Community
5 December, 2025
In memory of Mark
MARK Mugavin’s memory will long live on in the hearts and lives of not only his close-knit family and friends, but all who had the pleasure of meeting him.
Mark passed away on April 26 last year from Glioblastoma (brain cancer). He was just 41.
His death left a huge hole in the lives of family and friends – many of whom were in Warrnambool late last week to watch local bowler Don Price have his head shaved; all in the name of raising funds for brain cancer research.
The day proved not only a wonderful fundraiser for the organisation, but also a wonderful tribute to a man that has left behind a loving wife, two young children and a family still struggling to come to terms with loss.
“Mark had been suffering an ongoing headache for days and when he went to get checked at the hospital he was sent for a CT scan that revealed a mass on his brain.
“Two days later he had a biopsy and shortly after was diagnosed with Glioblastoma. That was just nine days before Christmas,” wife Megan said.
“We’re all still trying to find our new normal and to do our very best without Mark here; it’s certainly been very tough.”
“But we’re very lucky to be surrounded by such a wonderful family and friends. James and Sophie’s school (St Joseph’s Primary) have been wonderful too.
Megan’s father Peter Baker began a fundraising campaign for the Cure Brain Cancer Foundation shortly after Mark’s death and has been deeply moved by the generosity shown by so many people in the community, along with local businesses.
“Mark truly was a wonderful son-in-law, and a loyal and loving husband, son, father and friend – his death, especially at such a young age, was absolutely tragic and has left a big hole in the lives of so many people.
“This fundraising campaign (which has now surpassed over $20,000) is one way we can honour him and raise money for further research into brain cancer.”
To kick start the campaign, Peter himself had his head shaved last September at the Timboon Bowling Club and was on hand at City Bowls Club in Warrnambool last week to watch fellow bowler Don Price also lose his locks.
“Don made a bet that if the members of City Bowls could raise at least $2,000 towards the foundation he would have his head shaved,” Peter said.
“I’m not sure if he was confident the money would be raised or not; but they came through and exceeded that amount.”
A large crowd of enthusiastic onlookers gathered at City Bowls on Thursday afternoon and cheered as Megan’s sister, Ebony Baker, took out the clippers.
Mark’s proud parents, Sandra and Julian Mugavin were among the crowd watching the shave.
“Mark was an incredible son, husband and father and we really couldn’t be prouder,” Sandra said.
“This fundraising effort is incredible; what Peter has done has been amazing and we thank him and everyone who has donated to the foundation.
“We all really miss Mark, and times like Christmas are especially hard. I think he’d be proud of this fundraising campaign.”
Last week’s shave raised around $6,000 and will be donated to the Cure Brain Cancer Foundation to fund vital research, invest in clinical trials, and provide support and advocacy for people impacted by brain cancer.
