9-Ball
Topic: Mark Lovell R.I.P.

R.I.P Mark, sadly missed.

On 2011-12-11 08:33 , rogerh Wrote:

I think this is a great idea and hope it happens, but failing that I hope a memorial tournament can be established in his name annually, with some proceeds and other money raised going to a charity of his families choice.

I was in process of setting up a fundraiser for a cancer charity anyway, but if anyone wants to play a 24 hour match then lets raise some money together for a good cause

Mark - I hope you are running 6 packs on Steve Mizerak and running 300 balls against Willie Mosconi upstairs. You will be sorely missed. A great example of how to fight on against all odds and not complain about it once. A true gentleman...

I'm thinking of running a memorial tournament at his home club in Solihull, I'll speak to the club next week but I hope it will be well supported by all of Marks friends around the country.

Really sad news,been away for 17 days n then read news like this,rest in peace mark,top bloke,you be missed pal

On 2011-12-11 15:15 , cueman Wrote:

I like the idea Andy, I'd be there for sure!

This is a good call by Mr. Warden. Everybody please keep your eyes and ears open for further announcements and show your support when the time comes.


Mark Lovell, a brief history:

Many of you may have met Mark either on the GB9 or one of the various locally ran comps. He was truly one of the friendliest players you will ever meet and possibly the biggest pool nut I’ve had the pleasure of knowing. Coming from English 8-ball, (at a time before many of us had even picked up a pool cue) and playing at quite a high standard he decided to try his hand at 9-ball. This, because it was the nineties and 9-ball was not so popular over here meant Mark had to ply his trade over in the States. Taking on the name ‘The Grim Reaper’ Mark hustled his way around for a while, playing for some big money games and even taking on some of the greats, Strickland being one of them. When returning to the UK the 9-ball scene was still quiet so he took a break from pool before the GB9 started. However, due to poor health Mark was unable to join and play from the start, but because of his grit and determination overcame the illness and was able to return to pool and got the chance to play on the GB9 for nearly 2 seasons. I know he enjoyed every moment of it and was grateful for the chance to play again and to meet so many great like-minded players. Unfortunately before the season ended Mark’s health deteriorated once again and he was unable to make the last event, a decision I know he found very hard to make. Still, as a final showing of his dogged determination and optimism he’d signed up for next season’s tour and I know he’ll be there in spirit.


My closing note to Mark:

Mark, I know you’ll read this. It’s been a pleasure to be your GB9 roommate, pool buddy, share in your knowledge and experiences, but most of all to be proudly called you friend. R.I.P mate, you will be fondly remembered and sadly missed.


Forever your friend,
Steve

here here Steve, nicely put mate

well said steve

i had many a conversation with mark when practicing or on the tour (when he hadnt got his headphones on) about the game through the years, in his voice you could hear the passion he had for the game, i never heard a bad word said about him or a bad word from him, about the game.

Mark, you will be sadly missed mate

god bless

Thanks for that Steve because I had no idea about his background touring the US. How old was Mark?

RIP Mark - very sad news.

On 2011-12-12 13:40 , Riggers Wrote:

I think he was 55 Lee. Very sad


-----------------

Andy Warden, GB9 - Authorised Pro9 forum advertiser/sponsor √

I just found this quote from Mark from February 2010, just before he joined GB9 to play in Buxton. He then managed almost 2 full seasons on the tour and even just 3 weeks ago he paid his deposit for 2012 just on the off-chance that he could beat the disease for a few more months.



I tried to read this paragraph to my girlfriend but only managed to get half of it out. If this isn't an inspiration to all of us I don't know what is. What a courageous man he was.

Details of Mark's funeral from his wife Emily:

Mark's funeral will take place this Friday (16th December) 1:45 p.m

Rowley Regis Crematorium
Powke Lane
Rowley Regis
West Midlands
B65 8DA

Please join us for the service. Afterwards, we will celebrate Mark's life at the Huntingtree Pub, Huntingtree Road, Halesowen. We would love to see you there x


-----------------

Andy Warden, GB9 - Authorised Pro9 forum advertiser/sponsor √

Just got back form Vegas and heard tragic news.
Was a pleasure to play him,true gent and a big heart for the game.

My condolences to the family.

****Cueman..............Re memorial tourney......count me in mate.

If anyone was planning to go from Leicester there is one space in the car however as we are staying in Birmingham after for weekend to see family, you'd need to find a way back yourself. But offer is there if anyone needs it...

Baz

Firstly wanna bump the thread up so anyone wishing to attend Marks funeral can see details (see above couple of posts) and secondly publicly pay my respects to a really good friend..

As most people around me know i was very close with Mark, met him a couple of years back at Rileys Solihull during the time he had his throat cancer immediately we became very good mates mainly thru 9ball both having a passion for the game, me fairly new to the game and Mark just a out and out pool nut..
Met up regularly for practise sessions, travelled to comps and shared a few GB9 rooms together and what most people didnt see when i first met Mark was his ability to play and ive seen plenty of pool last few he played extremely well.. Unfortunately health issues were kicking in and game suffered but i can honestly say never met such a determind and driven man with such a will to put his game back in order as Mark, he spent next year or so doing drills, messing with stance, tips, sighting, breaking, potting angles just about everything to put it right spent literally days upon days at local club putting it right... Talked about it a ton also which somethings id be the first to admit drove me nuts at times but could never fault his enthuasim..
Then obviously after beating throat cancer more serious issues last 6 months or so, still thought he was gonna be ok nothing seemed to break this man even my regular trips to the hospital and your house last few months were full of promise so sadly not the case..

If your somehow reading this Mark thx for all the advice, i never admitted taking it but think you knew, thx for being a wonderful friend and thx for being a inspiration on my life last few years and im sure many others in your time..


Rest in peace Mark sadly missed and never forgotton ... Your friend Al

Lovely tribute Al!

Memorial tournament will be on Sunday 29th January 2012 - more details to follow. (Dave can you please add to the Pro9 calendar?)

Calendar updated with tournament date.

On 2011-12-15 16:08 , BigDave Wrote:

Thanks Dave, new thread now starting for the event, could you point the calendar at it please? Sorry to be a pain!

http://www.pro9.co.uk/html/viewtopic.php?forum=2&topic=4779


-----------------

Andy Warden, GB9 - Authorised Pro9 forum advertiser/sponsor √

Hi everyone,

My name is Jason Lovell and I am Mark's second eldest son. I have been reading the posts on here over the past week since my Father died and wanted to thank you all for all your kind words.

As many of you have already said pool meant a lot to my Dad and the kind words expressed on this site would have meant the world to him also.

Thank you for remembering my Dad fondly and thank you for helping to make his battle with Cancer and the last few years of his life not just bearable but meaningful too.

Best wishes,

Jason Lovell