Mark Wyn Jones

“A daily thought, a silent tear, a constant wish that you were here.” 

Mark passed away peacefully at home, loved and cared for by his devoted family on 17th October 2021  aged 60 years.

Beloved Dad of Rich & Tom.

His funeral took place on Tuesday November 2nd at Crewe Crematorium Chapel at 12.15pm.

Family flowers only.

All enquiries and to offer your condolences, please telephone our Funeral Home on 01270 584447

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On Tuesday 2nd November we celebrated the life of Mark Jones, a remarkable man
who had many wonderful qualities, he was a gentle giant, a pure gentleman until he
went to football! He loved a good laugh and had a terrific sense of humour, even if it
did err on the darker side, he always liked to join in with a prank or joke, particularly
when someone else was on the receiving end! But he would never purposely upset
anyone, he was kind and considerate. Mark was a devoted father, grandfather,
brother, uncle, and son. He was funny, kind and loyal and he adored his dog Kelsie.
He was born on August 6th, 1961, the beloved son of the late Medwyn and Sally. A
younger brother to Barry and Mandy and latterly an older brother to the late Paul.
Mark spent his formative years living in Lynbrook Road, a small development of
houses occupied by friendly families with children of similar ages some of whom
have remained lifelong friends including Andy Douglas. He spent carefree playing
football in the streets, cycling, visiting the Queen’s Park and swimming at the local
baths. Mark especially enjoyed looking after the family’s numerous pets. Dogs,
birds, guinea pigs and even a Mynah Bird but his particular favourites were a pair of
chinchilla rabbits. Mark would regularly take them to nearby pet shows and often
came home proudly clutching winning rosettes. We must mention Mark’s beloved
Border Collie Kelsey who has brought him great joy over the past 14 years.
Mark attended Brierley Street infant and junior schools and then Crewe County
Grammar School for boys up until 1977. Whilst there he enjoyed playing football and
became very interested in music. His favourite artist of that time was Blondie and he
was lucky enough to see her in concert on several occasions. Other favourites were
the Jam, the Clash, the Skids and The Sex Pistols.  In the last few months Mark had
been adding to his extensive collection of vinyl records and after buying a turntable
he spent many afternoons listening to the soundtracks of his youth .
Mark chose to leave school at the age of 16 and went to work in the offices at British
Rail. He worked conscientiously in the office by day and enjoyed socialising at night.
At the weekend he played football for a number of local pubs including The
Woodside. He then went on to work for the Co op Tea factory and later Freightliner
until ill health brought about premature retirement.
Mark enjoyed family holidays with Rich and Tom and the boys have many happy
memories of visiting Turkey and Greece. Mark was an avid sun worshipper – the
boys would often come down from the hotel room ready for the evening to find their
dad wedged awkwardly in a corner in a last-ditch attempt to catch the few remaining
rays of sun, a beer in one hand and a packet of BBQ pringles in the other!
And Mark was a fussy eater – one year in Cyprus, he was nearly kicked out of the
hotel for arguing with the chef – it turns out the chef wouldn’t let Mark have anything
from the kids menu, but Mark only liked fish fingers and chips!
He often got up to mischief. The boys have one memory in particular which stands
out above the rest. Mark had found a great deal (with free child places!) for a five-
star hotel in Tenerife. He wasn’t pleased about having to wear trousers at mealtime
but at least they had chicken nuggets on the menu.

Quite the explorer, Mark and his late father-in-law Mickey ventured off in search of a
few bars where they could watch the football that evening. Five hours later there’s a
commotion in reception and in stumble the pair of them, Mark bleeding from the eye
and Mickey from his knees. The story they told was Mick tripped, grabbed a tree
branch in the process which sprung back and smacked Mark square in the face but
who knows what actually happened!
Mark encouraged the boys with their pursuits and hobbies and would often be seen
running the line at Toms Sunday league games. He has been comforted in the
knowledge that the boys are happy in their relationships, and he thought the world of
Jade and Charlotte. He was proud that they had bought their first homes and were
looking forward to the future. The birth of Mark’s grandson Ethan filled him with joy
and there can be no doubt that seeing him helped lift his spirits when he had to deal
with unimaginable problems with his health.
Apart from the birth of his two beloved sons and the joy that they have brought him,
the other most important event in Mark’s life occurred when he attended his very first
football match at Goodison Park.
This was to become a lifelong passion and Mark followed the Blues all around the
country along with trips to Europe and as far as Singapore. From the late 1970’s,
Mark missed only two home games and despite his debilitating condition, he
managed to attend the first three games of this season thanks to the support of
Steve Beaver and Mark and Kaz.
Mark’s hero was Bob Latchford and during his illness he received a call from Bob to
wish him well and talk all things Everton. Other favourites included Howard Kendall,
Joe Royle and Big Dunc. Along with the late Alan Thompson, Mark helped set up
the Everton supporters branch in Crewe and Nantwich area known as ESCCNA and
has been a mainstay ever since and is where they have met up most months to
discuss all things Everton.
Rumour has it that the sausage rolls provided by Benny were the reason that most
turned up! Mark has developed so many special relationships due to football and not
all of them Evertonians. There are far too many to name but a special mention to
Alan Buckley, Phil Claire, Nestegg, Steve Leanord, H, Roger, Shane, Beano, Macca,
Benny and more recently the Porter family.
Sixteen months ago, Mark was given the devastating news that he had a terminal
illness. He rarely complained and endured months of debilitating treatment in an
effort to be with his sons as long as possible. He was fiercely independent and only
recently accepted that he needed extra help. Rich and Tom would like to take this
opportunity to thank the carers at Betamindes, in particular Holly and Mandy.

May he rest in peace.