Marcus Johannes Theodorus Nouwens has left us.
He is survived by his partner Rachel Hepburn Craig, his children Maike and Oliver Nouwens, his parents John and Cathy Nouwens, his brother and his wife, Harm and Kim Nouwens and their children Matteus, Maiya and Mitchell.
He was 44.

Marc was many things: a proud Canadian born in the Netherlands, a skilled and dedicated engineer, a generous host. But what defined him most was undoubtedly fatherhood. His two greatest joys and achievements were his children. He loved Maike and Oliver with everything he had.

It was well known that Marc would do anything for his family and friends. Always quick to lend a hand or run an errand, he was unfailingly reliable, no matter the task. He gave of himself not just willingly, but enthusiastically. He lived for others.

When tasked with living for himself, however, Marc struggled. Depression would cast a dark cloud over his life, and over his sense of self-worth. And at moments when he needed help, it often became clear to those who cared about him that he didn’t know how to receive it. That didn’t stop him from trying.

Marc taught us many things. But he leaves us with one important lesson; that despite what many of us as human beings struggle with every day of our lives—feelings of loneliness, rejection, confusion, self-doubt—truth will help us move beyond these challenges, and love will light the path. Love is, and will always be, the only thing that truly matters.

We loved Marc, and will continue to love him.
We mourn our loss, and his.