Cumbria helicopter crash: tributes and condolences
Cumbria Heli crash
The owner of a Cumbria tourist attraction has died in a helicopter crash.
The family of Mark Weir, 45, who ran Honister Slate Mine in Borrowdale, near Keswick, raised concerns on Tuesday night when he failed to return home.
Police and mountain rescue teams found a helicopter crashed near the mine early on Wednesday.
His family said they were "totally devastated" by their loss and tourism leaders paid tribute to Mr Weir.
Father-of-three Mr Weir had left the slate mine in his helicopter but when he failed to return to his home in Cockermouth the alarm was raised by his wife.
Cockermouth and Keswick Mountain Rescue Teams were involved in the search along with Cumbria Police.
Mr Weir was found dead in the helicopter at the scene.
'Spirited dynamism'
Visitors to Honister can take guided tours into the mine, where slate is still extracted.
A Honister spokesman said: "Mark was a charismatic Lake District legend with a lust for life and a giant personality.
"He was passionate about everything he did from fatherhood to flying and business.
"He loved questioning authority but won many doubters over through sheer force of his personality."
He said he loved flying and was a fully-trained pilot with decades of experience.
"He is irreplaceable both as a man, a son, a father, a partner, a businessman, a boss and a human being," he said.
Cumbria Tourism chairman Eric Robson said Mr Weir would be enormously missed.
He said: "Mark brought such a spirited dynamism to the debate about creating a thriving tourism economy in the Lakes.
"He genuinely loved Honister and the community of Borrowdale. He was rooted there and wanted to do the best for them."
An investigation is under way into the cause of the crash.
I knew Mark quite well. A great pilot and huge character - so generous and thoughtful. I feel quite sick.
Condolences to his family. RIP mate.
The family of Mark Weir, 45, who ran Honister Slate Mine in Borrowdale, near Keswick, raised concerns on Tuesday night when he failed to return home.
Police and mountain rescue teams found a helicopter crashed near the mine early on Wednesday.
His family said they were "totally devastated" by their loss and tourism leaders paid tribute to Mr Weir.
Father-of-three Mr Weir had left the slate mine in his helicopter but when he failed to return to his home in Cockermouth the alarm was raised by his wife.
Cockermouth and Keswick Mountain Rescue Teams were involved in the search along with Cumbria Police.
Mr Weir was found dead in the helicopter at the scene.
'Spirited dynamism'
Visitors to Honister can take guided tours into the mine, where slate is still extracted.
A Honister spokesman said: "Mark was a charismatic Lake District legend with a lust for life and a giant personality.
"He was passionate about everything he did from fatherhood to flying and business.
"He loved questioning authority but won many doubters over through sheer force of his personality."
He said he loved flying and was a fully-trained pilot with decades of experience.
"He is irreplaceable both as a man, a son, a father, a partner, a businessman, a boss and a human being," he said.
Cumbria Tourism chairman Eric Robson said Mr Weir would be enormously missed.
He said: "Mark brought such a spirited dynamism to the debate about creating a thriving tourism economy in the Lakes.
"He genuinely loved Honister and the community of Borrowdale. He was rooted there and wanted to do the best for them."
An investigation is under way into the cause of the crash.
I knew Mark quite well. A great pilot and huge character - so generous and thoughtful. I feel quite sick.
Condolences to his family. RIP mate.
fishbangwallop - apologies, i missed the first posting.
SP - please can you merge this thread with the original? In the meantime, if anyone wants to see the kind of guy Mark was, go to YouTube and search for 'Honister helicopter'.
"It is better to live like a tiger for a day, than like a mouse all your life"
That sums up Mark. Such a lovely fella.
SP - please can you merge this thread with the original? In the meantime, if anyone wants to see the kind of guy Mark was, go to YouTube and search for 'Honister helicopter'.
"It is better to live like a tiger for a day, than like a mouse all your life"
That sums up Mark. Such a lovely fella.
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the JCB gag just summed Mark up.....anything for a challenge and done with a smile......still hurting today, not enough good folk around like Mark.
.
Some of the latest reports:
News & Star | News | Tributes to Cumbrian mine owner killed in helicopter crash
Some of the latest reports:
Scores of tributes have been paid to one of Cumbrias most colourful businessmen after the helicopter he was piloting crashed in the Lake District
The late Mark Weir at his Honister Mine
Air accident investigators have been sifting through the wreckage of the helicopter crash that killed Mark Weir to discover what caused the tragedy.
A spokesman for the Air Accident Investigation Branch said they may recover the helicopter wreckage back to the AAIB headquarters in Farnborough, Hampshire. The investigation will continue to try and determine the circumstances of the accident.
Mr Weir at the controls of his Gazelle helicopter
Tributes:
A truly inspirational person, an extremely talented pilot, and unique friend and guardian of the Lakes. Thank you Mark, thank you for showing us that as important is to live, it is important to do it fully, always leaving time to help others and do good on your way. We will miss you dear brother of the air, but we shall meet at teh end of the road, and share the skies once again. For our wings, you shall always be the wind... Lots of love and support for your lovely wife and children from the paragliding community.
- Paolo
A brilliant Star has fallen from our Cumbrian sky. Mark will be sorely missed - an inspiration to us all. Deepest condolences to all who loved him.
- Peter Frost-Pennington
Very, very shocked and saddened to hear about Mark Weir's death. Such a wonderful character will be sorely missed. He was a shining example of what can be achieved by determination and passion. A great loss for the whole county. Our thoughts are with his family and friends.
- Kathryn and Ian
Whilst I don't feel qualified to talk about Mark as a person I can only describe the effect he had on me and the crew. We were not only overwhelmed by his generosity but moreover his lust for life came across as soon as we met him. In spending just a day with him and listening to some of his fascinating and brave anecdotes, it sounded as if he had already lived a couple of lifetimes. My thoughts and deepest sympathy go to his friends and family.
- Jonnie Irwin
The late Mark Weir at his Honister Mine
Air accident investigators have been sifting through the wreckage of the helicopter crash that killed Mark Weir to discover what caused the tragedy.
A spokesman for the Air Accident Investigation Branch said they may recover the helicopter wreckage back to the AAIB headquarters in Farnborough, Hampshire. The investigation will continue to try and determine the circumstances of the accident.
Mr Weir at the controls of his Gazelle helicopter
Tributes:
A truly inspirational person, an extremely talented pilot, and unique friend and guardian of the Lakes. Thank you Mark, thank you for showing us that as important is to live, it is important to do it fully, always leaving time to help others and do good on your way. We will miss you dear brother of the air, but we shall meet at teh end of the road, and share the skies once again. For our wings, you shall always be the wind... Lots of love and support for your lovely wife and children from the paragliding community.
- Paolo
A brilliant Star has fallen from our Cumbrian sky. Mark will be sorely missed - an inspiration to us all. Deepest condolences to all who loved him.
- Peter Frost-Pennington
Very, very shocked and saddened to hear about Mark Weir's death. Such a wonderful character will be sorely missed. He was a shining example of what can be achieved by determination and passion. A great loss for the whole county. Our thoughts are with his family and friends.
- Kathryn and Ian
Whilst I don't feel qualified to talk about Mark as a person I can only describe the effect he had on me and the crew. We were not only overwhelmed by his generosity but moreover his lust for life came across as soon as we met him. In spending just a day with him and listening to some of his fascinating and brave anecdotes, it sounded as if he had already lived a couple of lifetimes. My thoughts and deepest sympathy go to his friends and family.
- Jonnie Irwin
.
This just out:
Partner pays tribute to 'compassionate' Lakes boss after helicopter crash (From The Westmorland Gazette)
Mark in his Honister-slate-green Gazelle 'LFB' over Cumbria last summer (Photo: Mark Wright)
S.
This just out:
Partner pays tribute to 'compassionate' Lakes boss after helicopter tragedy
The partner of Mark Weir, who died last Tuesday when his helicopter crashed near to his Honister Slate Mine, has paid tribute to her 'soulmate'. Jan Wilkinson said that the 45-year-old was 'compassionate, loving and hardworking.
She said: Mark was generous, compassionate, loving, funny, adorable and energetic. He always had a glass half-full mentality. He had an effect on people, a positive effect. Even though he wouldnt sometimes get home from work until 2.30am, he always wanted to get up and say goodbye to the kids before they went to school, or have a cuddle in bed with them.
He loved all life and all living things teaching his children that even spiders had a place in life and deserved to live. He hated spiders but he would sit on the floor and take his shirt off and put one on his stomach under a glass to show his children they wouldnt bite or do any harm, and allay their fears.
The pair met when Mark was 19 and were together for 27 years and had three children together.
She added: What a lot of people didnt see was that he helped so many people from kids that were poorly to people that had problems with drugs, and friends and relatives that needed jobs doing.
He always wanted to do right by everybody and give them his time or help them if they were struggling. Even at work he wanted to make time for people and help them, but it always meant he had more to do at the end of his day."
He phoned me that night and said: Im just ringing to say I love you I said I love you too darling and I'll see you soon. That was him. The unexpectedness of the phone call was typical Mark.
Ms Wilkinson alerted the emergency services on Tuesday, March 8, when Mr Weir failed to return home from work at the slate mine in his helicopter. Mr Weir's helicopter and body was found in an isolated area 200 metres from the slate mine.
Jan said: The hardest thing I had to do was ring the Mountain Rescue Team yet every member of the team turned out to look for him and Ill always be grateful to them for that. At the site, they were absolutely distraught.
Marks mother Celia Taylor-Weir, said: Mark couldnt understand why his ideas had to be talked about for months and sometimes years.
Jan added: We never realised how many people admired, loved and were touched by Mark. The hundreds of cards, phonecalls, flowers and emails has amazed us. I would like to think Mark would have been embarrassed by it but I cant because he would have loved it.
The funeral service commemorating Mark Weir will take place at 1pm on Monday, March 21, 2011 at St. Johns Church, Keswick. People are encouraged to wear something Orange, to commemorate the bright colours of Honister, and Marks personality.
A wake will then take place at The Lodore Hotel, Borrowdale, from 2.15pm. After the Keswick service, a private burial service attended by family and Honister Slate Mine staff only, will take place at St Andrews Church in Borrowdale.
The family intends to host another event in the summer commemorating Marks life and will post details of this online at www.honister.com
The partner of Mark Weir, who died last Tuesday when his helicopter crashed near to his Honister Slate Mine, has paid tribute to her 'soulmate'. Jan Wilkinson said that the 45-year-old was 'compassionate, loving and hardworking.
She said: Mark was generous, compassionate, loving, funny, adorable and energetic. He always had a glass half-full mentality. He had an effect on people, a positive effect. Even though he wouldnt sometimes get home from work until 2.30am, he always wanted to get up and say goodbye to the kids before they went to school, or have a cuddle in bed with them.
He loved all life and all living things teaching his children that even spiders had a place in life and deserved to live. He hated spiders but he would sit on the floor and take his shirt off and put one on his stomach under a glass to show his children they wouldnt bite or do any harm, and allay their fears.
The pair met when Mark was 19 and were together for 27 years and had three children together.
She added: What a lot of people didnt see was that he helped so many people from kids that were poorly to people that had problems with drugs, and friends and relatives that needed jobs doing.
He always wanted to do right by everybody and give them his time or help them if they were struggling. Even at work he wanted to make time for people and help them, but it always meant he had more to do at the end of his day."
He phoned me that night and said: Im just ringing to say I love you I said I love you too darling and I'll see you soon. That was him. The unexpectedness of the phone call was typical Mark.
Ms Wilkinson alerted the emergency services on Tuesday, March 8, when Mr Weir failed to return home from work at the slate mine in his helicopter. Mr Weir's helicopter and body was found in an isolated area 200 metres from the slate mine.
Jan said: The hardest thing I had to do was ring the Mountain Rescue Team yet every member of the team turned out to look for him and Ill always be grateful to them for that. At the site, they were absolutely distraught.
Marks mother Celia Taylor-Weir, said: Mark couldnt understand why his ideas had to be talked about for months and sometimes years.
Jan added: We never realised how many people admired, loved and were touched by Mark. The hundreds of cards, phonecalls, flowers and emails has amazed us. I would like to think Mark would have been embarrassed by it but I cant because he would have loved it.
The funeral service commemorating Mark Weir will take place at 1pm on Monday, March 21, 2011 at St. Johns Church, Keswick. People are encouraged to wear something Orange, to commemorate the bright colours of Honister, and Marks personality.
A wake will then take place at The Lodore Hotel, Borrowdale, from 2.15pm. After the Keswick service, a private burial service attended by family and Honister Slate Mine staff only, will take place at St Andrews Church in Borrowdale.
The family intends to host another event in the summer commemorating Marks life and will post details of this online at www.honister.com
Mark in his Honister-slate-green Gazelle 'LFB' over Cumbria last summer (Photo: Mark Wright)
S.
The description under that photo is not accurate, Savoia, and I realise you probably copied it from elsewhere. "Slate green" is a dark grey/green, nothing like as bright as the helicopter.
HA-LFB, and indeed its sister ship LFE which Mark also owned, are painted in "DuPont green" which is relevant because LFB started off life as the corporate hack with DuPont Australia, with the US registration N223DP [DP=DuPont]
HA-LFB, and indeed its sister ship LFE which Mark also owned, are painted in "DuPont green" which is relevant because LFB started off life as the corporate hack with DuPont Australia, with the US registration N223DP [DP=DuPont]
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savoia thank you for keeping the thread alive with some really touching tributes. the mark weir facebook site has lots more for those who want an insight into a truly irreplaceable man.
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Helihub, I think the c/n 1074 was registered F-WKQI and N90778 (to SNIAS and Vought Helicopters) before it become N223DP. Indeed, both regs worn for a short period of time and I doubt they were painted on the helicopter. According info I have, the first owner in USA was Fox Valley Enterprises Inc. (Mr. DuPont's company?). However, the helicopter had different paintwork as N223DP.
Excuse me for posting such trivia on this serious thread
Excuse me for posting such trivia on this serious thread
Last edited by Zishelix; 15th Mar 2011 at 19:48.
TTB - if you're referring to my comments on slate green, it was merely from a point of accuracy, and Mark used to point that out to people as well. I regularly visit up that way walking the hills and have relatives in Keswick, and a timeshare property which I look out of straight down the Borrowdale Valley - the head of which is Honister Pass where the mine is. I have been a regular at Honister from before Mark took it over from McAlpines, and am certain he did more to boost tourism than practically anyone in that area.
Zisheli - I'm sure you're right. I was just pointing out the primary owner of the helicopter for the greater majority of its life prior to Mark buying it was DuPont
Zisheli - I'm sure you're right. I was just pointing out the primary owner of the helicopter for the greater majority of its life prior to Mark buying it was DuPont
The Mark Weir FB page has lots more for those who want an insight into a truly irreplaceable man.
The clock of life is wounf but once,
And no man has the power,
To tell just where the hands will stop,
At late or early hour.
- Charlie Hicks
Respect this place, this hallowed ground
A legend here his rest has found
His feet would fly, our spirits soar
He earned our love for ever more .......... you will be missed Mark x
- Kate Mackintosh
Mark was a real inspiration to me and to so many others. It was a privilege to listen to his ideas, tumbling out like a Lakeland gill in full flow. How great it would be to see the zip wire completed - a fitting tribute to a man who made a huge contribution to Lakeland life.
- Chris Tomlinson
You made flying look so easy, you are an incredible loss and the whole of Cumbria is missing you. R.I.P. Mark.
- Lewis Palmer
I will miss you like i miss my Grandad you where a wonderful man and i wish you to rip x
- Emma Wise
It is clear from the tributes that are being posted on this page, as well as those on the websites of the various local newspapers, that Mark was an inspirational man with a passion and vision that breathed new life into the last working mine of its kind in England. As a regular visitor to the Lakes, it saddens me to hear this news and read how deeply everyone feels the loss of this Cumbrian legend.
- Tracy Clayton
Rest easy Mark, you were a visionary who has left a legacy to us all, very few men leave a mark on history but you achieved it. God Bless Des
- Jenny Desmond
We'll all miss your cheeky smile, your love of life and your gazelle buzzing around you were a lengend to my son and you will be sorely missed by many. I'll hold tight the memories of buttermere, the stories you shared in the pheasant and the lunches shared at shepherds cafe. All our love to all your family you've really made a huge impact on many lives and lived life to the max. I hope others take insperation and "live life as tigers" you've done so much for the valley and the community R.I.P x
- Emily Lane
And no man has the power,
To tell just where the hands will stop,
At late or early hour.
- Charlie Hicks
Respect this place, this hallowed ground
A legend here his rest has found
His feet would fly, our spirits soar
He earned our love for ever more .......... you will be missed Mark x
- Kate Mackintosh
Mark was a real inspiration to me and to so many others. It was a privilege to listen to his ideas, tumbling out like a Lakeland gill in full flow. How great it would be to see the zip wire completed - a fitting tribute to a man who made a huge contribution to Lakeland life.
- Chris Tomlinson
You made flying look so easy, you are an incredible loss and the whole of Cumbria is missing you. R.I.P. Mark.
- Lewis Palmer
I will miss you like i miss my Grandad you where a wonderful man and i wish you to rip x
- Emma Wise
It is clear from the tributes that are being posted on this page, as well as those on the websites of the various local newspapers, that Mark was an inspirational man with a passion and vision that breathed new life into the last working mine of its kind in England. As a regular visitor to the Lakes, it saddens me to hear this news and read how deeply everyone feels the loss of this Cumbrian legend.
- Tracy Clayton
Rest easy Mark, you were a visionary who has left a legacy to us all, very few men leave a mark on history but you achieved it. God Bless Des
- Jenny Desmond
We'll all miss your cheeky smile, your love of life and your gazelle buzzing around you were a lengend to my son and you will be sorely missed by many. I'll hold tight the memories of buttermere, the stories you shared in the pheasant and the lunches shared at shepherds cafe. All our love to all your family you've really made a huge impact on many lives and lived life to the max. I hope others take insperation and "live life as tigers" you've done so much for the valley and the community R.I.P x
- Emily Lane
Purveyor of Egg Liqueur to Lucifer
Some nice vids malaprop, I particularly like this one;
and this, same ac different day?;
different ac;
Never met Mark, but visited the mine a few years ago.
RIP
and this, same ac different day?;
different ac;
Never met Mark, but visited the mine a few years ago.
RIP
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Quite a few similar to this one going by the amount of various passenger videos posted, seems he was very generous.....even treating pax to a spot of low level around 4:00 onwards