On Friday 4th February 2011, our friend Mark Neville went missing. On Tuesday the 22nd February 2011 our fears were confirmed regarding Marks wellbeing and the confirmation of his passing was made known.
Mark, a world renowned surfboard shaper and the man behind producing the whole Nineplus surfboard offering for the last 10 years has been a person we have spent hours too numerous to count with.
Mark brought much happiness to many people including those whom have and still do ride the hand crafted surfboards his skilful hands created. ‘Nev’ as he was also known was a true gentleman and the hours we spent together creating the various surfboard models were filled with kindness, intrigue, philosophy, interest, creativity, inspiration, understanding and mutual respect. Marks hands built surfboards using words and ideas and made them into reality and he is the main reason so many people write to us and claim how much better they have become at surfing – it is due to his input and ability; the ability of Mark Neville.
Always resistant to the shaping machine and with talent to be able to truly resist the precision a machine can offer, Mark was exact and he was his own machine. Often the only car left at the Seabase factory each evening and always free to talk and show interest to whoever wanted to have a word. His encouragement was infectious and each time I drove up for meetings I would also see him first and wax lyrical about whatever was on our hearts.
It is with deep sorrow I have learnt of your early departure Mark, Bless you and your family and I pray the works of your hands become even more treasured in the hands of those fortunate to own one.
Love Richard.
Mark choosing his blank - photo David Harris