number of compositions for organ and for his choir. 'Trinitas' by Eleanor Daley was commissioned for the inauguration of the Lawrence Park organ and was included in his CD recording 'Variations Plus' - one of a number made over his thirty years at Lawrence Park Community Church including both his fine organ playing and the Lawrence Park choirs. In addition, he has performed in concert in major centres in Canada, the United States and England. Several of his performances have been broadcast on the CBC. He was highly involved in the Royal Canadian College of Organists for many decades, serving in numerous roles including President of the Toronto Centre, President of the College (2002-2004) and Chair of the 2009 Centennial Organ Festival. Mark also taught privately, and his students have moved on to positions across North America and in Europe. Mark was passionately interested in many things including art, jazz, nature and good conversation. He especially enjoyed walks with his beloved dog, Allegra. Mark's vitality and humor will be missed by his family and many friends. A virtual memorial service in Mark's honor will be held on June 12, 2021. Information about the service can be found at https://www.lawrenceparkchurch.ca. Memorial contributions towards a scholarship fund may be made through the RCCO national office, https://www.rcco.ca including Mark's name.