' Mark Watkins Tribute '

' Mark Watkins Tribute '

http://www.annisabraham.co.uk/2017/01/2 ... s-tribute/


For those who were unable to be at the Cardiff City Stadium yesterday, the following is the Mark Watkins eulogy which was printed in the club's matchday programme and read out at half-time:

Cardiff City Football Club lost one of its most passionate and popular supporters last Saturday when Mark Watkins passed away suddenly at his home in Caerau, aged 51.

In December 1973, at the age of eight, Mark attended his first match at Ninian Park with his father Tony and saw City hammer FA Cup holders Sunderland 4-1. He became a Canton Stand regular during the 1975/76 campaign and remained a fanatical Bluebirds follower for the rest of his life.

IT specialist Mark was a man of many talents, including author, disc jockey, photographer, quizmaster and radio presenter. Published in 2012, his book 'Our Ninian Park' contained over 250 photos taken at the club's old ground while he documented the final year of its existence.

Mark served on the Cardiff City Supporters' Club committee for 25 seasons and took on a variety of roles during that time, such as membership secretary, treasurer and newsletter editor. He also worked behind the counter in the club's shop, as a steward on coaches to away games and as host of the GTFM Bluebirds phone-in.

Alongside his wife Irene, Mark travelled all around Europe supporting the Welsh national team. Countries he visited included Azerbaijan, Lichtenstein and Macedonia, and he was present at all six Wales matches during the Euro 2016 finals in France.

A well-respected and much-loved figure among his fellow football fans, Mark was renowned for his friendly, fun-loving nature, his infectious enthusiasm and his willingness to help others. He will be sadly missed by everyone who knew him.

You do not have the required permissions to view the files attached to this post.

Dave, I had nothing but Respect for Mark, very genuine,kind and nice person and devoted to Cardiff City and Wales RIP

A very nice tribute and was good to see the Burton Fans join in with the minute's applause

Dave, I had nothing but Respect for Mark, very genuine,kind and nice person and devoted to Cardiff City and Wales RIP

Cheers Annis. Mark was a great guy in every respect and somebody who did a huge amount for his fellow Cardiff and Wales supporters over a very long period of time.

His father Tony and wife Irene were guests of the club in the boardroom and directors' box yesterday, while a group of his friends (myself included) were also guests of the club up on level four of the Grandstand. Wayne Nash, the club's media department and the rest of the staff deserve great credit for their efforts yesterday, as does Vince Alm, who coordinated everything. I know how much it meant to Irene and especially his father Tony, who was full of pride as the tributes for his son kept rolling in throughout the day.

Dave, I had nothing but Respect for Mark, very genuine,kind and nice person and devoted to Cardiff City and Wales RIP

Cheers Annis. Mark was a great guy in every respect and somebody who did a huge amount for his fellow Cardiff and Wales supporters over a very long period of time.

His father Tony and wife Irene were guests of the club in the boardroom and directors' box yesterday, while a group of his friends (myself included) were also guests of the club up on level four of the Grandstand. Wayne Nash, the club's media department and the rest of the staff deserve great credit for their efforts yesterday, as does Vince Alm, who coordinated everything. I know how much it meant to Irene and especially his father Tony, who was full of pride as the tributes for his son kept rolling in throughout the day.

RIP Mark, true Bluebird.

Glad to hear his family and friends were there as guests.
It was extremely sad and poignant seeing Mark and Irene's seats empty in front of us.

Well done to those who organised it and no more than Mark deserved - as everyone else has said, he was a lovely, kind , happy, helpful guy who did loads for others without ever looking for thanks.

His presence and smile will be sorely missed by many

Pity half time Wayne can't read very well, it was abit painful listening to his monotone voice.

Dave, I had nothing but Respect for Mark, very genuine,kind and nice person and devoted to Cardiff City and Wales RIP

Cheers Annis. Mark was a great guy in every respect and somebody who did a huge amount for his fellow Cardiff and Wales supporters over a very long period of time.

His father Tony and wife Irene were guests of the club in the boardroom and directors' box yesterday, while a group of his friends (myself included) were also guests of the club up on level four of the Grandstand. Wayne Nash, the club's media department and the rest of the staff deserve great credit for their efforts yesterday, as does Vince Alm, who coordinated everything. I know how much it meant to Irene and especially his father Tony, who was full of pride as the tributes for his son kept rolling in throughout the day.

Dave,that was fantastic and well done to everyone of them, Mark and his family fully deserved all of it

http://www.annisabraham.co.uk/2017/01/2 ... s-tribute/

Fitting tribute to a loyal Cardiff and Wales fan. I'm sure Mark would have enjoyed the last minute winner

Didn't know the man but recognised him often at Ninian and CC going back to the 80's. Obviously much loved and admired and will be sorely missed by his family and friends.

Credit to everyone at the club and beyond who organised the magnificent tribute on Saturday.

51, no age at all. Life just does not make sense sometimes.