Obituary of Mark Oscar Zemla

On December 26th, 2023, Mark Zemla of Toronto, ON, passed away unexpectedly at the age of 36.

Mark will be lovingly remembered by his sister, Samantha; his mother, Bronislawa; and dear friends. He is preceded in death by his father, Marian (December 3rd, 2013).

Zemla was the first of two children, born on February 21, 1987 in Edmonton, AB. A gentle giant, a poet, and a Trickster, Mark loved metal music, cinema, and literature. A voracious reader with a natural knack for writing, Mark pursued creative writing in college. 

In the tapestry of literature, Mark found solace among the words penned by J. G. Ballard, Phillip K. Dick, and Stephen King. His cinematic heart beat to the rhythms woven by David Lynch, Martin Scorsese, Stanley Kubrick, and Krzysztof Kieślowski. Within their creations, Mark discovered a sanctuary. As we remember him, let it be in the works crafted by his beloved artists, where his spirit lives.

Outside the realm of arts, Mark was a devoted sports fan. His affection for the NBA, NHL, MLB, and NFL showcased his enduring love for sports and competition. A steadfast supporter, he remained unwavering in his allegiance to the Leafs, Raptors, and Jays. The Raptors' Championship win in 2017 was a particularly cherished highlight for him.

The unique part of Mark was in his contradictions. He was both poet and player, seamlessly blending the delicate strokes of artistic expression with the raw energy of sportsmanship. In the quiet corners of libraries, he immersed himself in the profound verses of literary giants, while under the stadium lights, his cheers echoed in harmony with the victories of his beloved teams.

With one hand, he could effortlessly recite passages from Stephen King’s "Different Seasons," and with the other, effortlessly detail Pascal Siakam’s PPG from the current Raptors season.

“Be their shepherd and carry them forever.”
 - Psalm 28:9

“Smite the shepherd and the sheep will be scattered”
• Mark 14:27
As the saying goes, "Quiet waters run deep," a perfect depiction of Mark's character. A brilliant and humble son, brother, and cherished friend, his absence leaves a void that will be deeply felt.

We welcome you to visit with us on Monday, January 8, 2024 with visiting from 2 p.m. until 2:45 p.m. at which time a Funeral Service for Mark will be celebrated at the eco Life Celebration Centre-Magnolia Chapel of St. John's Dixie Cemetery & Crematorium (737 Dundas Street East, at Cawthra, Mississauga). Cremation will follow.

Guests are asked to park in the large lot adjacent to the church and proceed throught the north cemetery gates to the large building ahead.

The interment will be held on Tuesday, January 9, 2024  at Meadowvale Cemetery (7732 Mavis Road, North of Hwy 407, Brampton). Guests wishing to attend are asked to meet in the large parking lot and wait to be guided by car to the site.

Please share a memory, photo or sentiment of Mark's life here at his memorial legacy page.

Uniquely entrusted to eco Cremation & Burial Services Inc.

-Modern Funerals-

*copyright eco Cremation & Burial Services Inc. 2023