Funeral Notices
Recent notices, along with funeral information for family and friends
Total shock thatSparky had passed.
Was a top bloke
Condolences to all family and friends.
Will be soley missed.
RIP Sparky
ASHWORTH: Mark David (Sparky)
Date of passing:
Saturday, 03 October 2026
Service date and time: 11:30 AM Saturday, 10 October, 2026
Service venue:
Link to livestream/video:
Service date and time: 11:30 AM Saturday, 10 October, 2026
Service venue:
St Mary’s Catholic Church - Guyton Street Whanganui
Link to livestream/video:
Passed away peacefully on 3rd October 2026, aged 64 years, after a long and difficult illness, with family by his side.
A loved Son of the late John and Doreen Ashworth, and dearly loved Brother of Therese Campbell.
Much loved Dad of Nathan and Janet, Aimee and Dion; Tonia and Glenn, and Nick.
Adored Grandad Sparky to Zack, Violet, Ari, Heidi, Josh, Alex and Haine, and very special “HoHo” to Braxton and Lulu.
Former Husband and lifelong friend of Francy.
Loved Uncle of Danielle and Shaun.
Much loved and dear friend of Bronni.
A dearly loved part of the Marist Rugby, Sportz Bar and St John’s Club communities.
He was also highly regarded by his Tax Link clients and franchisee colleagues, many of whom became valued friends over the years.
Rest easy Sparky.
You were so deeply loved and will be very sadly missed.
In lieu of flowers donations to the Neurological Foundation would be appreciated and can be left in the Church Foyer.
Rosary will be recited in the Church on Friday 9th October 2026 at 5.30pm
Friends are invited to attend a Service to celebrate Sparky’s Life in St Mary’s Catholic Church, Guyton Street, Whanganui on Saturday 10th October 2026 at 11.30am to be followed by a private cremation.
Sparky’s service can be viewed online at www.dempseyandforrest.co.nz Watch Services Online.
Dempsey & Forrest
Locally Owned
So sad to hear and read of Marks passing! I worked for many years on and off at Tax Link as a receptionist for him, this was back when he had an office in Maria Mall, all those years ago! I would also babysit when Aimee was a little toddler and Nathan a baby!
Thinking of you all at this very sad time!
Thinking of you all at this very sad time!
So many fond memories of Mark, our unforgettable "Organiser" during the Europe trip with Francie, Tonia, and Alex in 2014. The laughter, adventures, and stories we shared together are memories I will cherish always. It was a truly special trip and one that would not have been the same without him. Thinking of Mark's family and all those who love him at this sad time. ❤️
Therese, so very sorry to hear of Mark's passing. A few happy memories - I recall playing pool with Mark during school lunchtimes in Bell St and playing rugby with him, and also going to the Fleetwood Mac concert in Wellington in 1980 on a bus from Whanganui. I caught up with Mark at a couple of school reunions and conversation was so easy, like we were teenagers again! Was shocked to hear of Mark's death. It just reinforces to me the need to appreciate life and good health while we can.
Therese , still can't process this,we hoped he would win this battle. We are left to cherish the fine man he was . Never forgotten.
Dear Therese and family
Thinking of you all at this this very sad time of great loss and sorrow.
Mark has left an indelible mark on my family, he was a stoic man, a remarkable professional gentleman, a person of the highest accord.
Rest In Peace, Mark.
With love and blessings untold,
Virginia Hillgrove
Thinking of you all at this this very sad time of great loss and sorrow.
Mark has left an indelible mark on my family, he was a stoic man, a remarkable professional gentleman, a person of the highest accord.
Rest In Peace, Mark.
With love and blessings untold,
Virginia Hillgrove
