The Mark Weir philosophy: ‘Better to live a day like a tiger than life as a mouse’

Mark Weir was a larger than life figure who spent time explaining his visionary ideas to reporter John Connell last year

Last updated at 21:12, Thursday, 10 March 2011

Mark Weir, the owner of Honister Slate Mine, once remarked that is better to live like a tiger for a day than a mouse for life.

Have your say

I second what the first poster has written. I grew up in a fishing village in cornwall. In 20 years its now a shadow of its former self as the local fishing industry has dwindled and its not likely you can introduce a new industry to such a location. Its an amazing achievement what he had done in 15 years. This zip wire was strand in the life line that Mark has created at Honister which it needs, the community needs and the lakes needs. So short sighted, so sad, so desperate.

Posted by David Andrew on 25 October 2011 at 10:22

I too watched the documentary last night, as a passionate walker and climber myself with many years spent up in the lakes, i was at first on the side of the parties concerned with regards the preservation of the paths and fauna that thrive on these hills, however, after seeing Mark's obvious love and understanding of his surroundings and the preservation of the mine and it's workforce i was very much firmly on his side by the end of the program, what a tragic shame it was not to be, could not even begin to imagine what it must have been like for his family, and to impose a Â£15,000 fine for the non removal of the Vera Ferrata AFTER he died to his widow is just outrageous at best, and downright wicked at worst, these groups and government bodies pertain to love and protect these areas of outstanding natural beauty, when in fact the REAL hard work and understanding is always best served in the hands of those that know the area in depth, the locals, volunteers, and all the hard working well meaning folk of the lakes, lose the mine and you lose another small part of a life and community under threat, conservation? they don't know the meaning of the word, God bless his family and workforce..............

Posted by Mark Robbins on 24 October 2011 at 09:46

I have just watched the documentary about Mark Weir and his endless fight against local bureaucrats. I was saddened when at the end of the documentary the viewer learnt that he had died in a helicopter crash. I am self-employed and see life in a similar way to him, but I have never reached the heights that he did. When a unique man like this dies the world that surrounds him comes to a standstill. Why are people like this taken so young? I am a tough guy but this documentary brought a tear to my eye. God bless and look after his family.

Posted by mike lane on 24 October 2011 at 00:50

After watching Country Tracks on BBC yesterday I was particularly interested in the section about Mark Weir and the hard work he'd put into restoring the Honiston Slate Mine. It was the first I knew about him and felt really sad at the end of the show when they announced he had since lost his life. A truly inspirational man. RIP Mark Weir.

Posted by Joyce on 5 September 2011 at 12:17

I only knew about Mark Weir from the Griff Ryff Jones programme, and I was very impressed by this man. To see him sitting and tapping away at the slate as a very simple working man on one hand and a shrewd successful business man on the other told me that he wasnt an ordinary person but someone with a special character that could teach people a thing or two. A proper bloke. God rest him.

Posted by ted green on 4 September 2011 at 11:40

I am very saddened to hear of the passing of Mark Weir,i did'nt know him to talk to but when we visit the lakes we always took a drive up to Honister Slate.I do hope the quarry stays open so all his hard work will not be in vain.

Posted by George Callaghan on 19 August 2011 at 09:32

I first saw the Lakes in 1965 and fell in love with them. Mark Weir made them even more special. At the age of 61 I climbed the Via Ferrata, Mark photographing the event for the party.He made us ALL feel capable and special, from a lad who must only just have qualified for age/ size to myself. When I read today of his death I felt as though I'd lost a friend. How many business bosses make tea and make their clients feel like friends? Honister has lost someone VERY SPECIAL!

Posted by Doug Hutson on 25 June 2011 at 21:50

I met Mark on 19th Feb 2010 through the via Ferrata experience. He was a lovely person and came across as very genuine and never missed a chance to bring smile to peoples faces even though it meant bending some of the rules like letting me board his helicopter seeing my enthusiasm for flying...he will always be missed :(..

Posted by Preeti Agarwal on 5 April 2011 at 08:29

I have just heard of the sad news regarding Mark. My husband and i met Mark several times .You could not wish to meet a nicer guy. He will be missed.

Posted by Celia Ramscar on 2 April 2011 at 22:44

Hope it's not too late to post this but I've only just heard the tragic news of Mark's death. Met him briefly when a few friends and I did a via ferrata about 18 months ago. On that day he was filming the planned zip wire from his helicopter and he showed us the film afterwards and asked us if we'd be up for it. We were all unanimous in saying YES!!! Been excited about it ever since. He came across as a really genuine and passionate guy and I wished he could have seen his plans for the zip come into fruition. I really feel for his family and friends. He will be missed by all. x x

Posted by Jackie Stott on 2 April 2011 at 11:08