Mark Horton

My deepest sympathies to Marks family, a dreadful shock for us, heart breaking for them. If you ever met Mark you would never forget him. A huge character with strong ethics, hard working and a great sense of humour. He clearly loved his family and would do his best for them. He was devoted to Naza and Naza was devoted to him. A larger than life character who we often talk about and will be greatly missed.

Mark, It was such a shock to hear that you had lost you fight, against Coronavirus it just didn't seem fair or right. That someone who was excellent in his role as being boss, should be taken quite so suddenly it will be a massive loss. I'll miss your cheery 'hiya' when I next call on the phone, as a Manager you were A1 and I never felt alone. You never failed to give advice when I needed it the most, and offered much encouragement whilst you were in the post. I offer deepest condolences to your lovely wife and family, words alone inadequate to express what is a tragedy. Rest in peace Mark, God bless. From 'er up North' and Tom.

This was a fantastic man who made me laugh every time I was in the office with him, I'm gonna miss calling him in the mornings around 8.30, once he got into the office he would call me to see what I wanted but before it got to that question he would say Leroy what time do we start work I would say 9.00 then he would say if you know this leave me along and we would have a great laugh about it, gonna miss you we became friend the lose of a great man. deeply missed

i was deeply saddened when i heard of Mark's passing. Mark was a lovely person full of life with a great sense of humour. i will miss you so much. Sleep peacefully big man xx

Was shocked and saddened at Mark's passing. I will miss his humour, his stories and the way he seemed to just know things sometimes when you didn't even speak a word. He was a good man with a heart of gold. Even if I drove him up the wall at times. I did genuinely like him and things will not be the same without him. It was a privilege to know him, even if just for a short while. I'm sorry for all of those that will feel the loss of him in their lives, his family, his friends, colleagues and former comrades. But our memories of him will live on.

This is overwhelmingly the saddest news. We shall miss Mark everyday. His larger than life character and his presence in the office. I will be thinking of all Mark's family and friends today and will take a few moments to remember him. My heartfelt sympathy to you all.

My sincerest condolences to Naza and family. When we finally return to our offices at Alban Dobson House there will always be a large hole left by such a large heart. I will miss his irreverence and sense of humour: he was indeed a Man's man and forever larger than life. The following is the poem, Sea Fever, by John Masefield that most matelots including Mark will recognise: I must go down to the sea again, to the lonely sea and the sky, And all I ask is a tall ship and a star to steer her by. And the wheels kick and the winds song and the white sail's shaking, And a grey mist on the sea's face, and a grey dawn breaking. I must go down to the sea again, for the call of the running tide Is a wild call and a clear call that may not be denied; All I ask is a windy day with the white clouds flying, And the flung spray and the blown spume, and the seagulls crying. I must go down to the sea again, to the vagrant gypsy life, To the gull's way and the whales way, where the wind's like a whetted knife; And all I ask is a merry yarn from a laughing fellow rover, And a quiet sleep and a sweet dream when the long trips over.

Such a tragedy to have lost such a fun colleague to this awful disease. My condolences to Mark's family and friends. I shall miss your humour around the office Mark. God bless you.