Mark and his family raised thoroughbreds, which took him all over the world for decades. He and his wife have lived off-grid on remote East Thurlow Island at Shoal Bay for 24 years. They are working on restoring their creek for wild salmon. Their local towns and communities are Campbell River and Courtenay. He is also the wharfinger of the Shoal Bay government dock. Mark has written extensively on horse racing and also has contributed to Pacific Yachting.