GILLY Stewart, well known to many in Farnham as a storyteller at Farnham Library and guide at Farnham Castle, has paid tribute to her “darling” Mark Maclay, after the local historian, campaigner and popular town character was found in the River Wey last week, some 14 weeks after his disappearance.

A proud Scotsman, Mark Richard Maclay was born in Hong Kong in 1957 to a military family, one of three children – going on to attend Farnborough Grammar School after the family’s return to Britain, and eventually Trinity College Cambridge, where he read archaeology and history, graduating with a masters degree.

Mark was particularly interested in the American Civil War and the English Civil War, but could answer most questions on history.

A regular contributor to the Herald and other local newspapers, he has left behind an impressive collection of articles covering Aldershot, Farnborough and Farnham, ranging in topics from the famous aviator Samuel Cody, to Napoleon III (now at rest in Farnborough Abbey), and the escapades of the Canadians in Aldershot during the Second World War.

It was on the latter topic that he wrote a book called Aldershot’s Canadians, a sell-out in both Canada and England for which he had to interview hundreds of people. The foreward was written by the former Canadian High Commissioner to the UK, Roy MacLaren.

Mark regularly travelled to Dieppe to honour the Canadians’ role in the fateful 1942 raid on the Nazi- occupied port, and was working on his next book Aldershot at War with Hitler when he disappeared.

One eventful memory he had was time spent having lunch with Enoch Powell, whom he found to be a fascinating, intelligent man with a great sense of humour.

Little known, he also possessed a wonderful bass-baritone singing voice, described by Ginny as like “runny chocolate”, and performed in many great choral works.

It was in fact on overhearing Ginny singing when they were both working at the Aldershot Military Museum – Mark as an archivist – that he fell in love with his friend and partner of some 30 years.

His love of classical music was enormous with a passionate love of opera, especially Richard Wagner having studied the scores both in German and English.

He spoke several languages and his love of the world was infectious as was his sense of humour. A nun once told him “you were born to make people smile”, and he did.

Mark was even published for writing a humorous piece for Golf World about golfing cavemen.

He was an all-round sportsman, competing in rugby, running, tennis, golf, rowing and swimming.

Mark also worked long hours in summer camps in America with disabled children; an experience close to his heart.

He was an artist, actor, singer, and started the well-known BMADD (books, music, art, drama and dance) children’s club at Farnham Library with Gilly, which has continued for nearly 20 years.

For the past two years he could be seen up at Farnham Castle guiding with Gilly. He called it his second home.

Mark smiled through any hardship, happy to lend an ear to the homeless having gone through that himself, living for a while on a campsite in Ash.

He campaigned against the closure of the Cambridge Military Hospital, and he and Gilly organised a march of 2,000 people, followed by a show at the Princes Hall in Aldershot which they both produced and directed. It was a huge success.

Mark joined SPUC and campaigned for the protection of the unborn child, again with Gilly.

He loved his family and friends with an eternal warmth and some of his and Gilly’s happiest times were spent cycling the country lanes and picnicking along the way.

Gilly said: “He was a unique and extraordinary human being – a gentlemen and a character, giving in so many countless ways.

“Whatever he did or achieved was performed with great gusto. Mark loved life and life loved him. He was such fun to be with and I will never forget his beautiful smile.

“He was my mentor, my rock, my guardian and my devoted friend. He is my beautiful star and always will be. I love and miss him so deeply. He enriched the lives of all who knew him.

“I have such wonderful memories of our life together which will remain precious, eternal and priceless. I was the most privileged of women to have shared an extraordinary and unforgettable life with my darling Mark (Marco).

“At last he is at peace and the sky is brighter for it. God bless you always, my darling.”

She added: “I would sincerely like to thank everyone for their kindness and loving support over these last painful 14 weeks of not knowing. Thanks also to the police for their kindness and diligence and the Missing People organisation.”