Alasdair Fisher
Dear Marcus
True to our procrastinating tendencies I have left it to the last minute and the bitter end to write this eulogy for you. In the last two weeks I have been scratching together ideas and have found it incredibly difficult. For some reason I can’t pin point any specific memories or events. Every time I reflect or think about you I just have this over arching feeling of euphoria, happiness and unfortunately great sadness.
I had the great honour and privilege to be able to call you my little brother and best friend. You truly were a very special person to me. You had this aura, this pheromone that you emitted which drew in the hearts of many both men and women. A true Steve McQueen, blessed with good looks you seem to waltz through life as if it was the easiest thing you had ever done. I lived in constant admiration of your effortless cool guy style, always trying to replicate it where ever I could. I used to say “I taught you everything you know” but the real reality is that you taught me everything I know.
Your confidence rubbed off on me and helped me to achieve my goals which I am forever grateful. You had it in such abundance and it never turned to arrogance. You were kind and thoughtful from top to bottom, not a bad bone in your body. You would go to the ends of the earth to help your friends and family. No task to great, apart from when you accidentally left mum and dads new habitat cushions on the train after a very heavy weekend on the tiles in Manchester. But in true Marcus Fisher style you still came out smelling of roses as you retrieved the cushions from the rail office complete with a great story to tell at the dinner table. I remember being sat there chuckling to myself and thinking “how the hell have you just done that”.
I will miss your infectious laugh and smile. The double act which would have everyone in hysterics regardless of how funny the joke was. You had this ability to lift the spirits of the people around you, the life and sole of the party which is such a cliche but you truly were.
We were wingmen. I had your back and you had mine. There wasn’t anything that i wouldn’t of done for you. I remember in your uni days it used to give me great pleasure helping you out financially and lending you my new clothes, it made my feel like I was fulfilling my older brother role of protecting you. I took this very seriously.
You were a ladies man. A true Casanova and had developed the art of staying friends with all of your many ex’s. A testament to how much of a good person you were. A story that always resonates with me is when we were in Paris. We were sat on the grass in front of the Eiffel Tower having a drink and admiring the view when this American blonde bombshell came waltzing over with her not so attractive friend. She stood in front of Marcus and said that her dream was to be kissed in front of the Eiffel Tower. I remember being sat there thinking here we go he’s bloody done it again. The only finger he lifted in this whole escapade was the finger he used to tap the ash off the end of his cigarette whilst saying “yeah alright, why not”. He then proceeded to kiss this American bombshell under the Eiffel Tower whilst I got a very uncomfortable and silent death stare from her not so attractive friend. Thanks Marcus!
You were above all a hard worker. Constantly investing your personal time into projects and new ideas. I was so proud of you when you had completed your MA and finalised the designs for Jack and Rach’s garden. Such a great design that will stand the test of time, I wish I had conveyed my admiration more, told you I loved you more and told you how proud I was of you more. Something now I unfortunately can’t fix. My life is full of problems that I fix and move on. Unfortunately my greatest problem is unsolvable. You are my brother and best friend and all I want is you back by my side.
There are so many stories to be told of the joyous time we spent together. Of the great wins and near missis, of the highs and lows and of the laughs and cry’s.
I’m just so thankful for the 30 great years we had together and can only apologies that I wasn’t there to protect you to the bitter end. I, we love you so much. The world has lost a true great. I miss you so much Marcus and will never forget. See you later mate. x
Alastair Guiver
I cannot really put in to words what our friendship means to me or explain how much I will miss you. Ever since we first met at the age of 11 we have been each other’s sidekicks and been there for each other through thick and thin.
Looking back at our times together, it’s a blur of belly laughs and joy. I’m writing this with a smile thinking of all the trouble we got each other in, all the adventures we had and growing up together.
Although I am devastated to have lost my best mate, I am so glad we were able to share so many good memories. What a pleasure and an honour it is to have known you brother. Rest easy, all my love Guiver xxx
Callum Hudson
This photo was taken at Horniman Gardens, SE London on Thursday 26 August, this year. I’d managed to get a few free tickets to Joe Armon-Jones and Marcus had signed up (with typical spontaneity) that morning.
I felt very close to Marcus that evening. We’d spent the previous Friday in the pub together (where, after a couple of beers and a surprisingly direct question, he become my first friend to find out that Sal was pregnant) and on the Sunday we’d been to to see the Streets with Guiver and Meg, a night of pure nostalgia.
It was a special evening with a great buzz in the air and I think we all felt it. We were together - Marcus, Van Ross, Jess, Will and I, on an impromptu summer’s school night, listening to Jazz from a bandstand framed by the City in the distance. There was a sense of new found post Covid freedom and I remember feeling excited by the possibilities of being in the same city as Marcus and all the fun that meant.
Marcus, you always brought such joy to the party. If you were coming, a great night was guaranteed, irrespective of the setting. This evening was one of so many great ones we spent listening to tunes together, those really were the best times. I never acknowledged that I owe much of my music taste to you – all those hours you put in to tracking down those early Sankeys bangers definitely put us on a path that shaped the next few years of all our lives!
I feel extremely privileged to have shared so many great times with you and I will miss you dearly Quez.
Biggest love
Cal X
Callum Johnson
You were the life and soul of every room you entered, and you gave that light to everyone around you.
We are all truly blessed to have known you, and personally I thank you for all the advice, laughs and adventures along the way.
Goodbyes aren't always forever,
See you next time around brother !
Ali Glen
With the biggest possible smiles on our faces on the night before moving out of our first flat in London, this photo sums up how much fun it was living life with Marcus and becoming such close friends. We did so much over the years and that's something I'll always cherish. A lot of the things we talked about, we actually did them. And that was down to Marcus' mentality of always living life to the fullest. Whether that was small things such as decorating for a Halloween party, going surfing, cold water swimming or going on uni ski trips or bigger things such as moving down to London. Life was so much fun with Marcus and I'll make sure I follow living life to the fullest, trying to have a smile as big as this on my face. Forever grateful to have called you both a mate and a housemate.
Luke Jones
It is absolutely impossible to put into words how completely devastated I am but also how incredibly grateful I am to have had such an amazing friendship with you over the last 19 years.
We have come an awfully long way from the first day we met on the first day of school…goofy teenagers with gelled up hair to you helping my plan my wedding as one of my best men.
There have been so many memories over the years, in school messing around and being on report for literally the whole of years 7-11…always being the ‘usual suspects’ whenever something had happened. There have been some questionable fashion choices along the way, I have been looking through all my old pictures of us and the double polo shirt with popped collar combo is definitely one of my personal favourites.
I feel utterly privileged to have so many great memories throughout our friendship but it has still not sunk in that I will never hear your infectious laugh ever again.
I miss you so much mate, rest in peace until we meet again.
Ozy
Marcus, where do I start lad? Who am I going to send all these questionable garments, average tunes and MEMEs to now? You were the realist person I’ll ever know; you had the kindest heart and the most authentic and happy soul. A genuine legend. I am privileged enough to have shared countless of the best times with you and I am thankful for this and these memories I’ll cherish.
Marcus had a lust for life and was a free spirit. I was lucky enough to have gone to Istanbul, after the first lock down with Marcus, he was itching to experience more of the world again. While we were out there, embracing what Turkey had to offer… whilst trying to eat and drink ourselves into oblivion, we ended up meeting many people along the way. Marcus would always wake up with 10 people blowing up his phone the next day trying to meet up with him. These guys and girls only saw a glimpse of Marcus, but they could see straight away how special he was. Even to this day on his memorial post, I’ve seen the same people leave touching messages after such a brief encounter - This really gives testament to what a people’s person he was with such infectious energy; he was always up for a laugh and that’s what I loved about Marcus, the life and soul of the party without fail. The memories that we have of him will live forever because legends never die.
Such a creative soul, Marcus explored this with his love for landscape architecture, excelling at work and creating many lovely spaces that will stand the test of time. That’s how Marcus was – he takes pride in his hobbies, a true all round enthusiasts. Everything he did he overachieved in and pushed his abilities. He even managed to persuade me to jump out of a plane in Namibia while I was 10/10 hungover. That takes a very skilled individual.
Marcus absolutely adored his family and friends, having a very special bond with his Mum, Dad and brother. He loved you all so very much. It's actually incredible how much value he added to other people lives, truly selfless.
Marcus, you have passed with dignity, love, and happiness. I am just heartbroken that you had to get off at this stop. I’ll miss and love you till the end of time. I know you’ll be on your rockstar shit wherever you are… and I will come and join you when it’s my time, but this time, I promise not to hog the aux… too much. I’ll see you on the flip side my G.
Dave Stewart
A true gent, a friend for over 15 years. We had so many good memories from teens to adults and we always laughed so much together. I will now forever cherish our holiday to Spain a few months ago, never thought how important that time spent together would now be but boy did we make the most of it and have the best time possible. You loved life and everybody you met along the way loved you and that says it all.
Goof
You were such an unbelievable mate who I could rely on for both support and a good time! I am so grateful that we finally managed to go away together this year and make some great final memories to add to the countless others we already shared.
As well as having you as such a close mate, it was also a pleasure working with you. Although you didn’t quite get to finish the designs for Tottenham, the fantastic work you did do for us will be a long-lasting legacy to your memory. I will make sure that my first pint in the bar will be in your honour.
You’ll leave an irreplaceable void in mine and many others lives.
I love you man. RIP
Goof xx
CH
Marco, you were truly an inspiration. Having known you for about 10 years now, but becoming really close around 5 years ago when we moved to Didsbury together, I can honestly say I have never met anyone that enjoyed and embraced life so much. Within a few weeks of moving in, we were the best of friends. Finding out that we both loved to cook, would have a drink any night of the week, would happily belt out Oasis at any time of day, and shared the exact same sense of humour. Over the course of the next 3 years of living together, I laughed more than I have ever laughed before, have countless hilarious stories & amazing memories, and felt like I’d found a true rock of a mate that I could talk to anything about. From filling our flat with a table tennis table to breaking my leg and dislocating my ankle (but more than making up for it by being my personal maid for 4 months) we shared one hell of a journey together. The only way I can describe this time is that it was an absolute privilege to get those years living our best Kevin and Perry impersonation together – Love you so much mate and you’ll live on in every scouse accent I do!
Camilla Greenwood
I waited eternity to find you again;
Marcus Fisher my love for you is undying - capable of moving mountains and parting seas - pure magic. I cannot comprehend that your living soul is no longer with us but I truly believe that those we love never leave us - all of the many hearts you touched will never forget how you made them feel.
You’re so cool <3
“I would rather be ashes than dust! I would rather that my spark should burn out in a brilliant blaze than it should be stifled by dry-rot. I would rather be a superb meteor, every atom of me in magnificent glow, than a sleepy permanent plant. The proper function of man is to live, not to exist. I shall not waste my days in trying to prolong them. I shall use my time”.
Jaimee Pritchard
To one of my oldest friends,
From first meeting you in 7H at Cheadle Hulme School all those years back in 2002, to going away with you surfing in Wales at the start Octover this year, I feel so grateful and privileged to have spent and shared some truly amazing times with you.
Looking through these old photos of us has really brought back some great memories.
One of the first memories I have of you, apart from being told off in our school classes, is when you arrived at my home in year 7 during the holidays with your classic long newly dyed blonde hair, to which my 8 year old sister saw a golden opportunity to chase you around the house with ginger hair dye. Eventually getting the better of you, she pinned you down whilst proceeding to put ultra strong wax in your hair mixed with the ginger hair dye. Despite your new locks being ruined, we still remained great friends ever since.
I have incredible memories of us going skiing and surfing together. Our first skiing trip was in year 10 where we took a 24 hour bus to Switzerland. I also remember your parents driving us 8 hours to Lands End to take us surfing when we were 16 years old. Great trip!
I also remember when you moved into your house when you were 18 and whilst the majority of our friends went to university, we seemed to be the only ones that didn't delve into higher education straight away andwe saw each other almost every day for that year.
Going skiing together that February was the best ski holiday I've ever had and the funniest. I believe it all started off when my mum came to pick you up at 8am from Wilmslow, I knocked on the door and you opened it with the cheekiest smile I had ever seen. We go to the airport and I could tell you were excited to get away skiing, both of us were. So excited that as we sit down for a morning brew in the terminal, we hear on the tannoy 'Can Marcus Fisher & Jaimee Pritchard please go to gate...this is your final call'. We run to the gate, and of course, get a standing ovation from everyone on the plane. Unsurprisingly, we did not have any transport to get to the Alps from Switzerland, and in classic Marcus fashion, you make friends with anyone to try and grab a lift. To our luck, an Argentinan man was truly charmed, he pulled a few strings and grabbed us a seat on a coach, I believe we were around 24 hours late to see Fay.
We drove all over the UK visiting friends at university. What a great first year of being an adult and I am so happy I got to share that with you .
You are one of a kind mate, and words can't describe how dearly missed you will be. I think it's telling in the amount of people you have touched by how many photos you will see in this book. You touched so many people and will continue to do so for many years to come.
Until we meet again old friend.
Love
Jaimee x
Megan Jones
This photo is from a Jamie T gig in London in 2014, we had originally gone to see him in Manchester Academy when we were about 15 and it felt only fitting to go with the original group however many years later.
Marcus and I always spoke about this night as one of our best nights of all time. The moment when “Sticks ‘N’ Stones” came on, being surrounded by your closest mates was the most incredible feeling.
This photo just makes me smile, Marcus leaving us has left a huge hole in my life but I’m so glad I can fill it with my happiest memories.
I’d been religiously checking when Jamie T is announcing another tour all year and I’m so gutted that we didn’t get a chance to see another reunion gig.
Marcus, thank you for the best times- and thanks for sharing your impeccable taste in music with me. I have so many songs now that I smile to when they come on.
Fay Pantry
There’s so much I could say but I feel what needs to be said is pretty simple - You were amazing; a true friend; kind, generous, funny, fun, supportive, you gave the best hugs, and I’ll miss you more than you could know.
I am so so grateful to have had you in my life and to have shared so many memories together, from Columbus Fellowship camps and ski holidays to Flims, to years of biology lessons and field trips (thanks for sellotaping me to the stool that time), to sliding in mud at Wakestock, to being my platonic prom date in year 11, to visiting me on my ski season, to many a London night out and pub visit and not forgetting our annual ‘Old Wacs Down South’ Christmas dinners. I’m so happy that one of our final memories together was jumping up and down to ‘Teenage Dirtbag’ on the dance floor at mine and Al’s wedding! I’m so glad we could all spend that day together - What a special group of friends we have and what a huge impact you’ve had on each and every one of us! We’ll all cherish our memories together forever.
Whenever I picture you now, it’s an image of you smiling and laughing (like the picture above) because you never took that grin off your face; you were the happiest person I knew and I’ll never forget the infectious positivity of being in your company. You lived life to the fullest and I’m so lucky to have had you as a friend and to have shared some of my favourite times in my life with you.
Thank you for being such a good friend and truly amazing person. I miss you and always will.
Charlie Edwards
From sitting in the ‘jacutzi’ in Wales on my 30th to NYE in ‘Edinbuz’, countless memories and laughs have been shared over the past 12 years or so. A man of fine taste, a proud northerner where we shared a love of Oasis, Stone Roses, massive tunes, Oi Polloi garms, and People Just Do Nothing.
A true gent that could instantly get on to anyone’s level with a laugh and a smile. Full of spirit and energy. Not to mention an insanely talented friend that was always working hard to achieve more and realise his goals and dreams.
Im gutted we never got to Mangal 2 like we said we would a few weeks ago and its hard to believe you wont be at the wedding in Mallorca next year. Im also sorry for making you sick multiple times on your 30th Birthday quiz!
You’ve left a massive hole in everyone’s life that everyone can only reflect on positively. Heaven really has gained one of the best ones going.
“Who wants what ‘ere then”
Love you mate, rest easy, Charlie xx
Abi Hitchen Hilsley
Marcus, aka Mon Petit Jean-Claude, from the moment we met I had tears of laughter rolling down my face...which definitely became a reoccurring theme throughout our time together. Your wit, talent, gentle nature & kindness never failed to astound me. You will be very missed.
Here are a few memories when I think of you...From our first weekend together, blaring out the 'chunes' whilst ridiculously attempting to tribal dance in the rain until the wee hours...bearing in mind you were fresh out of surgery sporting a bandage that couldn't get wet for six weeks...to three months standing in as your physical crutch as we hobbled around the streets of Manny together...to the hilarious and impromptu big bank holiday bender where we lived like royals and accidentally splashed out our (dismal) life savings...oops.
To always starting the day with huge amounts of love and encouragement and often closing in our day sat in our favourite spot in Macclesfield Forest, with an icy cold Guinness fresh from The Leather Smithy, watching the sun go down.
To your infectious laugh, kindest heart and beautiful smile.
I will cherish every moment.
The world doesn't quite feel the same now you've left but I will make a promise to live life to the full in memory of you.
All my love, The Crumb x
aka Vanessa aka Abby
Sketch by Marcus
Vanessa Naish
It didn’t feel right heading out to Mallorca to sort the wedding stuff out last week… I never thought you wouldn’t be there It just won’t be the same without you so glad you approved of the dress tho little things like that now mean the world and I’m clinging onto in my mind. I can still hear your voice so clearly and your foghorn laugh.
In the time I knew you your impact was huge! The funniest, kindest, most talented person you could ever meet, I wish I had half the talent. A true gent, I’ll miss our heart to hearts and the the hysterical laughs, words can’t express how much we all love you I am so sorry for everyone’s loss! The shiniest light the world seems different now, but We will all make you proud mate and live life the the full. We’ve got a rock star for an angel.
Romantics forever Betty blue forever who’s having what ere then Scotlaaaaand see you again kid xxxxx
Rick Van Ross
It’s not easy to know what to write here. Marcus was such a wonderful person to spend time with, there are too many nights, pints and belly laughs to make sense of. I thought instead I’d share a moment I’d forgotten until this last week.
At the end of the 1st term of the second year of university, I travelled up to a wintry Leeds to visit Marcus for a final knees up before Christmas. Having arrived from the milder climes of Birmingham, stepping off the train I was shocked at how quickly my internal organs ached from the West Yorkshire cold.
Inevitably, the evening’s merrymaking was a roaring triumph. I say inevitably, as any time spent with Marcus was a good time, and honestly, I can’t remember.
What I do remember though, or what has come back to me recently, is what happened once the night’s festivities had come to an end. When everyone had peeled off and half-drunk cans and takeaway trays were all that remained. In amongst the rubble, in the centre of the living room floor, I had inexplicably dozed off.
I woke to Marcus in hysterics. Happening on my sorry state on his way downstairs to get some water before bed, he simply couldn’t help pissing himself. Stirring from my drunken stupor, as he straightened up from bent-double, I just remember him saying, “one sec mate”, before he picked up his skateboard and disappeared out the front door. I only awoke again at the sound of the front door and looked up to see Marcus filling the door frame. In his hands he held bedding and a pillow, and he was now covered in sleet. It was only when we walked to the shops the following morning, I realised how far he’d gone to get it.
At the time, I couldn’t imagine even a sober Tony Hawks navigating those Headingley hills in mid-December. Looking back now, it says a lot about just a few of Marcus’s most enviable traits. Not only the best company and unceasingly fun and positive; talented and a master of sports most are happy simply to try; but a carer and someone who went out of his way to make everyone else around him comfortable. The loveliest of people and someone I feel privileged to have called a friend.
The guy with the tunes. I chose this photo as if there was someone you could rely on to supply a banger, it was Marcus. With the AUX in his possession you felt at ease, just as when on the way to meet him – you were in safe hands – in serene anticipation of what was to come.
James Hughes
I’ll always remember becoming friends with Marcus from school where we met playing rugby together. We were always joking around and became part of the same friendship group where we bonded further at many house parties and a lads holiday in Magaluf. Despite regrettably drifting apart after school, I still got to see him in Leeds and Manchester where he was still the same old Marcus bringing an energy & excitement to anything with his infectious smile, always making him popular among his many friends.
Every time i saw him, we picked up where we left off always saying we need to go skiing together which I’m sad to say we never did.
I’m so grateful I got to see him at Fay’s wedding a month before he died. All the Cheadle lot were there together just like old times.
Speaking to our friends after his death really showed how special he was and how lucky we all were to have known him. I will miss him immensely.
I chose this picture from the Liam Gallagher concert at Old Trafford 2018 because it was such a great night with both Marcus & Al. Singing Oasis songs, sat on each others shoulders and having many beers.
Hugh Draycott
There have been so many memories shared by so many people. I’m lucky you made some of the best years of my life even better. That can’t be taken away.
Eliane Carmona
I met Marcus about 2 years ago, I first knew him as the flatmate of the guy I was seeing. As any other girl dating a guy, I felt nervous meeting him. I soon found out it wasn’t just Ali’s housemate, it was one of his best friends, and we all know a mate’s approval is important if we wanna keep the guy interested…
So there I was, in their flat, trying my best to impress. About 20 mins in, we were already laughing, bonding, chatting about how french I was and how he loved his ski season as a chef in the french alps. So many things in common already I thought! He’s been to France, and he loves food! SO DO I! This is going great I thought! And Ali’s half hidden smile confirmed it: Marcus and I were going to be friends.
The two years that followed were full of movie nights, delicious dinners, Halloween parties, beers in the park, trips to the supermarket, more parties and of course, much more food.
I wasn’t just Marcus’s friend’s girlfriend. I was basically the third musqueteer, the third housemate, I mean the amount of times Marcus had to shout for more toilet paper… haha. Best buddies if you ask me.
Marcus was the kindest soul, the most generous, the happiest and of course, let’s not forget that crazy contagious laugh that would resonate from his bedroom to ours and would result in the three of us laughing out loud.
I miss him so much already, I miss his roasts, I miss our chats, I miss his movie recommendations.
Three suddenly became two and it doesn’t feel quite right. It never will again. He has left a huge hole in my heart and my life will never really be the same. But I am so grateful for the two amazingly crazy funny years I got with him. He will live through all of us, in our memories, in our stories about him, but most importantly, he will live through every single person he met, because there isn’t one person that knew him that wouldn’t agree with how unforgettable he was.
I love you Marcus, forever
Rach & Jack
We weren't only lucky enough to know Marcus as a friend but were honoured to have had him design our garden. I believe this was one of his first solo projects. I remember the day he came to present his ideas to us. He spoke with passion about the steps he had already made in the industry and with complete pride that he got to work with his Dad. We remember feeling so lucky that we knew someone with this level of talent who was willing to help us. It was a steal! Our brief was to transform our concrete yard into a private, low maintenance Oasis where I (Rachael) could practise my yoga. He achieved that and more, suggesting innovative ideas for privacy we could never have imagined and creating a 'new room of the house' where we can go to retreat. It is now an even more special place where we can go and remember Marcus - for his talent, warm presence, love of life and infectious smile. Rach & Jack x
Lizzie Morris
I had the joy of skiing the slopes of Flims and Val Thorens with you; both very memorable trips filled with laughter, mischief and that required some recovery time after. You were always at home on the slopes - a lifestyle that perfectly encapsulated your suaveness, style and general cool being. And we should never forget your epic goggle mark tan!
You always had such a warmth. You were a gentle soul with a timeless charm.
The ripple effect of your passing will no likely be vast, as you left an imprint on everyone you met.
I wanted to put an appropriate Jamie T lyric in here but I’m not sure his words have quite the right sentiment for now :) BUT I know his music will bring a smile to many as we think of you.
Thanks for all the good times, dear friend.
India Hobro
Whether we were adventuring around East London during lockdown, jumping over Greenwich Park Wall to get the best view of NYE fireworks or simply having a quiet night in with food and wine - I always knew if Marcus was around it was guaranteed to be a great time. A best friend to Alastair who quickly became a dear friend to myself. Always the first to arrive and the last to leave; our favourite guest. I am so grateful to have known Marcus and for all the memories we shared which I will always treasure. He brought out the best in people and leaves a huge void in all our lives. There will forever be an empty seat at our table for you pal. India xx
Bronte Sumner
I have started writing this a hundred times but how do you put into words how much somebody means to you and your family. I have so many lovely, crazy, fun, memories of you, I seem to remember a different one every day recently and it makes me smile. The last few times we have seen you we've been with our baby girl (this is the first time I have every really regretted not taking some picture) she loved you as much as we all do, you were there the first time we took her out to eat, she was 5 weeks old and I was having one of those new-born baby mornings where everything was going wrong, I remember being so stressed out but as soon as you arrived we were all laughing, you had the most infectious laugh which always got me no matter the situation and I will miss it so very much. It hurts my heart that Esme won't get the joy of knowing you better, I don't know anyone else who was so chilled out but cared so much about everyone at the same time. Esme sleeps with a 1 teddy every night it's the only one that chills her out at bedtime (which is very fitting) and its the teddy she got from her Uncle Marcus and Uncle Guiver. When she is old enough to understand we will tell her all about who her favourite teddy came from, what a special person he was and how much he means to Mummy and Daddy. We were so lucky to have you, you will forever be in our hearts and never far from our thoughts x
Hari Martin
Forever family
Never forgotten
Love you always
H x
Charlotte Grant
So many memories. So many great times. Marcus You really were the best soul and I am so grateful to have known you and have the pleasure of calling you my friend.It will take a long time to process that you are no longer with us, but I know I will treasure our memories and laugh at the good times for the rest of my life (sneaking a 6ft wooden giraffe out of a french nightclub being my ultimate favourite).
Time flys, life happens, we grow up and before you know it its been too many years, and I am so sad we didn’t get round to that drink we promised. But what I do know is the memories I shared with you were some of the best of my life and they will never leave me.
You always looked after us, we always felt safe with you. You really were the very best.
Gallies will always bring the booze x
Rest in peace my friend
Tash Barltrop
Marcus, the boy I fell In love with at 16. You showed me what love was about. You made me the person I am now. I will never forget the times and memories we had together.
You were the best person and I will never forget you! From being a young boy to turning into a man, you really are amazing.
You will always have a place in my heart and I will always love you.
Phillip Marsden
Cant believe im writing this... Still remember the first time we met on that Sankeys dance floor! The memories we have shared over the years will stay with me forever. What a time we have had at this thing called life. Im gonna carry on living it to the fullest like we always did. Thanks for all the good times. Rest easy. I love you bro xxx
Lucie Gaskell
Cant believe im writing this... Still remember the first time we met on that Sankeys dance floor! The memories we have shared over the years will stay with me forever. What a time we have had at this thing called life. Im gonna carry on living it to the fullest like we always did. Thanks for all the good times. Rest easy. I love you bro xxx
James Starkey
I first met Marcus in my first year of university in Leeds and we remained great friends ever since. Most recently, I ran the Hackney Half with him and we had such an amazing day together. I will forever think of him when out running and I will always remember him to be one of my most kindest, genuine and fun-loving friends. A beautiful man both inside and out. Love you forever Marcus
Jonnie Gregory
Marcus,
Although we haven’t been in as close contact over the last few years, I will always have the fondest memories of the friendship we had and will never forget the true amazing person that you are.
I will always remember sitting outside Pure in the Printworks from the age of 14 (literally every Saturday) for hours on end, using my terrible fake I.D (that for some strange reason worked all the time) to buy copious amounts of alcohol. We had so many belly laughs and it still amazes me that just sitting outside for hours on end doing nothing can really bring so much joy – but that’s what being in your company did to many.
I have never really shared this with many people, but growing up as a gay guy in school was personally daunting and something that generally is quite difficult for most. I however always felt privileged as in true Marcus fashion, you befriended me without a care in the world and your infectious personality and genuine protective spirit really ensured I felt safe in being who I am.
You will never know how much it means – you having the confidence as a straight teen to be best friends with the “only gay in the village”. I owe so much of who I am now as a person to you.
This is really something that I value so much and I will be forever grateful to you for everything you have done, maybe without even realising.
This is a real testament to the true person that you are. Kind, honest, strong and a real genuine friend.
Thank you for everything Marcus. Love always brother.
Jonnie
Jordan Connell
I can't bring to mind a single memory of Marcus where he wasn't laughing, or grinning, ready to laugh. Always good for a quip to break the tension, to crack the ice, to call out the awkwardness, to make someone feel at ease. If he could see how sad we all are, he'd be at it now, trying to brighten the mood, to call out the joke that had been hiding in plain sight.
And that makes him sound like he didn't take anything seriously, which is dead wrong. Get him talking about the urban landscapes he was designing, or the side hustle he was setting up selling the manual for a DIY planter he'd created for amateur gardeners to make in the lockdown, you'd feel the passion he had for the things he cared about, girlfriends not excepted.
It's just that he refused to let anything spoil the fun, to bring down the mood.
Those memories I have from half our lifetimes ago are the same as the ones I have from the last couple of years, which was probably why it was so easy to rediscover the friendship after a few years of doing our own things. Paddling in the sunshine in Abersoch or on Hackney Marshes. Planning holidays to Magaluf or to Israel. A lazy hangover in the 6th form common room after a night at Birdcage or in the Airbnb after Fay's wedding. Saturday beers in the Printworks or at a new bar in Hackney. Getting scrubbed up for Poppy's house party, or for Cal and Sal's wedding.
And laughing the whole time.
Richard Hardwick
Me and Marcus first met in Halong Bay, Vietnam 2013. After spending 2 days on a party boat enjoying the crazy vietnamese antics we met back up in Hue (Central Vietnam) and from there we started our 3 day scooter journey along the Hai Van Pass to Hoi An. I cannot put into words the beautiful scenery we saw and the amazing experiences we had along the way. I'll never forget the crazy white water rafting we had to do in the middle of nowhere. Health and safety does not exist in Vietnam.... Thankfully I got to meet up with Marcus again in Cambodia and we spent a week in Siem Reap together with our American friend Garrett. We visited Angkor Wat and had some crazy parties in the Mad Monkey Hostel. Those times I'll never forget.
Marcus was one of a kind and I will never forget his beautiful outlook on life and his positive attitude. I will forever cherish all the amazing experiences we had together. I love you mate. Rest well x
Browny
Marcus and I met at Brookburn Primary School in Chorlton. We shared the usual array of learning, activities and took part in class assemblies and the famous nativity plays not forgetting school discos where we perfected our dance skills. If memory serves we both fancied a girl called Emma. I think she liked Marcus more than me…
We both represented the school in football in Year 6 and would often tear through local teams/rivalries with emphatic wins under Mr Clegg’s watchful eye. This was, in part, down to us practising on the manicured ‘no ball games’ grass roundabout in front of his house in Chorltonville.
We then attended Cheadle Hulme School and shared several classes together, played rugby and went on various school trips. I can’t remember my school days without Marcus being the life and soul.
I am better for knowing you, better for having met you. May you be blessed in the next life buddy as I was in this one by knowing you.
All my love, Browny & the rest of the Brownes xxx
Angus Jefford
An absolutely incredible part of my life, growing up with the likes on Marcus and Alasdair. Memories I will never forget. An unbelievable bloke who provided some of the most positive memories. In later years whenever we met it was always smiles on faces and reminisces on the times we shared. Thank you Marcus.
Marion Szabo
It was Marcus who first brought me to Torside Reservoir. Not the first time I was hiking in the beautiful Peak District but as a French girl living on her own in Manchester, walks in the moors were quite scary.
I got lost with Marcus, he was too busy trying to find rare plants to pay attention to the path…
I always had the best time with Marcus, good laugh, good music and a lot of fun.
I will always remember his kindness and wish we could go for another adventure…
All my thoughts are with you Marcus parents and brother. I hope you will like these pictures as I do, such a good memory that I’ll treasure.
Poppy Wilson
So many very happy and fond memories of Marcus at school. He was such a huge part of of such an amazing experience. What an absolutely wonderful & special human being. Sending so much love and thoughts. Love Poppy xoxo
Lauren Porter
Marcus was the funnest, most genuine and gorgeous person, both inside and out. I have the fondest school memories with him always larking around and laughing, he was everyone’s best friend and was always so mischievous.
Every time I have seen him since our school years it’s felt like no time has passed at all. He is a true legend and beloved by so many. I will never forget him and will treasure those memories of him always. Sending love and strength to all those that knew and loved him.
Nina Lichine
Thank you for being Ninja’s best mate and an incredible friend to all of us. We lost a beautiful soul on earth but heaven has gained a true angel. Bon voyage in your journey to eternity Marcus.
Molly Fern and The East London Gals
Our lovely friend, neighbour & jokester.
Where do we start. The brief years we were fortunate enough to have you around, you gifted us with your incredible warmth, infectious laugh and clumsy antics. Friendships blossomed from small encounters in the building hallways and poking your cheeky face through open windows just to say hello. Who knew that would have led to all the movie nights, apartment dinners & dancing til the sunrise. Your glowing grin as you remarked “I love you Gally’s” watching us all bicker over a game of cards remains imprinted in our minds. And our memories and adoration for you will never fade.
From your favourite East London Gals, Molly, Chanelle, Rhiarna, Ellie, Ally & Fran.
Photo taken by Marcus, Halloween 2020 in flat 5, 185 Graham Road.