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The ancient parish church at Paul, which looks out over the waters of
Mount's Bay where local fisherman Mark Jose spent much of his life, was
a fitting venue yesterday for a service of thanksgiving in his memory.
Mark, aged 42, was lost at sea, presumed drowned, following a tragic
fishing accident off The Lizard in March. Yesterday, seven months to the
day that he was lost, the fishing community turned out in force to support
the family and friends of this popular man, known to many as Josie, filling
the church to capacity and taking part in a dignified and moving tribute.
The mourners were led by Mark's partner, Emma Jarvis, their two children,
James and Kate, and little baby Josie, born after Mark was lost at sea
and named after the father she will never know.
The service was led by the Rev Gordon Hansford who said that the huge
turn out of people showed that Mark's life touched the lives of many people,
leaving a lasting impression.
"We are all shocked and saddened by the way in which he was lost,"
said Mr Hansford.
"This is a church which has seen many occasions of joys and sorrows
in its long history. Shortly after Mark was lost we had a little gathering
here for family and close friends and read a few verses and prayers.
"We all come here today to honour Mark's memory and to comfort one
another. For Mark, life begins again on another shore."
Mr Hansford recalled key occasions in Mark's life, his birth at West
Cornwall Hospital and his careers as an apprentice engineer, assistant
manager of the Barn Club and his years as a fisherman and skipper.
He recalled Mark's youth in Penzance, when he received a national bravery
award for saving his friend from drowning in the sea off The Promenade.
"This typified his courage and the many times he would put others
before himself," he said.
"There are two kinds of people in life; those who live for themselves
and those who live for others. Mark lived much of his life for others,
which is why so many people are here today.
"He has left you an example, inspiration and a challenge. You will
miss him greatly, but the greatest tribute to Mark is to continue with
your lives following his example."
Prayers were said for Mark's partner, Emma, and her young family and
thanks were expressed to the rescue services who searched the seas following
the sinking.
Donations were collected for the RNLI and the Royal National Mission
for Deep Sea Fishermen.
In a printed tribute, Emma wrote: "If tears could build a stairway,
and heartaches make a lane, we would walk straight up to heaven and bring
you home again."
article copyright © THE CORNISHMAN
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