It is with great sadness that the family of Mark McCulla announce Mark’s passing on June 14, 2023 after a long journey with Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease.

Mark McCulla was born in Sydney, Australia and after attaining his teaching degree at Wagga Wagga College in Woolongong, New South Wales, he set out on a “walk-about” in the world. After teaching in London, England he travelled widely in Europe and then came to Canada to experience a new country, to play rugby and to teach.

He completed his Bachelor of Education degree at UBC and then his Master of Education Degree at Gonzaga University. His career as an educator, school principal and school district director was balanced by his love of sport: (rugby, sailing, fishing, hunting, hiking, skiing) and spending time with friends – especially the “Magnificient Seven.” Is friends will always hear his Aussie greeting, “Hey, Mate!”

Mark and Erna shared 31 wonderful years of marriage, encouraging their blended families to form a strong bond over the years.

As an educator Mark strove to help district teachers implement the most effective teaching strategies and tools, encouraging them to reach beyond the ordinary and endeavor to lift students to their greatest potential. His sense of humour and thoughtful administrative style were his gift to students and teaching staff.

Mark was predeceased by his parents Norman and Catherine McCulla, sister Anne (Ray) Jones, brother Ron (Jan) McCulla, nephew Andrew Jones all of Australia, and stepson Dave Hentschel of Vernon.

He leaves behind his loving wife Erna, daughters Kathleen McCulla, Sally Ann Reiss (Peter), Karen McCulla (Shara), stepdaughter Lisa Lanaway (Jeremy), stepdaughter-in-law Shay Hentschel, grandchildren Jessica Findlay, Alison McCulla, Aaron Reiss (Amaris), Ryan Reiss, Kara Reiss, Chase McCulla, Calum McCulla, Hadley Lanaway, Esme Lanaway, Amelia Hentschel, and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews in Australia.

Mark’s family would especially like to thank the staff at Noric House for their compassionate care for Mark during the year he spent with them.

In memory of Mark, donations to your charity of choice or to Covenant House Vancouver. 1280 Seymour Street, Vancouver, BC V6B 9Z9 would be welcome.

A funeral service will be held at St. John’s Lutheran Church, 6525 Okanagan Landing Road, on July 28^th, at 2:00pm.