Mark Ponting

Campbell River, BC – The rain’s been relentless here in the Comox Valley, a fitting backdrop for mourning the loss of Mark Sydney Ponting, a man synonymous with the rugged beauty – and brutal demands – of British Columbia’s coastal forest industry and a surprisingly avid member of the Coast Guard Auxiliary. He was 66. Ponting, a respected logging road builder with a spirit as expansive as the Pacific Ocean, died peacefully on February 24th, leaving behind a legacy woven from decades spent carving paths through ancient forests and navigating the waves. …Beyond his professional and recreational endeavors, Ponting was deeply involved in the Truck Loggers Association (TLA), a vital advocacy group for the independent logging contractors who form the backbone of the BC forest industry. While the TLA has faced criticism for its stance on logging practices, Ponting consistently championed a “responsible logging” message, publicly advocating for sustainable forestry and the importance of respecting the environment. [see obituary]