Mark Farnham (2 Jul 1962 - 24 Sep 2026)

When I think of Dad, I think of someone who was definitely a strict dad when we were younger. We had to be home by a certain time, and if we were naughty, we certainly knew about it! And that didn’t just apply to us — Scott has been part of the family since I was 14, and Dad made sure he was treated exactly the same!

As he got older, Dad definitely had a cheekier side, especially when the ladies were around! Although he was always quite a private person and mostly kept himself to himself. He also loved a good bet at the bookies, which was very much part of who he was.

But more than anything, Dad never really asked for much. He appreciated the simple things — spending time with his family, being together and making memories. That’s something I’ll always be grateful for.

I’ll miss having Dad round for Sunday dinners, sitting together and having some good old quality time, updating him on everything that was going on in our lives. It’s those ordinary moments that I know I’ll miss the most, because they never felt ordinary when Dad was there.

I’ll miss his presence, his humour, his little ways and, most of all, just having my Dad there.

I hope he knew how much those moments meant to me, because they mean even more now. ❤️

Mark was my loving,cheeky little Brother, to me and Marilyn,who we miss very much. So glad we have shared time together over the years,but especially in the last 3 years. You have been a friend and a loving Brother, and a good Father.You were generous and kind,and a funny man,even in your last few days. A gentle giant. Your Family are a credit to you, and getting to know them again has given me great comfort. You can rest now,until I see you again my love, Catherine🥰

Mark may technically have been my stepdad, but to me he was simply one of my dads. I was incredibly fortunate to grow up with two dads in my life. My childhood was shaped by seeing the friendship and genuine respect between them, something I appreciate even more as an adult. I often found myself explaining that I had two dads, and occasionally having to clarify that no, they weren’t actually together!

Dad helped raise me and my siblings. He was strict, old school and a hardworking man who spent most of his life working outside. He would come home, claim his place on the sofa and take control of the remote, much to our disappointment. Dinner with four children messing around while Dad tried to eat in peace was often interesting too!

Family was always incredibly important to him. He was a proud Dad and Grandad, and what he valued most was simply spending quality time together. He loved coming over and sitting amongst the chaos, watching us raise families of our own and enjoying being part of it all.

The last few years brought Dad and me much closer. After his stage 4 cancer diagnosis, we made a conscious effort to make the most of our time. We made a bucket list, went for breakfasts, did little shopping trips and spoke on the phone more. I became one of his first calls when he needed help, had an appointment or, quite frequently, needed his personal IT support!

As his health declined, I cared for him more, but what I didn’t fully appreciate at the time was how much he was still caring for me. He listened to my rants, worried when I was spinning too many plates and always wanted to know if I was okay. I already miss having that parent at the end of the phone.

We weren’t finished with you yet, Dad, and we weren’t ready to say goodbye. But there is comfort in knowing that you didn’t suffer for long and that your final weeks were spent being fussed over, joking with the ward staff, enjoying far too many sweet treats and, most importantly, surrounded by your children.

Dad was a father, stepfather, Grandad, brother and friend, and above all a proud family man.

I had two dads, and I will always feel incredibly lucky that Mark was one of them.

Sleep peacefully, Dad. You were so very loved and will be missed more than you could ever know. ❤️

Buddies for ever. Will see you one day on the Flip.
Until then. Xx

RIP Mark. Fond memories of time spent in your company, alongside your lovely family. A gentle man, with a soft laugh and, above all, a loving father. You’ll be remembered fondly. Sleep peacefully. 🕊️