In an effort to escape the increasingly hot Wilmington summers without moving all his belongings back to his native England, Mark Broughton left this plane of existence last Friday to seek greater adventures.
A multi-cultured renaissance man of mystery and great artistic talent, Mark crossed the ocean after living on two continents before coming to Wilmington and blessing us with his generous hospitality and uncanny knack for meeting complete strangers at the most unusual times and places. Of course some of those strangers went on to become some of his dearest friends.
Always quick to challenge those who opposed him and never shy to express the way he really felt, this was Mark, for better or for worse. In an almost whimsical dance, he delighted in challenging friend and foe alike in his capricious mannerisms which often resulted in the reactions he sought. Where this immediately filtered out a few of the people he came in contact with, to the rest who stuck it out and got to know him, it became his trademark characteristic and one of the reasons he could be such a joy to be around.
He touched the lives of quite an eccentric group of people he came to know as friends with his compassion, love, loyalty, and brutally honest sense of humor. While He could appear reluctant on the surface to show his more sensitive side, it was obvious to those who knew him well that he had a soft and gentle side. He would stop everything he was doing at the drop of a dime to help a friend in need. his heart was the biggest of all, but it was stopped at just 52 years old
Although He rarely cited specific religious beliefs, it should be known that he had a deep yearning for spiritual growth in order to better understand himself in hopes that he could have a positive impact on the people whom he cared about. That being said, if he owes you a beer and you do see him in Heaven, he’d likely welcome you to buy him another pint… or two.
Mark was not just known for expressing himself with his tongue, but was equally gifted with his paint brush and artistic vision that mirrored what many clients subconsciously wanted but couldn’t articulate themselves. Having apprenticed in England to learn English style Faux painting and eventually gaining a master status in his art, He could make a plain piece of pine from the lumber yard look like say, a moldy sea log under various stages of decay and yet it would be the most beautiful piece of wood one could imagine in their living room. Hence his business Naked Faux was revered throughout the area and beyond
It’s safe to say that Mark left a positive impression on those whom he cared about and enough hysterically funny experiences to last an entire life time of reminiscing. He leaves behind his siblings, Denise, Kevin and Paul and a funny looking bull terrier named Pike. So If you knew him well, he was also a part of your family too, as you were part of his
To a beautiful and courageous soul who has made a lasting impression on so many, may his journeys forward be filled with peace and the many blessings he deserves. "Til we meet again Mate!!"
20 Comments
Mark was the most funniest guys I have ever met in my life . He would be there for anyone no matter what . I remember you back in the good old days stripping your moter bike down then putting it all back together . All of us listening to meat loaf . I am so happy me and kev got to spend a month with you . We never wanted to let you go . You will always be in our broken heart’s. Hope your partying up there with Ethel and Sam . Love you bro xx gone but never forgotten RIP xx
Thanks Paul, for him that’s lovely
Mark was just a Foxwood lad we all had so many good times and laughs together we was just the Foxwood lot who all grew up together xx
Mark was funny, kind and most of a decent and genuine human being who could pull a wheelie for ages!! Miss you pal. Sleep tight. R. I. P
Always was and still in my heart Xxxxx
Mark was such a wonderful friend. I liked him instantly. He was kind and so funny. I’ll truly miss him.
The life and soul of the party enough said RIP mate til we meet again and yes I will have a pint
Miss you mark you was the best
Mark was just a Foxwood lad to us all so many memories and laughs as we all grew up together sure from us all in Foxwood Mark will always be in our hearts :two_hearts: and never forgotten love Evelyn x
So many firsts in my life were because of you Mark. From making Yorkshire puddings, teaching me about English football, showing me how to plaster and so many more. I will be forever grateful for the love, the kindness, the banter, the laughter, and the hugs! Love you Mark! Safe travel on your journey friend:heavy_heart_exclamation_mark_ornament:ï¸
We will be having a gathering of friends and family here in Wilmington to honor Mark and we’ll post details here soon as Kevin and Friends make their plans to come over from England, it will probably be March 4th or 5th, but we’re not sure yet. Please check back
He was my friend. A very dear friend. You are free now to travel to other dimensions far far away. We all miss you and love you but could never slow you down. Big hugs and no more words. Hopefully see you on the other side. bro. your buddy Gino
so much fun. so many places so many laughs it was absolutely hilarious. most people wouldn’t believe it. ! but we had quiet times too and rest and food and drinks. Cheers to you mate ! forever strong miss ya dude. you were a real character and a definite master of your craft. Salute ! Gino
Mark was a high school friend in Australia and was one of the most funniest and well loved boys in our year. Everyone thought highly of him and when we all got back in contact with each other via the Internet through different social sites.. over the years, people would always question has anyone heard from Mark or know where he is…I finally found him on fb a few years ago and kept 8n touch through a lot of ups and downs…from a collective od school friends RIP Mark even in school you were bigger than life and will always remain in our memories and hearts.
Mark was a special person. We shared a unique bond that was ours alone. Mark taught me how to love myself. I’ll never forget it. We were in his back yard (after a night of partying of course!) …and I just couldn’t say the words. It took some time but our friendship got me there. Now I can say it easily. I love me because of you and the friends we shared.
Another night, I wanted to tell Mark that I loved him. I struggled to get the words out. He told me to say it before I lose the moment; when the moment is gone, you can’t get it back. I did and he was right. He had such a good heart and soul. Here is a moment…I will love you forever. RIP my friend.
Mark was my good neighbor who I saw everyday as I walked my dog by his house. I would stop and chat and he always made me laugh especially the video of his dog Pike being “extra friendly” with another dog. I am sure many of you have seen the video. It made him laugh so hard. He was the socialite of the area always will to help you out with anything. Really gonna miss you Mate. Hope Pike is fine?
Hi Nancy, this is Denise, Mark’s sister. Thank you. Pike is with us – me, my two boys and my husband. We love him so much and he is so happy!:heart:
Thanks Evelyn.
Glad to hear Pike is with you. He is a good dog and hope he brings your family happiness. His dogs were always so important to him. I am sure he is very thankful Pike being loved. The neighborhood has been so quiet without Mark. Sure miss him.
I am in shock I just found out today that Mark died, please tell me what happen. Mark saved me from a bad kitchen remodel job and came through for me. I am so sadden to hear about his loss he was extremely creative I wil surely miss him so much. Anne lorenz
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