Mark Condron

It's so lovely to see this book still being added to. I'm designing a lesson tomorrow on 'our inspirations' and wanted an image for the man who inspired me which is why I ended up back here. Mr C didn't just inspire me when he taught me back in 1990-92, he continues to inspire me as he obviously does so many others.

I was in the 6th form with 'Conny' at De La Salle Salford in the late 70s. Mark was the best man in the school. We played in a band together (The Lamé Groupies) and also acted alongside each other in 'Oh What a lovely war!' These were my best memories of all my schooldays. Mark had humour and goodness running through him like a stick of Blackpool rock.
So cruel to be taken so young. I always raise a smile when driving into Manchester, down the A580, passing the turnoff for Moorside.
God bless you Mark.

Dear dear Mark, Dave and I were talking about brass bands tonight and were trying to remember which one you played with. We were devastated to find that you play no more. As a colleague in the RE department at St Mary's Astley you were awesome. What a team we made. Our 6th form pilgrimage to Walsingham became a hoot when the Head decided to join us. We headed with the kids to the back of the coach and played guitar and sang all the way home. Our heartfelt best wishes to Liz. Keep it all in order in heaven and keep them all smiling up there.

Mark, it only seems like yesterday when we were at college together. I always remember the enthusiasm you had to your subject and it was indeed infectious. You were a star there and are still a star this time burning brightly in the heavens.Rest easy. Sincere condolences to Liz and the children.

so sad and shocked to find out that you have passed away mate, last saw you years ago but the memories stay fresh... fantastic memories of playing days at swinton both as band mates and you as conductor. rest in peace mark. rest easy.

I only found the news just now and am so sad to hear that the best teacher I ever knew has died. At a crucial time of my life, at Holy Cross College, Mr C believed in me and helped me to believe in myself. He radiated the joy of life and an awareness of God. He was doted on by so many of his students - one year we played a recording of his gaffes in class to an assembly. Who else would appreciate that?!

Like many others, my first thought after college was to study Theology and to become a teacher. It wasn't just his joy that was infectious. I am so sad not to be able to tell him the ways I have tried to live up to his legacy. But I do not say what a waste. I say what a gift. What a precious, precious gift.

Thank you.

I too was in Georginas class at Holy Cross in 92-93 and what an amazing impact you made. You really inspired me to teach RE, I loved your lessons, you had something incredibly special. I have just stumbled upon this tragic news and I feel incredibly sad. My love to your family, they must be so so proud, thanks for everything, Nadinexxxx

Dearest Mr Condron, I came across this devastating news while looking on 'Facebook' this evening. Tears are rolling down my cheeks, feeling shock and saddness. I was in your Christian Theology class '92-93, just before you moved to the Lakes. On my first day at Holy Cross you made an instant impression by singing 'Sweet Georgia Brown' to me when I was enrolling. I was honered to have you as my teacher and remember so much from your lessons. One particular phrase that you used has stuck 'Good, better, best'! I use it now in my teambriefs at work! In around 1998/9 I bumped into you in Oxford, you were there on a conference and I was working there. You were so genuinely interested to hear how I was, which really touched me after 5 years. I will always remember your love of red wine, a good cheese and bread. I am also wondering if you still have a watch we bought for you, engraved on the back 'From your little B & B' Only the class of 92/93 will know what it stood for! There is a picture of you playing guitar at Holy Cross with Mr Poulton, I remember you singing 'Starry Starry night' one day in college and from then on loved the song!
Dear Mr Condron is there was ever a man with Christ living in him, then it is you! God bless xx

I met Mark whilst studying at Salford, playing Cornet in the Swinton band in the early days and later in the championship section. I also met him many years later when applying for a job at St' Joseph's. Mark always made me feel welcome and was always full of life and enthusiasm.
Ironically, I only found out that he had passed away from a person I regularly gave communion to, who has since passed away himself and who met Mark in St. John's hospice at the same time. Mark, in some way or other, has always showed up in my life at the most unexpected times - that was Mark for you!

May God Bless his him and look after his family at this sad time. Eternal rest grant to him Oh Lord and let perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace. Amen.

So very shocked and saddened to hear today of Mark's death. He was one of the best teachers I have ever encountered and it is largely due to him that I am an RE teacher today! He gave me much advice when I left Holy Cross College to go to Christ and Notre Dame (mainly about which pubs to either visit or avoid!!) He kept in touch for a while when he moved up to Cumbria and regaled me of tales about after hours drinking in the local pub! My sincere condolences to his family (of whom he talked about constantly at Holy Cross). Our theology class lived through Liz's pregnancy with the twins!!!

I was shocked to hear of Mark's death today from Mike Anderson (Mark's partner in crime/music at Christ's College,Liverpool). I remember the music group in the late 70's/early 80's(and Liz his, then, girl friend), his musical talent and his sense of fun with great affection. I'm so very sorry that his passing away will leave a void in his family and pray that God will help them all through these times.

What can I say about Mark that hasn't already been said? Probably nothing. Mark was a good friend to me and an inspiration to my banding, if it hadn't been for him I would have probably stopped playing by now. He gave me enthusiasm and self belief in myself which brought my playing on to a totally new level after being in the wilderness for years. I seldom miss a practice now and once upon a time I seldom went to a practice, that is what Mark done for you. He made everyone feel special and part of the team, we will miss him.

I had the pleasure of attending Christ's College, Liverpool at the same time as Mark. I feel honoured to have counted him as a friend at that time. We took different paths on leaving college and lost touch, but the memories cannot be taken away. The fun we had playing music for Sunday mass, the productions we did of Jesus Christ Superstar and Evita and of course the parties! God bless you Liz and family, Mark was a truly amazing man.

Mr condron a truly amazing man. He made our school what it is today and everyone should be proud of him.
WELL DONE

Feeling very shocked to hear this sad news, the world of education has lost a wonderful and inspiring professional and all who knew Mark closely a loving, caring and humourous friend who brought joy and happiness to all he touched. Sincere condolences to Liz and family and Rita, Vincent, Anne, John and Liz. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.

Of all the people I have known during my half-century on this earth Mark was from the top drawer. I first met him in the late 70's when he was`Head Boy of De La Salle, Salford. He commanded huge respect among his fellow students and with good reason. We tried to sign him up for the De La Salle Brothers but a life of celibacy was not in his plan. Fortunately he met Liz and instead became a fantastic husband, father, teacher and Headteacher. His move to Christ's College brought us even closer together and, with Liz and others we made a significant contribution to music within the Church, running up and down the country playing music and quoting vast amounts from the "Life of Brian". Mark was always the life and soul of the party. His humour was infectious, his musical skills considerable and he had time for everybody. With living in Ireland and now in New Zealand I did not see enough of Mark and Liz and the family but I believe he always continued to "look on the bright side of Life" even in the face of such adversity. I know that I will miss him greatly until we play that one last gig in the sky for the Almighty himself. Have a good rest Mark and build up your strength, you'll need it when we all arive up there.

As the Mum of two sons who previously attended St Benedicts I was greatly saddened and shocked to read of the death of Mr Condron. He was intrumental in guiding/supporting them through difficult times. He always made time for others. Thank you very much Mark. So sad to lose one of lifes gentlemen.

the mass on firday was just touching he was such a lovely fella and the mass hit all the 6th form lasses he was a great man and he will so sadly be missed and he was always there for us when we needed him, and the mass was showing that aswell as remembering him, and when mrs condron said get into the pool i just cryed that was his saying all the tine, he was such amazing man.... his death has touched everyone, he was ill when he was still coming to school he was doing a load of stuff for the school. he was graet it is sooo different not having this amazing man around the school is a different place without him... RIP sir you were amazing..... love from shaunna st benedict school xxxx

We will all miss his guitar-playing and singing at St Joseph's Church, Cockermouth. I think we 'did him proud' on Tuesday.
Rest in Peace Mark.
Clare, choir member,St Joseph's.

On behalf of myself and my family and especially my daughter Madeleine I would like to send our condolences to Mark's wife and children.

Mark was a very humane man who genuinely cared about his pupils. We are grateful for the help and support he gave to Madeleine when she became a pupil at St Josephs.

I was only at St Benedicts for the first year of Mr Condron being headteacher but know from what little time is that he was a legend. I remember him walking round school at dinners and breaks asking how our day was going and making us laugh plus the inspirational and really funny assemblys. i was truly inspired by him and he helped me go for what i want in life. i was so sad at hearing of his death, RIP Mr. Condron and all my thoughts are with his family at this sad time xx

To Mr Condron, an amazing man and teacher. He took us out of our hum drum world of school,into one which let us glimpse at our true potential. He allowed us to believe in our dreams and set us all on our journey to reaching them. I know I was really lucky to cross paths with this incredible man- some lights just sign brighter, his light will live with us all always.

A unique man. He gave so much.I wish I had done more as he had encouraged.

I have lots of memories of Mr Condron and will never forget any of them. Like when we all went to france and when he taught me english. Everyone was always laughing when he was around. He was a great head teacher who was always laughing and joking with all the pupils. He did great assembaly's which all had meanings on how important things where in life and in school. He will be greatly missed by everyone.
Rest In Peace!!

Former pupil of St. Joseph's and pupil of St. Bennies 6th form!!

My fondest memories of Mark were watching him conduct Dearham Brass Band to a very high standard and Mark did bring the best out in everybody.His style of teaching was unique and he had a way of getting the best out of each player just by looking at them with a special sign language.
He will be missed by everyone who new him. A very talented Man.

I would like to give my condolences to Mr. Condron's family. Mr. Condron was a great inspiration to me. He was a man that never had a dull day or ever saw a dull moment. It was Mr. Condron's enthusiasm and positive way of life that made me who I am today, I was always a student that saw the negative side of things constantly saying "I can't do it," and it was Mr. Condron's positive attitude always telling me "never say I can't, there is no such word as I can't." He always told me "there is nothing you can't do if you want something enough you can achieve anything." So I would like to say a great thanks to you Sir I did listen to what you said and because of that I have a great career helping others that can't help themselves. I hope everyone else feels so honoured and inspired to have known you and be taught by you. You truly were a headmaster to look up to. You Sir were a true saint who touched so many lives. May God take good care of you, helping you rest in peace, and keep you smiling like you always did the I remember you. You will be a great los to me and so many others. Always in our thoughts and our hearts until we meet again.

One of the fondest memories we have of Mark is when we all went on holiday with Rita, Vincent and family to Devon. The road to our cottages had a few pot holes. We came across a particularly large one that was full of muddy water. Mark took one look and exclaimed excitedly.
"O Mum, we've got a swimming pool!"
But then Mark never noticed the rain, only the rainbows.
Rest in peace, Mark.
Auntie Sheila, Uncle Arthur, Chris,Catherine and Martin.

My enduring memory of Mark is of a young man who radiated optimism and who through that inspired confidence in everyone who worked with him,young and not so young.Bold ,innovative, and a great great communicator with a heart of gold.It is a privilege to have known him.

The world is a better place for Mark having been part of it.
Rest in peace Mr Condron. I feel privileged to have known you.

as a past pupil at st bens 94/99 Mr condron was my re teacher he was a great man and was always smiling he will always be remember and sadly missed my thoughts are with u all dawn (woolaghan) purdy

Thinking of you all at this sad time. Happy memories of Croyde Bay in years gone by..... Rest in Peace Mark. Love to Liz and family, Vincent , Rita, John, Ann and Liz.
Bernadette Ryan (Johnson)

A fantastic, funny, caring, thoughtful uncle. Will be greatly missed. All my thoughts and prayers are with Liz, Nicola,Richard,Claire and Helen. You have all been so brave and inspirational I love you all x

So shocked and saddened to learn of Mark's death.Once spent a lovely weekend with him and Damian Lundy working on some RE materials for Sixth formers.As a fellow teacher,I knew exceptional talent and dedication to young people when I saw it!It was a great pleasure for me when Mark taught my own son,Ben, at Holy Cross.It is many years since we met but I was so happy to know he was in Whitehaven (my home town)and Workington spreading the Good News up there.My heart goes out to all the family and to the community at St.Benedict's.You will remain in my prayers.May Our Lord who is our Resurrection and our Strength hold you all close at this time.

Ann-Marie Fell (Manchester.Ex-Loreto Head of RE)

Mark was a special family friend from a very special family.We remember him with love and pray for all those who feel such sadness now, to find some comfort in their happy memories of times shared with him. We were all blessed to have known him.

We were so saddened to hear the news about Mark Condron. His charisma is at the forefront of our memories of him as is his sense of fun. Around 1990 Mark organised the staging of "Godspell" at Holy Cross College and it was his idea entirely for Mary Magdalen (played by Gina) to sit on the Lord Mayor's knee in the audience whilst singing her solo "Turn Back Old Man", making it the most memorable of performances. It is such a loss to teaching that someone as inspirational as Mark is no longer here.

Mr C taught me in my (and his) first year at St Ben's way back in the early 90's. All I can remember is having lots of fun and many laughs (especially at the 5th form leaving so, mass & assembly). Lovely man, great teacher, such a pity. You'll be well missed Mr C>
XX

everyone is missing you at st. benedicts catholic high school whitehaven cumbria. hope you are in a better place and i would like to say sorry to your family i hope they are coping with the death of there loved one.

we will all miss you mr condron (st benedicts) R.I.P

saddened to hear about the passing of Mr C, He was a great head master and a all around good bloke. i hope hes in a better place now, free of pain and suffering

Thanks Mark for a kindness never forgotten.
Jackie Alderson

The last time I saw Mark was at Catherine’s wedding when as usual I couldn’t get a word in edgeways. Mark was full of memories and laughter and of how much he had learned from his time with us in Astley. My memories of him are of someone who had great integrity and compassion and with whom I invented Theatre Studies and how to successfully move the chorus! Obviously everything was arranged around band practices, but that was just a part of who he was. We were thrown together in adversity and confusion and we both came out of our time together friends, skilled and more complete. I can’t catalogue it all, the memories I have are enough for me. He was often in my thoughts even though he had moved on and away. None of that will change.
Andrea Atherton

Saddened to hear of Marks passing.I have fond memories of Mark from my time at Swinton I bumped into him on a few occasions since he moved north who can forget that smile and to use one of his phrases 'Top Man' my thoughts are with you Liz and family.

I remember happy times on family holidays together in the West Country as children. We all walked along carrying Uncle Vincent's yellow rubber dinghy on our heads, with Mark leading us in a rendition of 'We all live in a yellow submarine'. (Every bit as good as the Beatles' version.) Mark showed great musical promise even then!
We are so sorry not to be able to be with you on Tuesday. Our love, thoughts and prayers will be with you all.
Catherine, Andrew, Gabriella and Benedict.

We were so sorry to hear of Mark's passing. My earliest memory of Mark is of getting into mischief in the pig sty as small boys at his parent's small holding in midlewich. He was smiling then, even as the beasts escaped,and seems he never stopped. He inspired many souls in his calling and left the world a better place for it. One of the good guys dearly missed. We will strum a few chords together again and I might even hit that B flat minor. Rest In Peace cousin Mark and God bless. Our thoughts and prayers are with Liz Nicola Richard Helen Claire and the families. We will keep a candle burning in the west country. moh and family - Torquay

Shocked and saddened to hear the news of Marks passing.
It,s many , many years since I last saw Mark but was aware of his work with Dearham Band.
My connection with Mark was through Youth Town Brass (to be renamed Swinton Concert Brass). Banding was such an important time of our lives then and we shared many fantastic and memorable times. I always remember Mark,s wit and enthusiasm...and he was always smiling!
One of lifes special people, you will be sorely missed Mark.
Many condolences to Marks family and to the members of the Dearham Band also.RIP Mark. xxx

I never met Mark but as a fellow brass band player who also lost her husband (cornet player) at a very young age please send my condolaces to Marks family.

I did not have much oppertunity too meet Mr. Condron as he joined S.t Benedicts when i was in sixth form, however on those occasions when i did he seemed enthusiastic and deicated, a truly brilliant teacher, my thoughts and prayers are with his family at this difficult time, may he rest in peace.

Mr Condron always had a smile on his face and always had something positive to say no matter what. He was the only person i can remember having a whole year groups attention in assemblys at 8:45am! All years at st benedicts and the years to come have missed out on a great head. Cheers sir!

I am saddened to hear of the passing of Mark Condron, he was simply a fantastic person, conductor and motivator. From my two spells of playing under his direction at Swinton and Trafford, Mark had instilled in me a greater passion for music. My thoughts go out to his close friends and family.

Mr Condron taught me at St Benedicts thirteen years ago. I was deeply shocked to hear of his passing away. I had great respect for Mr Condron and will never forget the warmth and happiness he brought me in my school years. God Bless.

Though a man of great faith Mark Condron was also a first rate teacher. The first teacher who I ever felt engaged me (as a 14 year old in 1986) in a direct debate and throughout displaying genuine interest in my position on faith. Mark directly challenged me to keep asking questions. This has become a lifelong pusuit and Mark is in no small part a catalyst. Thanks Mark

Unfortunately my son has only started St. Benedicts this year and i never got the opportunity to meet Mr. Condron personally, he introduced himself at an open evening and i have heard so much praise for this gentleman i knew my son would settle in without any problems.
After reading all these entries it is quite obvious he was a great guy and he will be missed by all that knew him.

God Bless

I remember Mr Condron joining St Benedict's staff when I was in 6th form and he was like a breath of fresh air. He genuinely loved teaching and being able to influence and develop young minds. He will be sorely missed by all.

I was honored to know mark when he was at Swinton Concert band, his dedication and mild manner made him instantly likable. I am so sad to hear of his death and my thoughts go to his family who i knew from the banding scene. He will be missed

I met Mark when he joined Dearham band and what a lovely down to earth person he was. A friend to everyone so full of fun. It has been a great pleasure to know Mark.

Don't weep for me my dear ones,
I've not gone very far
Gently, angels all around me
Took me by the hand
And led me to a garden
In a beautiful golden land.
I wish to thankyou, everyone
For all your love and care
Just knowing you were with me
And the happy times we shared.
Yes, I will be with you forever
As long as there is love
Then one day we'll be together
In God's home above.

Sheila Thomas & Family Flimby

I left st benedicts 11years ago, so I didnt know that Mr Condron was ill, which was a shock to me. Mr Condron was a remarkable man and had the great ability to make people smile. He will be missed.

As an Uncle I will always remember how interested and enthusiastic you were about the things I had to say.

You were always smiling and a wonderful Husband and Father. It is such a tragic loss and my heart and thoughts are with Liz, Nicola, Richard, Helen and Claire.

You are an inspiration to us all and we will always remember you...

Rest in peace

It was with great saddness that we sat in the sports hall and heard the news of the passing of Mr Mark Condron. Even though we had took a correct guess at what had happend it was still a shock to hear the news. I never personally got to know mr condron but i always remember him congrattulating me with my award at the acheivments evening. He had a huge smile upon his face. All the stories i have heard have been positive from the 'smoking the chalk' to his intriguing assemblys. He was a fantastic teacher and a very proud and happy man. We should all carry on in his footsteps at st benedicts school. We should make our school the best school around in memory of mark condron and do mr condron the jusice and the proud head master he always was. Thank you for everything sir. Thoughts and prays with the family at this sad time.
R.I.P always and forever.

Mr Condron was the deputy head of St benedict's when I attended the 6th form there. He was always smiling and had a great enthusiasm for teaching. He knew every pupils name even if, like me, he didn't teach them. He has touched the lives of many of the area's young people and will be sadly missed by all who knew him. I offer my condolences to his family, my thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.

Everything anyone could ever ask for. A genuine caring considerate friend as well as teacher. The greatest miss St Benedicts will ever encounter. He truly was a blessing. Gone but never forgotten

Mr condron was a reali nice guy and i was pround to have known him. he was always smiling and cracking jokes.One of my memory was wen i had to do my speech to introduce him at opening evening. my heart goes out to your family and everyone elsa that knows Mr.c. R.I.P sir xxxxxxgood night and god bless xxxxx

I did not know Mr Condron that well as i was in Year 11 of St Benedicts when he first came, I am now in Year 13 and i know that he has been an inspiration to us all..x

R.I.P Sir You will be sadly missed but never forgotten

x

mr condron wa a very nice gentleman who you could walk up to and talk to him, even though i only knew him for a year it felt as if i knew him forever when you were down he would cheer you up i am thinking about his friends and family and all of yhe people who knew him we thank him for the time he spent at st benedicts we love you sir thankyou for making our lives special RIP

The world will seem a little darker without the light that was mark. I have seldom met anyone with as big a passion for life than him. He will be missed. RIP bud.

He was a great man and he tocuhed us in so many ways and he will always live on in us. R.I.P xx

It was a sad day when i heard about Mr Condrons passing, My thoughts and prayers go out his family,

Mark was a true inspiration. He will be sadly missed by all who had the honour of knowing him. Our love and best wishes goes to his family. God bless.

Mark was my first head of department when I started teaching. He really was a true inspiration and I still rely on his wisdom 15 years later as a Head of Department myself. We have lost a truly good person who thought the world of his students and in turn they loved him right back. God Bless.

Mark taught me at Holy Cross in the late 1980s. He directed our college musical and was was also involved in numerous activities.
He was such a happy character and so charismatic.
The room would truly light up when he walked in.
Mark was very inspirational to me and I am ever grateful for his zest for life which was contagious.

I was in Year 11 when Mr Condron came back to St Benedicts.
My first memory of Mr Condron was when it was our first day in Year 12 and we all had to make a tower out of straws and see which one could hold a egg for the longest and our first assembly with him when he brought in his trumpet.
My last memory of him was when it was the last week of the October term and I had seen im with is wife and he looked so weak but he still said hello to us.
R.I.P Sir and please watch over us all and guide us through.
You'll be missed and loved by everyone. xx

To a brilliant head teacher and lovely man who always had a smile on his face. He will be missed by everyone. RIP sir
p.s U made St.Bennys into a better place xxx

Mark was, without question, one of the best. His enthusiasm for life was infectious and he will leave a very big gap in all our lives. Mark was both my cousin and a teacher at school when I was in Year 7. I was so proud to tell everyone that he was part of my family and I've never stopped bragging about him since! RIP Mark

I was shocked to hear that Mr Condron had died and I feel quite sad eventhough I did not know him that well. He was my children's headteacher at St Joseph's. My best memory of him is that he came in to judge the dishes that we had made during a 'ready, steady, cook' course for parents and children at St Joseph's. Despite our dish not looking the most presentable, he still picked us as winner. I am sure this was to encourage my child, who was having some difficulties at school at the time. I appreciated that very much, as well as the bottle of wine that came with the win!
My sympathy goes out to his family.

Quite easily one of the funniest and loveliest people i have ever met, i will never forget him so many good memories of holidays and the like :) He even rescued us from a sinking island, a memory that will never be forgotten. I'm gonna miss him loads.
xxxxxxxxx

Goodbye Sir, Goodnight and God bless.

I'm one of theones that you gave so much guidance to when noone else would. I will tell my children all about you.

Love from the 'The powerful P'(As you called me)
xxxxxxx

I am deeply saddened to hear the newa that 'Mr C' passed away. He was an inspiration to all of his pupils both past and present and his dedication and enthusiasm towards his pupils and staff will never be forgeotten. There can never be a another Mr C but teachers far and wide should aspire to be like him. He never ever gave up on anybody, even when most other teachers would.

My thoughts are with his family and friends and all of the puils who have had the pleasure of meeting Mark. Thirteen years on I stil have fond memories of him, as does the majority of the North West.

No words i write will ever do Mr Condron the justice he deserves. A truely wonderful, talented and kind man. Who will be a great loss to education and all who knew him.

Thanks for everything sir we will miss you. xxx

My heart goes out to you at this time and in the days ahead.

As a past pupil of st benedicts i had many encounters with mr.c. He was the most funny ,down to earth teachers ive ever had the pleasure to know.He will be greatly and sadly missed by everyone.R.I.P

I only ever met you once but you were one of those charismatic people that tend to leave a mark where ever you go. I am only sorry that I never got to meet you again. I am deeply sorry for your families loss. R.I.P Mark Condron

An inspirational man. A pleasure to have met and worked under him.

A great loss to West Cumbria

Mr Condron was by far one of the best teachers i have ever been taught by. He joined St Benedicts when i was in Yr 9 and taught me for 3 years. He made RE interesting and fun and was always around to offer his help and support to his pupils. I am deeply saddened by this news and my thoughts are with his family at this time.

I was so sorry to hear the news that Mark had been so very poorly but i was not surprised he had been bright in his attitude till his passing. My memories of Mark are vividly as children camping in Devon with our families. I will look back at our times and feel inspired by not only Marks' zest for life, but the whole families' charisma. You were truly inspirational and your family will continue your exuberance. RIP Mark God bless Vin,Rita,John,Anne and Liz and your families xxx Thoughts and prayers Pauline Alex and Ra

We met Mark on only a few occasions but his sincerity and warmth of personality shone out from him. He will be sadly missesd by all who knew him. Our thoughts are with all his family.

Doreen & John Corcoran
St Charles Ramblers, Swinton,Manchester

I left st benedicts over 10years ago, so i didnt even know Mr Condron was ill. What a massive shock to hear he had died. He was a great teacher who was always on top form, i remember him most from his great assemblies, they were never boring they were always fun.
RIP Mr Condron.

You were so many things to so many people, the banding community will miss you, may you Rest In Peace. Debs x

We were so sorry to hear of Marks passing. We will always remember his energy and enthusiasm.

We wil miss you Mark

Nick and Claire Livingstone

Mark was a remarkable man from a truly lovely family. I remember his tremendous energy and zest for life above all his other great qualities. He was a great leader and he genuinely loved people, Mark will never be forgotten. My love and deepest sympathy to his sister Liz and brother John and to all the family.

u will b missed by a lot of people RIP

You were without doubt my most memorable teacher - I remember when you started at started at St Benebicts - You made learning fun & kept our attention, not many people could do that :-) A lovely warm man who I wont forget. My thoughts are with your family.

Rest in peace Sir xxx

(ex pupil, St Benedicts.left 1994)

My daughter Elizabeth Patrick was lucky enough to be taught by Mr Condron in the mid 90s. He was an inspirational teacher and he will be so missed by everyone. When we saw him in and around Cockermouth he always had a smile and enjoyed a pint in the Bush! RIP Mr Condron.

I was in my first year of sixth form when Mr Condron started at St Benedicts, the first time i remember seeing hm was during the pensioners christmas party and this man got up to speak but no one knew who he was because we had never met him, but as soon as he opened his mouth he seemed to light up the room with his presence alone before he ever spoke, i can also remember that one year on the first day of the new school year he did the year 7 welcome assembly and he he had asked for a volunteer but all of the kids were too scared but then he puled a pound coin out of his pocket and all of the kids soon volunteered to do it!!
i was shicked to hear of the passing of Mark, he was a truly inspirational man who touched the lives of everyone he met (including myself)and he will be greatly missed by everyone!!

my thoughts and prayers are with the family during this hard time

RIP Mr Condron x x x

I was lucky enough to know Mark for a number of years when he was in Manchester,and what always struck me about him was his tremendous enthusiasm for all areas of his life-his work,his music,and most importantly his family.The footprint he will leave on this earth is made up of a host of memories and experiences,all good,and his spirit will live on through his children.

I met Mark when he first came to Cockermouth he stayed in the hotel where I was working. He was attending his interview at St Josephs, which I found out later!. we chatted and talked about the area. I recommended that he sent his children to St Josephs School in Cockermouth at the time. Which for us parents was a plessing in its self. Not only was it a privalage to have his children in our School, his wife Liz was an asset, not only to the School but to the church also. I pray for Marks family at this sad time.

I held Mark in the highest esteem when I knew him as principal of St Josephs and Dearham Band. I offer my sincere sympathy to his family.
(Revd) Robert Luxton
(Formerly of Trinity Methodist Church, Workington)

A truly remarkable teacher, who had such enthusiasm and made a difference, will be greatly missed, our thoughts and prayers are with family and friends, R.I.P Mr Cxx

Mr Condron was the best teacher I have ever had. He could teach anything and make it interesting and fun and was a very inspiring teacher. He was a truly brilliant teacher and a lovely person. My thoughts are with his family

Debbie Tyrrell (nee Young) (Past Pupil of St Benedicts)