We first knew Mark as a near neighbour, a university colleague and a fellow parent, our children playmates. In all three capacities, he was always kind and welcoming to us; a welcome that was repeated years later, when he and Anna offered to host our little Italian language group — refugees from the Adult College taught by Rosemary — at their home in Dallas Road. This lasted over a number of years and Mark was always a warm presence as we came and went, occasionally popping in for a word during our coffee break and enjoying the laughter that emanated from the dining room where we were "studying". As a thank-you for this hospitality and to mark Anna's 60th birthday, we spent a happy couple of days in Llandudno with Mark and Anna, enjoying the sea air, the hospitality of St. George's Hotel with sea-view rooms and memories of former lives for Anna and John who had lived there as youngsters. Mark was already ill by this time but not unable to enter into the fun of the stay and to enjoy the food, conversation and laughter. It was a precious time in a long friendship which we continue to treasure. (John and Rosemary Rodwell)