HUSBAND, FATHER, brother, uncle, friend, messer, Chelsea fan, musician, comedian, animal lover, teller of the most detailed stories, absolute gentleman, a man of honesty and passion, Mark was, first and foremost, a beautiful person.
I don’t want to make this too personal, but it can’t be anything but personal. For everyone who knew him or came in contact with him, Mark Logan had the rare and beautiful attribute of actually caring for you and listening intently to what you had to say.
Whether you were a friend, an enthusiastic dancer at the end of a gig (where he once again was the star of the show ) or someone he met through his inspirational work with Rehab Care or on mental health issues, your life was enriched for knowing him, and in some cases your life was saved for knowing him. He really was, as was said by the priest at his funeral, a hero.
There are so many stories, Logan anecdotes, or devastating one-liners, but one that stands out for me is a comment from Mark during his 50th birthday celebrations at the end of January. Friends old and new, from near and far, and all his family, gathered for a weekend of music and laughter in the Róisín Dubh. Mark was thrilled so many people turned up and at the end of our Disconauts show, as we packed away gear, he turned to me and with that trademark Logan grin and said: “It doesn’t get any better than this P. Friends, family… and love.”
Family and friends were the most important thing to Mark. He doted on his beautiful girls, his wife Shona and their little girl Amy, and he loved nothing more than family gatherings.
Compassionate and considerate, Mark cared and was a confidant for so many people. He looked after friends, acquaintances, and family simply by having one of his reassuring conversations. He looked after us Disconauts; we called him “Dad” but really he was our big brother, always there for us with advice and love.
Mark had the most mischievous smile and infectious sense of humour. All I can honestly remember is laughter; so much laughter. He met you with a hug and a kiss and people who were close to him knew how he felt about them and how they felt about him.
I don’t want to say the world is a worse place now that he’s gone because the world is a better place from him being here, and I believe we are better people for knowing him.
I searched for a quote or perhaps an old Irish saying to honour Mark, but knowing him he wouldn’t want that. He would just want that his friends and family would not grieve for him but would remember all the wonderful times and cherish those unforgettable memories.
A friend recently introduced me to the writings of John O’Donohue and I think his musing on grief is apt for the many people who feel a bit lost at this moment.
Gradually you will learn acquaintance
With the invisible form of your departed;
And when the work of grief is done,
The wound of loss will heal
And you will have learned
To wean your eyes
From that gap in the air
And be able to enter the hearth
In your soul where your loved one
Has awaited your return
All the time.
RIP Marky x
