48 tributes have been left in memory of 4most's tribute to Mark Sisson.
-
kpatel
I have had the pleasure of Mark’s company, mainly at 4most socials over the last 4 years. One of the qualities that Mark possessed, and one I will remember him for, is that age will never be an obstacle. He was willing to try out new things, get involved with what the younger generation is doing nowadays and always the first to the dancefloor no matter what music played (albeit dependant on alcohol consumption).
Every time our paths crossed in the office, he would share something funny or a joke. Always greeted with that trademark smile no matter what type of a day he had.
I had the pleasure of sharing dinner with him, and with a few others at 4most, at one of our Summer Conferences in Portugal. He slowly parked himself of our table with the same intention as everyone else on the table, it was the closest to the food! I cannot remember any specific conversations we had during our meal, but Mark made the time to get to know everyone at 4most when possible.
The qualities he possessed is what the 4most family has been built on and we will all play a part in making sure it stays that way forever.
I have posted a picture of myself and Mark taken at the summer conference in 2018. It is the only selfie I have of us, it seems to be a very popular night as others have also posted images of the oversized pink sunglasses which he wore for most of the night. It's a bit blurry but portrays a true reflection of how the night went. Hope you feel the happy (drunk) vibes from it and others from the night.
Mark radiated positive energy in any environment, a delight to be around and an inspiration to people around him. His thoughts will always bring a smile to my face.
Kush
-
phild
A truly wonderful person to know. Mark had a great zest for life and every time I spoke with him I felt better for it. He has left me with fond memories and for all of us, a great legacy - our company. He was a top bloke. With love and thoughts, Phil
-
katemullen1984
I first met Mark during my second interview at 4most where I quickly realised that he had the rare ability to make people feel relaxed and welcomed, by his warm and charismatic nature. Looking very serious Mark asked, “So Kate, can I ask you one final but very important last question…[long pause]…do you like having fun?”. Apprehensively I replied “umm yes?”, just praying that it wasn’t a trick question. “Well, welcome to 4most!!” he announced with a massive smile. I instantly knew it would be a great place to work and he’d be an equally great manager, which turned out to be absolutely true.
What I learnt about Mark during the next couple of years was that he was full of funny anecdotes and sayings - one of my favourites was when he used to leave the office early to catch what he’d call the “Chairman's' train” i.e. the 4 pm train. He'd always leave me smiling about the things he'd said in the day. If I had to describe Mark in three words it would be jovial, sharp and impulsive - which must be three of the greatest characteristics you could possibly have. Mark always went out of his way to try and make people smile which he managed with ease… and is still doing so now.
We are all so lucky to have known Mark, he will be missed dearly both as a colleague and friend. Wishing you peace and comfort during this hard time, Love Kate xxx
-
donc11
Mark and I first met way back in 2004. He'd sold his business to the company I worked for and, within a couple of weeks, had invited me and my team on their little company away trip to Dartmoor, all expenses paid, beautiful hotel. I barely knew him or anyone from his business but he made sure we were all made to feel very welcome. I didn't see him again until 2011, when he and Mark took me out for lunch to offer me the chance to be part of a new start-up they were putting together. It was Somers and Sisson. I pretty much resigned the next day. The final time I saw Mark he shadow boxed me in the office corridor and then walked off chuckling to himself. This was the Mark I will always remember, hugely generous and welcoming, persuasive and positive, passionate and very much a fun-loving man. Great memories and definitely one of the good guys. I feel very fortunate to have met him and he will be sorely missed. Sending love and sympathy to all his family and friends, Ian
-
colg79@gmail.com
Many happy memories of spending time in and (mostly) out of the office with Mark over the years. Many happy hours spent chatting over a drink at the Grapes even before joining 4most. His warmth and generosity was part of the reason I joined in the first place.
From cutting shapes on the dance floor in Estepona (with that green hat on!) to joining in with 500 miles at Bandeoke at the Christmas party, Mark was always fun to be around and never took himself too seriously.
He'll be missed.
-
ram2410
I’ve only had the pleasure of knowing Mark for a few years. He has been a massive positive influence on my time at 4most and my career.
If I were to take anything from my time with Mark, I don’t think he ever believed in ‘looking before you leaped’. He leaps, and puts trusts in himself and those around him that’ll we’ll get the job done. I’m grateful to have parted with some of this from my time with Mark.
Ramesh
-
colg79@gmail.com
-
bethaney.scott@4-most.co.uk
I met Mark when I joined 4most just over 4 years ago feeling extremely out of my depth as a less experienced hire. One of the most troubling ideas was trying to find somewhere to sit and dreading the thought of sitting where the “senior” people sat (generally at least, in the Lime St free-for-all). I learned three things:
1) 4mosters are a nice bunch - Mark in particular was very quick to set the tone that no one in 4most will hesitate to chat to you or help you, including the Managing Directors;
2) Work hard and have a laugh - I think this is the cornerstone of how we work at 4most, Mark pioneered this with his innate ability to balance doing your job with a relaxed and cheerful manner and;
3) Lime St really did not have enough seats
Mark knew that what makes 4most successful is the individuals that work here and so he ensured that everyone was included and enjoying themselves. His warm and welcoming personality brought everyone together and there was never a dull (or dry!) social when he was around. He had a wonderful ability of being subtly supportive and he truly cared about people’s achievements.
His compassion and values are woven into 4most and I cannot remotely do justice to Mark’s character, but I will always be thankful for working with him.
My thoughts are with his family and friends at this sad time.
Beth x
-
arjlong
Fairly certain this is the bar tab from our first conference in Portugal in 2016. Owe this man a lot for taking a chance on me. Thanks and condolences to his family and closest. We'll miss you.
Andy L x
-
jenika
Mark was a lovely person who always made a genuine effort to get to know everyone. Whether it was at work or at one of our 4most socials, Mark was most often the one to get everyone into the festive mood - he also shared my love of a good selfie! Mark has given us great memories, and we will always remember the joy and energy he brought to 4most.
With deepest sympathy, Jenika
-
mjbarnett
I met Mark on a 4most summer conference having only joined the company a week earlier. Mark was one of the first senior people that I spoke to on that weekend and I found him to be very engaging and easy to talk to. Meeting Mark and knowing such friendly and approachable people were at the head of the organisation helped cement my feelings that I had made the right decision in making the move to 4most.
I shall miss having those occasional easy going conversations with Mark and the impromptu speeches he would give, which were always (as other people have also said) positive and often inspiring. He will be sorely missed by us all.
My thoughts and sympathies go out to his family.
Matt
-
katemullen1984
When you paid the taxi more to allow wine in the back ;-)
-
apthomas
My favourite Mark anecdote comes from a conversation with Allison shortly after she became 4most's first Finance Director. Upon reviewing all the expenses she noted that a rather large amount was attributable to "company social costs" or, in short, alcohol.
Upon raising this with Mark he gave a response that is reflective of his generosity and character, "but everybody is happy, and I want to keep it that way". Mark helped lay the foundations of a company that values it's people and puts a big emphasis on keeping a smile on everyone's face. I and many others owe a debt of gratitude to Mark for making work fun and his legacy will live on for many years to come. My love and condolences go out to all Marks family and friends, he will be remembered fondly by all who knew him.
-
josh.isaac
I remember my first week at 4most, back in September 2014. We were treated to an escape game followed by what ended up being a rather long Thursday night at a nearby pub. Not being used to a company tab before this, I turned up a little worse for wear the next morning. Mark was his usual cheerful self, seemingly unaffected, taking breakfast orders and buying everyone their chosen hangover cure. That first experience was a good indicator of things to come.
Mark had bags of energy, often the last man standing on the dancefloor, easily outlasting much younger 4mosters! He was very generous, not just with breakfast but with his time and guidance and the proportion of 4most’s funds that went into making it a happy workplace. It’s plain to see the success he achieved with our company and others but through it all that he remained a very approachable leader, patient with questions and forgiving of mistakes.
My enduring memory of Mark will be his booming laugh, probably enjoying a magic trick on a boat! I believe that we will continue his legacy of balancing great work with great fun.
-
nicola.richards1
I can definitely testify to Mark Somers' comment on Mark's ability and speed for mental arithmetic - he certainly kept me on my toes whenever I presented him with numbers but was always open and willing to listen to the response. He was also very good at keeping the finance team stocked up with toffees, although contributed to how often they needed stocking up with his regular after-lunch visits to the finance area for 'something sweet'.
He was great fun, and I have many happy memories of 4most socials of which Mark was a huge part - the stash of lime green hats he bought outside the club in Portugal, the 'bank notes' with his face on for our Casino Royale Christmas Party and his love of magicians which lead to my annual communications with 'HeadOfMagic@gmail.com.' Without Mark's influence, 4most wouldn't have the fun, friendly and welcoming culture that it does, and through that his legacy will continue.
Sending my love and best wishes to Mark's family at such a sad time.
Nicola x
-
tim.daly@4-most.co.uk
Mark was a kind and generous man with an infectious smile and a strong passion for life; he was always looking for something to celebrate, even in the face of adversity. There was never a time when I didn’t feel welcomed or appreciated in his presence. I have a lasting memory of us dancing the can-can to New York, New York, arm in arm, as we celebrated our success at one of the early 4most Christmas Parties. My thoughts and deepest sympathy go out to his friends and family at this heart breaking time. God rest his soul, Tim Daly
-
daniel_mclean_82@hotmail.co.uk
A sad time for all at 4most.
It was always a pleasure to chat to Mark and always made an effort to come and speak to me whenever I came down to London. Also probably the only man the will offer a job after taking me out for a meal as a job interview.
Thoughts with all his family and friends.
Dan
-
chris w
Mark's approach to 4most is the very ethos that we are all fortunate enough to continue to enjoy. He always challenged us on getting the right outcome, higher revenue, growth etc... but never too seriously and always with a trip to a pub/bar after.
After I had heard the sad news I received a picture message from Aidan and knew immediately that it would be from my first 4most christmas party - one arm round Mark, his arms aloft, a tie tied round his head singing at the top of his voice; probably not what I expected to be doing with the Managing Director a few months after joining, but it set the scene from that point on. He will be greatly missed
Chris Warhurst
-
alj800
I have so many memories of Mark from Portugal, Christmas parties and various other social events. This photo in particular was from Portugal 2017 which I will always remember as the year he gave me approval (after just a few drinks) to take as many holidays as I wanted. I also always appreciated him including me in his thank you speech for helping organise events, despite me not actually being involved at all! I loved his ability to always have a good time and make sure those around him did too. He made you want to just enjoy life and take every moment as it comes.
I think my fondest memory will always be our shared love of chocolate/sweets. It wasn’t long before he discovered that I always have some at my desk, and his regular visits made me quickly realise that I needed to increase my stockpile, which he frequently contributed to. I will always have a thought for him when delving into our finance stash at work.
He will be greatly missed by many.
Amy
-
katemullen1984
-
colg79@gmail.com
-
mike.gilding@4-most.co.uk
I first met Mark in December 2011 when I interviewed for 4most. Mark was a brilliant man to work with, he had a great way of making people feel comfortable around him and always approached life with a great mix of taking things seriously (sometimes!) but having a laugh as well. It might sound so simple but Mark wanted us all to have a laugh and be happy when we were working.
I was lucky enough to play golf with Mark all over the place, on our company trips and at Liphook. He was very competitive but as with everything else it was always good fun and he was pretty much unbeatable whenever we’d play at his home course Liphook. I always enjoyed the fact that Mark treated us all as equals at 4most and that taking the mick out of each other was a two way thing - he often took the mick out of me but would take it as well as give it! I often think ‘what would Mark say’ when some sort of opportunity to go and watch sport or play golf somewhere comes up, Mark would always just tell me to do it and worry about cost et.c. later - great advice if you ask me.
As so many have said on here he was the life and soul of so many of our parties and the office, and more than anything he was just a brilliant bloke. He will be missed massively. Mike Gilding.
-
nicksimmons
I first met Mark when I signed my contract to join 4most, despite not starting for several weeks he insisted I join the upcoming social so I could get to know everyone before work started proper.
He then sought me out at the pub and insisted on buying me a drink and getting to know me. For a young analyst who was apprehensive about starting a new role in a small company this gesture was enormously appreciated and put all my fears of the unknown to bed.
Mark wove his drive to instil culture and camaraderie in every interaction, whether it was leading the charge to the Grapes on a Thursday afternoon or investing in a new coffee machine to make break times more rewarding. He invested his time and energy into the people of 4most and always trusted it would pay dividends.
For consultants who spent their days scattered across the UK he made stopping by the office feel like coming home.
He will be missed by all.
Nick Simmons
-
katemullen1984
A message from Alan Lucas...
I did not know Mark before joining 4most. I realised immediately I met him what a kind and gentle person he was and this was reinforced during my time with the company each time I spoke to him. To me he had the personality and character that one aspires to have. I shall miss seeing him around and chatting with him enormously - one gravitates towards men like him. My deep consolations and sympathy to his family who will be heart-broken. May God be with them and help them through this with the remembrances of Mark’s life.
-
hristomilev
I first met Mark in 2014 and I have many wonderful memories of him. He was always full of energy and optimism.
Mark always put people first and he was a key driver in establishing a great culture at 4Most. He was a kind and generous man, and a great boss.
Deepest condolences to his family and friends. He will be missed.
Hristo
-
colg79@gmail.com
-
aidanh
-
colg79@gmail.com
-
kvitko87
I feel so fortunate to have worked with Mark! He was the soul of every 4most social (as per the photo attached); as well as a great business leader. The way Mark & Mark managed to set up 4most as the ideal environment for everyone to be their best, is pretty unique! Mark's support, mentoring and laughter - that's what we'll all remember and miss. With love and thoughts, Hana
-
kerriekeene
I first met Mark when he interviewed me for a role at 4most nearly 6 years ago. He was so welcoming and friendly, and his fun-spirit and optimism showed through straight away. We spent most of the interview talking about the annual 4most ‘conference’ he was organising to Spain…I was sold and couldn’t think of a better company to join!
Mark was the life and soul of every (official and impromptu) 4most social! All my great memories of Sisson involve him with a glass of wine in hand, chatting and laughing. I will always remember him as the first and last person on the dance floor (with the biggest of smiles). As well as his fun party side, he has been a fantastic mentor over the years; creating a safe environment to challenge yourself and to always aim high. I’m so grateful for his support and encouragement since day one.
I can’t thank Mark enough for the incredible culture he has instilled at 4most. His caring, inclusive and happy nature has made 4most such a great place to work. I feel fortunate to have known Mark and I’m really going to miss him. He was such a wonderful man.
My condolences go out to his close friends and family; sending lots of love to his wife and daughters.
Kerrie x
-
stephanie ababio1
I first met Mark on my 3rd interview for 4most 2 years ago. When I found out the CEO wanted to meet me, I almost passed out but he really set the tone for how laid back the business was. He started off the interview by reading the job description instead of my CV and we had a good old laugh about it.
Mark was the literally the life of the party and being in a bad mood or upset around him was impossible. He made my life hard when he used to dump a bunch of his dry cleaning and pub receipts on my desk and none of them would relate to what I was looking for but we'd just laugh and try another coat the next day.
Mark will surely be missed and my deepest condolences to his family and close friends
Steph x
-
elebargy
Our 2016 Xmas party drinks receipt
-
dolftravels
I first met Mark almost 7 years ago when he interviewed me at 4most. Since then he has shown me that hard work and good humour go hand in hand, and that work should be enjoyable; he made it easier for everyone around him to have fun and appreciate life no matter the situation. I for one will miss being the last at the party, sharing the dance floor or a bottle of wine with him. I know that everyone he knew will miss him deeply. Life has lost one of the world's good men. My deepest condolences go to his family and friends.
-
miles.dennis@4-most.co.uk
I first met Mark over 21 years ago and it has been a true pleasure to have spent the majority of my career working with him. Looking back, it is hard to think of anything other than his infectious ability to encourage people to have fun, even when things get tough. I only remember once him looking worried when we were having lunch just before a significant pitch to our then largest client - “this could go horribly wrong” he said. I looked concerned, only for him to reveal it was the risk of getting Bolognese on his white shirt that was troubling him and not the meeting - ever the optimist. Despite the fun, Mark had a serious side that, along with Mark Somers, built what 4most is today. As a legacy he has left something we can all be proud of and we owe it to him to maintain the values he worked so hard to keep and that differentiate us from so many companies.
I will always look back with fond memories, a smile and a heartfelt thank you.
Miles
-
hn1212
Having only known Mark for 4 short years, he become a significant part of my life in various ways - from a mentor at work to an inspiration on how to live life. As like so many others in his 4most life, our first meeting was a highly relaxed breakfast meeting in the City, which became a regular favourite for us whenever I needed to bounce ideas off him. It is both ironic and fitting that our last meeting was out of London for a casual mid-week pub lunch in Hampshire.
Over the years we have know each other he quickly become more of a friend than a boss, which often made the more formal work chats harder but Mark usually managed the situation by a quick chat followed by a long lunch at Harry’s bar. We managed to pack in a fair amount over this time, both at work and in play! So many happy memories of trips to Cheltenham, skiing, sailing , pub lunches in the Harrow, to name a few. Since the move to the new house, conversations tended to centre less about work and more about how to sort out the latest issue with the quad, how to get it out of first gear, or the flail mower that never seemed to get going. As part of this I felt privileged to have met Charlotte on a number of occasions and talk about the kids, especially more recently as Millie and I had our second child. It is clear to me Mark was a lucky man in finding Charlotte and it doesn’t take a genius to work out that they were clearly perfectly matched in so many ways.
As long as I have known Mark he's always been a larger than life character, and I will remember him fondly as a trusted colleague and a close friend.
-
nikolay
I met Mark back in 2017, a couple of days after I joined the team. When I think of him, two prominent things come to my mind - he was a down to the earth man with a great sense of humour. Once, when he sat next to me in the office I was listening for half a day his hilarious old school jokes and life stories. I am truly proud that I knew Mark and also worked for him.
Nikolay
-
katemullen1984
-
cwatters84
I met Mark 8 years ago at the start of the 4most journey, he helped me through various bumps in my life over those years with a smile, very good advice and always an offer of a drink. His infectious optimism dragged us through some doubtful periods and his approach to 4most its and people has very much shaped the culture of the company.
Mark has left me with many things, perhaps one of the more amusing is a repertoire of cheese jokes (which my kids now play back over and over). What did the cheese say to the mirror…..
You are missed Mark, thanks for everything.
Craig Watters
-
zara
I met Mark when I joined the company 3 years ago. Shortly after I started, I realized what a genuine, bright and positive person he was. I have never heard anyone else before laughing so loud, so often and for so long. I guess it was Mark’s never-ending joking that made it simply not possible to maintain any sense of hierarchy when speaking to him.
He was one of those people that could teach you how worrying hasn’t helped anyone and also that positivity is one of the most appropriate approaches towards life, if not the only one.
I honestly consider Mark to have been a great leader because he knew how to inspire the members of his big team and was always trying to elevate the spirit of the people around him with a joke or sometimes even a warning for the ones working late to not steal too much data.
I feel very fortunate to have met Mark. I believe he did his best in making everyone’s day calmer and happier. It is so sorrowful that he left us but I think we all owe Mark something - a very big smile.
He'll be missed.
Zara
-
sbyrne
Mark was always up beat, friendly and didn’t take himself too seriously. It felt as though I could go up to him and start a conversation at any time and he would usually manage to make you laugh during that interaction!
He was always so fun loving and this was most evident during many of our company socials or after work drinks! It was great to have a boss who was so ready to get involved and have a great time with the company.
He will be missed and I am sending my deepest condolences to his family. I hope they can take some comfort in knowing how highly he was thought of.
May he rest in peace.
Sinead x
-
sproughton
In many ways Mark was the soul of 4most. We often talk about the unique culture and Mark was the driving force behind so much of that. He went out of his way to ensure everyone was enjoying themselves; either by making you laugh or reminding you that you were only a few hours away from being sat in the pub.
He always made time for everyone and I found him great company whether talking about work (rarely) or having a natter over a drink. His positivity shone through and I'll always remember him for his warmth and generosity to all.
He will be sorely missed.
-
netrefa11
Mark was a lovely man who always had the time of day for me, from when I first met him 4 and a half years ago after my interview for 4most until more recently when I last saw him in the office. He will be missed
-
elebargy
-
elebargy
One of my early conversations with Mark when I was quite new to the company...
Mark: "What time are drinks?"
Me: "Six."
Mark: "Six minutes past four?"
I knew I'd joined a great company which valued socialising and having fun as much as the work.
He was incredibly sociable and inclusive, and had an infectious chuckle which we could hear from the other side of the office! Sending comfort and best wishes to all those who knew Mark, from Emma.
-
katemullen1984
🕯 A candle was lit in memory.
-
garethrl
-
garethrl
Unfortunately, I did not work with Mark for that long and I would have loved much longer. I became very fond of Mark over that time and he was always a friendly face in the office after I had been travelling to or from somewhere…. Half day again is it Gareth!
Mark was a superb people person. He had that ability to get on with everyone, put them at ease (typically with a top draw ‘dad joke’) and have fun. But he could also get down to serious business when he needed to. That is what made him such a great leader, person to work with and a statesman for 4most.
At heart Mark was a salesman and he loved the associated social side and banter that came with that. He was an incredibly welcoming and generous person, the perfect host with an infectious laugh and sense of humour.
In the 2.5 years of knowing Mark there are many many great memories and much fun was had.
One of a kind, a truly brilliant chap to be around.
Rest in peace Mark, you are already badly missed.
Gareth.
-
katemullen1984
A message from Tarquin:
It is obvious from the messages left that Mark had a special ability to balance the professionalism with a playfulness that was refreshing and has engendered itself in all of 4most. In my opinion, one of our company’s key attributes is this culture; it is not often a leader’s character is embodied so clearly.
It is also uncommon for one person to have touched so many corners of the company. The gap he has left behind with us is sizeable but the gap he leaves behind with his friends and family must be significantly greater, what a loss.
I remember being at Cheltenham races with Mark, a great day out with typical amounts of drink flowing. We were exchanging horse racing stories, betting tips and generally laughing and joking. It was the first time I’d really had a chance to speak with him at any length and he was such a lively character, very easy to talk to and genuinely interested. In fact, I can’t remember a time that I saw him when he wasn’t making people around him laugh.
We will miss you Mark.
