By the Family

May 23, 2018: On May 11, 2018, Mark Robert Thomas Adkins, age 43, passed away peacefully in his home in Bronxville.

Mark is survived by his wife, Wendy Sigurdson, his sons, Jakob (Jake) and Rylan (Rye), his parents, Bob and Nancy, and his brothers, Sam and Matthew, and their families.

Mark was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. Upon graduating at the top of his class from the University of Manitoba Law School, he articled in Toronto and completed his bar admission courses in Ontario and New York.

In 2002, Mark and Wendy moved to New York City, where he continued to practice corporate law. Always excited to take on meaningful projects, Mark seized on an opportunity to establish a New York office for McCarthy Tétrault LLP in 2017. As the managing partner of the new office, Mark focused his bountiful energy, imagination, and talents on the success of that venture. Mark’s dream was cut short, but the vision remains and the roots have been firmly planted.

Mark was a great mentor and leader. He never took things for granted and truly appreciated the value of his clients, colleagues, and friends. As part of his commitment to the law, Mark participated significantly in the development of his profession, attending and speaking at many events every year across the United States and Canada.

From the day that Mark and Wendy moved into their first Manhattan apartment, they fell in love with the city and Mark looked for ways to contribute. Never one for half-measures, he sat on the board of The Canadian Association of New York, volunteered his time and efforts as a board member of the Children’s Museum of Manhattan, and raised charitable funds by completing six New York City Marathons.

Mark was a hard worker, but he also loved downtime and having fun. He loved to relax by cheering on the Yankees or his beloved Winnipeg Jets, always a cold beer in hand. Dinner with Wendy and their friends with story-telling, laughter, mirth, and lots of wine was a delight.

Mark had a great sense of humor and terrific wit. He could make people laugh until they cried. Traveling and organizing and hosting parties and events were passions, but his greatest fun was being with Wendy and his boys. Mark was an exceptional dad and loved doing everything with Jake and Rye. Backyard barbeques, fishing on Lake of the Woods, watching Star Wars at home, or taking trips back to Winnipeg were always special because it was family time.

Mark loved music and theater both as a player and as a member of the audience. Guitar was his favorite instrument. As a teenager, he started a number of bands, recorded and sold music, and even toured part of Europe. He never stopped loving music and often played and sang for his boys.

In lieu of flowers, we ask that people consider a donation to the Children’s Museum of Manhattan. There will be a private family service held for Mark in Canada. We hope you will join family and friends to celebrate his life and honor him by participating as part of “Team Mark” in the Terry Fox Run for Cancer Research in Central Park on October 13, 2018.