Marc worked at Shelter for many years as our DIY Skills Advisor. His job was to help homeless people to resettle into a home of their own by doing practical stuff with them – decorating, clearing the garden, putting up shelves, plumbing in washers, fitting carpets - and he was absolutely brilliant at it. He was so skilled he could turn his hand to anything, and over the years he helped thousands of people to turn a house into something that felt like a home, a place where they could put the experience of homelessness behind them. He wasn't only able to do this because of his practical skills, it was because of the way that he was with our clients - he was enthusiastic, inventive and lively and was really good at finding ways that they could get involved, encouraging them to do things that they'd never done before, increasing their confidence and helping them to feel safe and secure. Marc often went beyond the call of duty - he was unrelenting and had an attitude of ‘let’s just get on with it and get it done’.
Marc was full of energy, like a whirlwind at times, and never before or since have we helped as many people. He was just made for the role and we loved seeing him do it and having him around for all those years.
Marc was a very clever man who thought deeply about things. The curiosity he felt and his desire to understand the world and people around him made him someone that was always interesting to talk to. He never wanted to shy away from bigger and more probing ways of looking at issues, and his intelligence and extensive reading meant that he always brought his unique take on things. He would debate the world with his colleagues and there were disagreements, but he never fell out with anyone – he was respectful of differences and he had a great way of getting you to think about the world and challenge yourself. He had a gentle, quiet persuasiveness and conversations were always stimulating and fun.
And Marc was such a kind, sensitive and caring man - he was always there for you and supported many of us through tough times in our lives, just listening, showing compassion and understanding, and often coming out with some gem of wisdom to help you through. And he was funny – we have so many lovely memories of having a laugh with him. The love he had for his family shone out of him whenever he spoke about them, you could tell how proud of them he was and how much he loved them. And we will remember him as a free spirit, a unique individual, full of passion and energy, who we all deeply respected.
Marc will be greatly missed, and we are so sad that he is not with us anymore. He was a pleasure to work with and it was our privilege. There are not enough people like him in the world. From all of us here in Shelter Sheffield we are so sorry for your loss and are sending love and warm wishes to his family and friends.
Tracey Nathan (Head of Shelter Sheffield).