Widdows Mason mourn the loss of a much loved colleague and friend

It is our sad duty to report the death of our friend and colleague Mark Mason who died on Tuesday 18 March 2008. Mark, aged 50, of Heaton, Bolton, was managing partner of Widdows Mason Solicitors and a Deputy District Judge. He was based at the firm's Bark Street, Bolton offices and had previously worked for 20 years at Widdows Mason's King Street, Leigh, head office.

Mark was diagnosed with lymphoma of the heart in August 2007. Initial chemotherapy treatment was successful, however in January 2008 the illness was found to have spread into his central nervous system and unfortunately could not be treated. He died in Bolton Hospice.
He leaves a wife Laraine, also a solicitor, and daughters Alexandra 12 and Victoria 10.

His business partner Keith Freer said: "He fought his illness with courage, determination and humour. He was a very well respected member of the firm and will be sorely missed by all his friends and colleagues. For a number of years Mark has also sat as a deputy district judge and, no doubt, were it not for his illness, he would most probably have received a full-time judicial appointment."

Many tributes have been paid to Mark by his friends and colleagues, and he will be sorely missed.

"I have known Mark for over 35 years. I was Mark's school friend, fellow student, his best man, and I chose Mark to be godfather to my children. Mark embodied all the really good characteristics of integrity, reliability, honesty, attention to detail, a wicked sense of humour and I will miss him."
Paul Donovan, Regional Chief Executive of Vodafone Plc

"It has been great knowing Mark, he was a great guy and a great family man - he will be sadly missed."
Shah Khan

"I knew Mark Mason more than twenty five years, firstly as a fellow solicitor in the Leigh area and subsequently, after my appointment as a district judge, as an advocate and, for the last 6 years, as a deputy district judge. As an opponent he was firm but fair, always acting for the benefit of his clients in the best traditions of our profession. As a judge he was knowledgeable and decisive. He made the difficult transition to a judicial role and proved himself able to make difficult decisions affecting people's lives but always being sympathetic and caring in the exercise of his authority. His death is a great loss to the legal profession locally and he will be greatly missed. My colleagues join with me in expressing our sympathy to Laraine, his daughters, his family and his work colleagues."
District Judge Swindley

Any enquiries or messages of sympathy can be sent care of Keith Freer at Widdows Mason Solicitors, Delta House, 99-101 Bark Street, Bolton, BL1 2AX.

The funeral will take place on Tuesday 25th March 2008 at Christ Church Heaton at 2.00 pm, followed by private committal at Overdale Crematorium at 2.45 pm. Family flowers only. Donations may be made if desired to the Funeral Directors which will be distributed at a later stage to Bolton Hospice and for research into lymphoma. Further details about who to make the cheque payable to will be in the obituaries in the Bolton Evening News and the Daily Telegraph.

All Widdows Mason offices will be closed on Tuesday 25th March 2008 to allow staff to attend the funeral.