Mark James Dolton

Mark was born on October 21, 1960 in the Preeceville Hospital to Bonnie and James Dolton. He was the oldest of their two children. Mark was born blind and by a miracle started to gain vision when he was 9 months old. He lived with very little sight in his left eye and limited vision in his right one. To compensate, his hearing was very sharp. As a baby that was hard on mom. He never wanted her too far away as he wanted to hear her. Mark lived across the road from his grandparents and when he was carried into the house, Grandpa would reach for him and say “Give me that kid!” Gramma would have done the same, but she was busy.

Although he was raised on the farm, he did not like the farm. One time he wanted to ride the neighbours Shetland Pony. He would get put on one side and topple off the other side until he decided he did not want to ride and the others could ride.  

Mark’s possessions had to be organized and stay organized. Of course, as siblings do, that was an open invitation to be bugged by his brother. When he was young, Mark and Todd watched Hockey Night in Canada. Mark cheered for the Montreal Canadians and Todd cheered for the Toronto Maple Leafs. If Mark’s team was losing, he’d get up and go to bed. The teams have remained the same.

Mark was 8 years old when Special Ed. School became a reality. For a short time, he would go on the Sturgis School bus to the Preeceville Junction and then Tom Miller would meet the bus and take Mark to school. Before too long transportation into Preeceville was arranged. Mark had a hard time on the bus until Linda and Sally Palagian laid down the law. Going to school was more enjoyable afterwards. Mark was honoured by the Graduation Class of 1980 as a Special Grad. They were a great group of grads! After school Mark went to Mallard Industries in Wadena and would be brought home on long weekends. When the Mackenzie Training Centre came into being around 1986, Mark came back to Preeceville. He was a client there until his passing.

He lived by himself for approximately 28 years. His family tried to get him to move to a group home but Mark would not do it until the fall of 2015. He made up his mind, packed his bag and left his home with the help of his support worker. Mark loved his home and the people at Preece Place and everyone at MTC. Mark loved people, to sing, Camp Easter Seal, travelling to special events, attending church services and going home to the farm for holidays. He was always upbeat, happy, friendly, and loving. If he heard your voice and knew you, he never forgot you. He was an amazing person. 

Mark was predeceased by his father, Jim; grandparents, Frances and Fred Dolton, and Annie and Joe Holland; aunts Del(Basso), Doreen(Hogg), Myrna (Rooks); Uncles, Jim and Keith Holland; cousins, Nicole Dolton, Jenaya Dutchak and Melanie Dolton.

He leaves to lovingly remember him, his mom, Bonnie; his special girl, Myra (Stachiw); brother, Todd; sister-in-law, Jill; nephews, Chris and Matt (Caity); niece, Kalin; great-neices, Deidra, Alyssa and Maisie; Many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. He will be missed by all.