Mark Pelopida
Mark Pelopida passed away on 2 December 2022 at age 57. He had been with Machins over 25 years. Mark was the head of the Company Commercial team and Machins Managing Partner at the time of his death.
The shock and sadness was huge and messages of support for Mark’s family and everyone at Machins came from far and wide. The legal community definitely lost one of the good guys.
Mark always made time for everyone, even when he really didn’t have that time. He made everyone feel valued, listened to and respected. He welcomed views and challenges to his views across the board. Mark was an inspirational leader and charismatic negotiator who always strived to achieve the best for Machins and his clients.
We will forever miss him. He was funny, kind, caring and a joy to be with. He also swore like a trouper a lot of the time, perhaps for dramatic effect, and it always made us laugh.
Mark’s clients became his friends more often than not. Most deals concluded with a celebratory pint (or a whiskey in Mark’s case). One client recalled how when the deal was done he even gave them a lift home. Another told us how he was disappointed to miss a lunch – he was in A&E at the time but was still concerned about missing out on time with people he considered his good friends as well as colleagues/contacts or clients.
The void left by Mark’s passing will continue to be felt for years to come but he would not want us to dwell – he would want us to carry on his hard work which, of course, we will.
I was very sad to hear of Mark’s passing. I met him some years ago and was struck by his no-nonsense approach, genuine interest in helping the local business community and huge experience. He will be sorely missed by family, friends, colleagues and the business community. Sincere condolences.
We were so shocked and saddened to learn of Mark’s passing.
Mark had been our solicitor, since we purchased our first house in 1988 and he then went on to help us with the set up our business.
Mark was always so cheerful and accommodating, that a visit to see him, or to speak with him on the phone, for whatever reason, good or bad, always seemed like a pleasurable experience and always left us, with a sense of calm that everything was being taken care of.
We know that Marks presence at Machins will be sorely missed, as we will miss his cheerful smile when we visit.
Although we only really ever knew Mark in a professional capacity, his charm and sincerity, made us consider Mark a true friend, we mourn his passing.
Our sincere condolences go to all his family, as well as his wider circle of work colleagues and friends.
Rest in peace Mark.
David & Christine.
I’ve only just found out about Mark’s death. I was lucky enough to work with Mark for the first time a few years ago when one of our clients sold their business. Mark was great to work with. He was always practical, sensible and filled our joint client with confidence during what turned out to be a tricky deal to “get over the line”.
I know there will be many, many people who will miss being able to refer work to Mark and he will be greatly missed in the local business community.
My condolences and thoughts are with his family, friends and work colleagues.
I am still, like all , in shock at the sudden passing of such a wonderful man. Mark was a friend and mentor to me for nearly 20 years. I trained under his leadership , qualified at Machins and went on to become a law firm owner myself. He was an incredible lawyer but his business acumen was second to none. Mark continued to mentor me and was always available to listen and advise me. He took great interest in my family and my life and I am so sad that the world has lost such an incredible man.
Mark always spoke so fondly of his wife Ruth and his girls and would send me photos of what was happening in their lives, so proud of their achievements.
On behalf of all of us here at Austin & Carnley Leighton Buzzard Fair Winds and Following Seas Mark xxx
I am deeply shocked and saddened to hear of Mark’s passing. He assisted me with quite few of my clients over many years. And when it came to selling our Practice I had absolutely no hesitation in using Mark.
He was a calm pragmatic and charismatic character with a great sense of humour. Great company and above all a first class chap.
He will be sorely missed.
My sincere condolences go to his family and colleagues.
Rest in Peace my friend
I will miss my catch ups with Mark, usually over a wood fired pizza just near the office!
What a tragedy to be taken far too soon.
Heartfelt condolences to his family, colleagues and friends.
RIP Mark.
I was shocked to hear of Mark’s death. I very much enjoyed working for/with him for several years. He was exceptional, with so many fine qualities. An excellent business solicitor who really cared for his clients and staff, broad shoulders, personal integrity, sound judgment, a genuine interest in others, good humour etc etc. The world is a much poorer place.
I am still so sad to have received this news. My heartfelt thoughts go out to both Mark’s family and his team at Machins.
He was a great man, who I had known for about 10 years, having worked on a couple of projects with him and attending the Breakfast Hub at Hartwell House.
Mark was a pragmatist with a huge heart and a sprinkling of humour. He radiated out the feel good factor and was fun to be around.
He will be so greatly missed.
Rest in peace ” Mon Ami”
I was so sorry to hear this sad news. I will always remember Mark fondly. It was a pleasure to work with him. My condolences to Ruth and his girls. Much love, Kathryn
I was shocked to hear the news today and I wanted to pass on my condolences to Mark’s family, friends and colleagues. I know he will be hugely missed. Rest in peace Mark.
So sorry to hear this very sad news, Mark was not only a highly respected, calm, positive, pragmatic and reassuring professional, he was also a friendly and kind person. He was an exceptional man who will be greatly missed. My thoughts are with his colleagues, friends and family at this sad time.
I was so saddened to hear the news. I had only known Mark professionally for 3 years or so but had the greatest respect for him. He had a lot still to give and he will be greatly missed.
Mark was a very special person. The world will be a sadder place for his passing.
He always lit up a room with his good humour and cheery manner.
I hope Friday goes well for all Mark’s family and the wider family of Machins, for whom he cared deeply.
My very best wishes to you all.
What a terrible loss.
I had known Mark for some 14 years, during which time we either spoke or emailed each other most weeks.
He was not only a valued business colleague but also a personal friend.
A very talented & pragmatic lawyer with a considerable networking reach.
A kind man who always wanted to help & could never say no.
The standing in which he was held is epitomised , when following the announcement of his passing to a Business Owners Networking Group
we both ran, 20 of the 21 members responded within 24 hours with condolences & tributes – the 21st was sick himself.
Mark was the perfect business partner I never had. RIP
Very sad news, my condolences to his family, friends and colleagues.
Such shocking & sad news. I have known Nark for many years whilst working with local business community.
My deepest condolences to Mark’s family & colleagues at Machins.
Bimla Assra
I was so shocked when I heard the news, I was introduced to Mark over 15 years ago, and it was one of the best things that ever happened professionally, as he was a fantastic lawyer. I could call him on any matter to get this expert opinion, his level of service was fantastic in all the work he undertook for me over the years.
I got to know him, and he was such a super guy, we often talked about football and other matters. Very saddened on a personal level, and a gap professionally that will not be possible to fill.
My deepest sympathies and condolences go to his wife and family at this very difficult time. Rest in peace Mark
I am so saddened to hear of Mark’s passing – my deepest sympathies to the wider Machins team and Mark’s family.
Mark, you were a true gentleman and such a kind man. You were always so supportive of me in my early legal career and when I later switched careers for which I will be eternally grateful.
I will miss our catch-ups over a beer and curry!
Rest in peace my friend Xx
Luke Thompson – on behalf of everyone at Introlegal
I am so sad at reading this and shocked – Mark was such a wonderful man – I worked with Mark 30 years ago at Wainwrights in Hemel Hempstead – when he was just first starting out – I have very fond memories of my time working at Wainwrights and the people there.
Thinking of Mark’s Wife and Family at this very sad time
Julie Trustram (Nee Piatek)
We were very shocked and saddened to hear of Mark’s passing. Many of us knew him both personally and professionally – he was a great lawyer and a super guy who injected his personality and charisma into his work life to the benefit of many.
The local Legal and Business Community has lost one of the good guys and he will be sorely missed.
Our very best wishes to Mark’s family and all at Machins at this difficult time.
With heartfelt condolences,
Dermot Carey on behalf of the Partners & teams at Taylor Walton Solicitors
I am shocked and saddened to hear of Mark’s passing. A great loss to Machins. My deepest sympathies and condolences to his wife, children and family at this very difficult and sad time. Rest in peace Mark.
My sincere condolences to Mark’s family, friends and colleagues at Machins. Mark was one of the very best and a role model for all of us. An irreplaceable loss.
I was shocked to learn of Mark’s passing. He was a friendly, very decent man and a well-respected lawyer. I would like to pass on my condolences to Mark’s family and all of the staff at Machins.
Shocked and saddened to hear this news. His passing will not only be felt at Machins, but at the Chamber, it’s network and Luton as a whole.
On a personal note I would like to say Mark was a true gentleman, one of life’s good guys that always had time to offer me advice and support. I will truly miss the chats we used to have putting the world to rights.
I offer my deepest condolences to his family and colleagues at Machins.
Sending my thoughts and wishes to all my friends and colleagues at Machins at this very sad time. What a huge loss for you all, and such a shock too.
Terrible news. Condolences to Mark’s family and colleagues at Machins.A genuinely nice, warm and empathetic man whose professional and personal advice I have much valued over many years.
Mark Hjertzen
HW Associates
Sincere condolences to Marks’ family, friends and colleagues.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Sincere condolences from both myself and all at Dacorum Heritage Trust. Mark was a long standing supporter, and previously a Director, of the Trust and his contribution over the years was invaluable. His friendly, practical, and pragmatic comments (usually Friday lunchtime in the in the Kings Arms) were always much appreciated. A genuinely nice guy who will be much missed.
I was so saddened to hear the news of Mark’s passing. He was a mentor to me and many other trainees and newly qualified solicitors at Machins. He will never be forgotten.
Heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and colleagues at Machins. Our thoughts are with you.
This is awful news. I knew and worked with Mark over many years. He was a lovely man and a delight to know. It’ll be a terrible shock for everyone.
The deepest condolences to his family, friends and colleagues at Machins.
Heartfelt condolences to Marks family and all at Machins. Despite him being a well respected leader in the Luton business community he always made time for me. Will be sorely missed. My prayers and thoughts are with Marks family.
Thanbi Haque
Metro Bank
Mark always made time for each and every member of staff and made them feel part of the Machins “family”. He was always brilliant with the trainees and making them feel welcome. I am sure he will be sorely missed by his friends, family and indeed everyone at Machins.
I was informed of Mark,s passing this morning and feel numbed by the awful news .
We had been a client of his for something like 25 years and during that time had become friends enjoying the occasional Beer ( Cider in Marks case ) on our respective drives home . I naturally chose Machins and Mark to handle the sale of our company , which concluded extremely successfully , as i knew he would treat our sale as more than just a commercial transaction as for us it was the sale of our Baby . Our companies had grown over the years but i dont think Mark changed one bit during that time and i valued his advise enormously .
It is a great loss as he was a lovely man and im sure a great Leader within the company . I offer my deepest condolences to his wife Ruth and the rest of their family and to the whole staff at Machins who must be feeling his loss tremendously .
I am still in shock at this extremely sad news.
Mark was a great leader and a fantastic lawyer. Personally, I will never forget his kindness and time he gave to me during the years we worked together, and also our messages once I left. I will also remember his humour – that big loud laugh will be missed by so many.
My yearly Christmas selfies with Mark will always hold a special place in my heart. They were probably forced upon him to begin with but as the years went on I’d like to think he became a willing participant!
#teammachins are such a great family and I know they will all support each other during this extremely difficult time. He was so proud of the firm and everyone in it.
Sending all my love to his family, friends and all at Machins x
Shocked and saddened to hear of this…
Thoughts are with his family at this difficult time…
Martin Blower
And the team at A-Plan Insurance
Such incredibly sad news. Taken far too young, and I am sure, a total shock to many. My thoughts are with his colleagues, family, and friends during this difficult time. Rest in peace Mark.
Very sad news, please send our condolences to his family, friends, and colleagues.
So shocked to hear this sad news about Mark, my thoughts go out to Ruth and his family and work colleagues . He was a great leader and all round nice guy that took us all through the Pandemic, the challenging times we all faced then, he was easy to talk to and pleasure to have worked with. Rest in Peace Mark.
Such incredibly sad news to hear about Mark. A really decent guy, funny, bright and a pleasure to spend time with. We wish all of his family and friends the very best at this time. Our thoughts are with you.
I first met Mark back in 2017 when we did some work together and have seen him several times a year since. He was always the most welcoming, friendly person at our meetings, and his presence and big smile will be hugely missed. My thoughts are with his family, and extended family at Machins at this sad time.
Mark is without doubt a huge void to Machins, yet his team of colleagues always been equally true professionals, supported and developed the company Mark was so proud of, continuing this wonderful legacy his created.
Adrian and I would like to send our deepest thoughts, love and best wishes to his Wife, Children, and family at this very difficult time, that they face as they try to deal with this huge loss within their family.
It has come as a huge shock to hear this sad news, a huge loss to all whom knew Mark not just one of the best, confidents, solicitors, with an holistic professional friendship, filled with worldly advice and trust for more than 20 years, he became our friend that went the extra mile, not just once but always for everyone, the gentleman whom would always be there with a kind, loyal and genuine balance to challenging moments, to help and support, with cheeky banter a great repour, a truly genuine person we all will now miss his conversations
Our respect and always love Mark…. Gemma, Adrian, and family. xxx
Completely shocked and saddened to hear this news. Mark was such a lovely person and a true gentleman. Our thoughts are with Ruth and his family. He will be remembered with much affection for his wise counsel.
Shocked and saddened to hear of Mark’s passing. Always a joy to have on the other side of a legal transaction, his calm and pragmatic approach, coupled with his sense of humour, will be sorely missed in the legal profession.
Rest in peace Mark.
Very sad news, my condolences to his family, friends and colleagues.
Sending heartfelt condolences to all of Mark’s family, friends and colleagues.
A great leader, fantastic solicitor and overall lovely chap.
Very lucky to have learnt from you whilst working at Machins.
Rest easy, Mark.