Mark Laimbeer (G 76-81)
Mark Thomas George Laimbeer
G House 1979 - 1981
Mark Thomas George Laimbeer, 57, passed away on Monday September 14th, 2020 in hospital near his home in Tennessee, USA.
Mark was born on March 4th, 1963 in Dorset, UK. The Laimbeer family moved to Bradfield when his father, Morgan Laimbeer, took up a job teaching art. Mark attended Cheam prep school near Newbury where he excelled on the soccer field.
In 1979 Mark moved to Bradfield College along with several of his friends from Cheam. His housemaster, Chris Saunders (G House 1972 – 1980) writes:
“I had the pleasure of being Mark’s Housemaster at Bradfield for all but his final two terms. It was both a privilege and an added responsibility to be chosen to look after Mark by his father, Morgan. Morgan and I were good chums and teaching colleagues as well as housemasters of “G” house and Hillside respectively.
Mark was quite simply a lovely chap – loyal, kind, modest, full of warmth and fun and a talented sportsman. He was a key member of the 1st XV rugby team and his quick bowling on Pit caused considerable problems for opposing cricket 1st X1’s.
He probably bowled at his quickest when playing against Hillside in the House First cricket finals which caused Morgan to have a mixed set of competitive emotions!
I have such fond memories of his smiling face and his gentle manner. He was the nicest of fellows and was much liked by all who came into contact with him. Mark was a great credit to both Bradfield and his family and his many friends will hugely miss him but remember him with considerable affection.”
Mark moved to the U.S. at the age of 18. After spending a few years in California working as a mechanic and racing cars, Mark was encouraged by his uncle to attend Bowling Green State University in Ohio where he earned a degree in business and helped lead the rugby club to 2 NCAA final four tournaments. Mark spent his 30 year working career as a business manager for Owens-Illinois, proudly promoting the benefits of glass container packaging and making friends from coast to coast.
Outside of work Mark found great joy, and frustration, on the golf course whenever possible and shared his love of sailing with family and friends, captaining trips to some of the most beautiful destinations in the Caribbean.
Mark is survived by his father Morgan, who now lives in Florida, his sisters Carolyn and Samantha and daughter and granddaughter, Danielle and Kallie.
