Support for the Woodfield Family During Mark’s Final Days

Everyone has that one special teacher they never forget, and for so many families at Moffat Creek Public School, that teacher is Mark Woodfield. His joy, passion, and kindness have shaped countless lives. Now, as Mark faces his final weeks, his three children have paused their studies to care for him. This fund will support them with the unexpected costs of caregiving and grieving, so they can focus on what truly matters: time together.

Full Story:

We are heartbroken to share that Mark Woodfield, a beloved kindergarten teacher at Moffat Creek Public School, has recently been given the devastating prognosis of just 3–6 weeks to live.

Mark is the proud father of three wonderful children — Chloe (21), Liam (19), and Mick (19) — who are now facing the unimaginable reality of saying goodbye to their dad far too soon. In the midst of their grief, they have made the difficult decision to take a semester off from Brock University, Carleton University, and Conestoga College to care for their father in his final days.

This fund has been created to support the Woodfield family during this incredibly difficult time. Donations will help cover unforeseen expenses as the children step into the role of caregivers and, eventually, as they navigate life after their heartbreaking loss.

A Teacher Who Transformed a Community

Everyone has that one special teacher they will never forget. For generations of children and families at Moffat Creek Public School, that teacher has been Mr. Woodfield.

Mark is truly one of the finest individuals ever to be part of our school community. His energy, kindness, and joy for teaching have profoundly shaped students’ earliest experiences of school, leaving them with a lifelong love of learning. His influence runs deep — past and present — and his absence will be an immeasurable loss to Moffat Creek.

One of Mark’s greatest passions has been outdoor learning. He has taken “Forest School” to new heights, leading his students into the forest rain or shine to explore, play, discover, and connect with nature. These adventures have become treasured memories for countless children, who carry those lessons with them long after kindergarten ends.

Mark’s care for his students has always extended to their families. With warmth at every drop-off and pick-up, and with his thoughtful weekly emails filled with classroom highlights and photos, he created an extraordinary bridge between school and home. Families felt welcomed, included, and inspired because of the way Mark chose to teach.

Both of my boys had the privilege of beginning their school journey in Mark’s kindergarten class, and I know firsthand how special he is to so many. He is a teacher who changes lives, not only for his students but for their families as well.

Beyond the Classroom

Mark Woodfield has always been the kind of person who puts others before himself. Beyond being a devoted husband, father, and friend, he has dedicated countless hours to creating opportunities for children and young people in his community.

Through his involvement with Challenger Baseball and the Cambridge Ice Hounds, Mark became a pillar of support for athletes with physical and cognitive disabilities. Whether he was out on the field coaching, helping kids run bases, DJing games when his illness no longer allowed him to play, or even bringing the Challenger Baseball program to his own school, Moffat Creek, Mark never missed a chance to make children feel valued and included.

Hockey was another passion, and Mark’s commitment stretched far beyond his own family. He refereed games, worked with kids on the ice, tied countless pairs of skates, and travelled to tournaments—all to ensure young players could have the best possible experiences.

Even in the face of his cancer diagnosis, Mark’s spirit never wavered. He continued to show up, to give back, and to inspire those around him with his generosity, patience, and love for community. His legacy is one of service, inclusion, and joy—proof that a selfless heart can leave a lasting mark on everyone it touches.

How You Can Help

Mark’s children are now stepping into the role of caregivers for their dad, at a time when they should be focusing on their education and enjoying life’s milestones. No young adult should have to carry this burden alone.

By contributing to this fund, you are helping ease the financial stress so Chloe, Liam, and Mick can focus on what matters most — spending precious time with their dad, grieving together, and eventually finding their footing again.

Please consider donating, sharing, and keeping the Woodfield family in your thoughts and prayers. Every act of support will make a difference.