I met Mark when he became my roommate, a week or two into college. As luck would have it, my original roommate and I had apparently got very different goals for our time at Hatfield Poly. So we did a quick shuffle and the kind, generous, easy-going Mark Trister became my roommate for the rest of the first year. And that, looking back, was undeniably a good thing for me. I was very reserved, socially awkward and did not have a clue how to fit in. Everything about college (apart from the studying) completely terrified me! But Mark was calm and tolerant of my quirks, and that helped me find my footing. I could easily have been influenced in a different direction.

On the face of it, we were chalk and cheese. My background is very working class, Mark’s was not. My Dad was a mechanic and repaired lorries for a living. But, he also fixed his own cheap second-hand cars and I learnt a thing or two at his elbow growing up. So Mark and I did at least have a shared passion for cars. He was so proud when he bought his first Triumph Vitesse that year. So devastated when it was stolen and stripped for parts. But, he considered buying the body back from the insurance company and rebuilding it. I encouraged, aided and abetted him. I persuaded Mark that I knew how to rebuild an engine - which was technically true…..

And so over the last few weeks of the spring term we (mostly) rebuilt Mark’s Vitesse. In the barn next to the halls of residence, with minimal equipment and budget. Turns out a 6 cylinder, 2 litre cast iron engine block is rather more difficult to handle than a Mini engine, but we all learn from our mistakes. After that, Mark owned a Vitesse convertible, then a Jensen Interceptor. I know he cherished his Lotus, but I never got to see that.

After college, as time went by, we were in touch less frequently. Bringing up families on different continents will do that unfortunately. But, every time we met, every time we talked, Mark was just the same as ever. My life is better for having Mark in it, and I’m sure the same is true for countless others. Love and respect, you will be missed.