Mark Shakespeare RIP.

[Torch56]

Received sad news yesterday that Mark had passed away.

I first met him at the Wheatsheaf in Walsall in 1985 and thereafter at several venues around the West Midlands, including the 86 Club ( Bridgnorth) the Old Vic and the Black Horse (Wolverhampton) as well as the Central Hotel (Cannock) His taste in music extended far beyond the Top 500 and right to the end his passion for Soul maintained his spirit through the darker days he had to live through more recently. Unfortunately, motor neuron disease is an unforgiving companion and strikes arbitrarily and without compassion. Mark dealt with his misfortune without rancour, and extolled the work of the MND Association, which campaigns for greater awareness and further research into this affliction.

A keen Wolves fan, who was there in the dark days of the 80s, he was also a union representative, at Caterpillar Finning, a role which he undertook with commitment and that he came to miss as his illness progressed.

A sociable and engaging character, his indomitable spirit and easy laugh is sadly no more, but will be readily  remembered.

 

[Torch56]

Details of Mark's funeral:

Friday, 29th, October. 11.15.

Bushbury Crematorium, West Chapel, Wolverhampton. WV10 7JG

Thereafter, there will be a gathering at Bradmore Sports and Social Club, WV3 7ER 

[Tagtag]

What a sad loss, I last saw Mark at the Bradmore, Strictly modern soul night a couple of years ago.

He was still out there, despite his illness, enjoying the music and having a laugh about old tImes.

He will be greatly missed.

RIP.

Carl