Mark Goldblatt
Founder, first president and inspirational driving force behind the Funeral Co-operative of Ottawa (FCO)
Mark worked tirelessly to establish a firm foundation for our Co-operative so that it might continue to deliver high-quality, affordable funeral services for our members. Your Board of Directors is dedicated to this mission and thank you for your continued support and involvement.
February 2015
Excerpts from Mark’s Obituary
Mark died suddenly on Feb. 3, 2015 at the age of 62. Mark will always be remembered for his passion and visionary leadership in building the co-operative movement and spreading the co-op message across the country.
Beyond his achievements, everyone loved Mark – for his gentle and loving nature, generous spirit, sense of humour, and loyalty to those he loved.
He dedicated himself with heart and soul to developing the Funeral Co-operative of Ottawa. Among his honours were: CHFC Honorary Life Associate, CMHC Award for Outstanding Contribution to Co-operative Housing, Lifetime Achievement Award from On Co-op, and the Queen’s Jubilee Medal.
See Tributes to Mark at bottom following “Lives Lived”.
Excerpts from “Lives Lived” – The Globe and Mail
Read full article on The Globe and Mail
Mark Goldblatt was born in Ottawa. His mother, Sylvia, was a social worker; his father, Murray, was a senior editor for The Globe and Mail.
After high school, Mark hitchhiked across Europe for a year, later co-founding the Co-operative Federation of Toronto at age 21. Over his 40-year career, he helped launch numerous housing co-ops and federations across Canada.
He believed deeply in co-operatives as a force for social good and sustainable community development.
“I wanted to create that better world on a sustainable basis. I don't think there is any future unless we build institutions of mutual assistance to guide and unite us in our day-to-day lives. Co-operatives are better than any institution I know to get this job done.”
Tributes
"One of the most dynamic leaders of the co-op cause... An iconic figure in Canada’s thriving co-operative community."
Hon. Mauril Bélanger, M.P.
"Mark was a gentle, inspirational, and creative person... We’ve lost a mentor, a leader and a dear friend."
Denyse Guy, Executive Director, Co-operatives and Mutuals Canada
"Mark was a true co-op housing pioneer and leader. His contribution cannot be overstated."
Nicholas Gazzard, Executive Director, Co-operative Housing Federation of Canada
"His vision, intellect, generosity, and integrity made him a beacon of the co-operative spirit."
Hazel Corcoran, Executive Director, CWCF
"Mark mentored new staff, founded federations, and always believed in people and their potential."
Tom Clement, Executive Director, CHFT
"His contribution to the sector defies measurement. The best way to thank him is to continue his work."
Thom Armstrong, Executive Director, CHF BC
Visit Mark Benjamin Goldblatt Memorial Blog for more tributes.