Tribute to former Sudbury resident found dead after police search on Scottish island

Tribute has been paid to a former Sudbury resident who was found dead after a police search.

Mark Elston, 63, was found on September 14, in the Ness area of the Isle of Lewis, after a one day search.

Mr Elston had moved from the Sudbury to the Hebrides, west of Scotland, earlier this year.

Police say there we no suspicious circumstances surrounding his death.

Partner Sara Merritt, who lives in Little Cornard said: “Sudbury residents will recognise this often-barefoot man with a smile that filled his face and a friendship that included everyone.

“He won friends by sheer force of personality and love of life. If you met Mark, you knew he was interested in you, he cared for everyone he met and was generous with his time and talents.”

Mark was born in Lambeth and adopted by Eileen and Ben Camp. Eileen later remarried and lived in Sudbury for many years, the later years with Mark as her carer.

Sara added: “You probably didn’t know that he had an illustrious past as a church leader, social worker, music producer, graphic designer and even a short order cook.

“He has been described as a punk prophet, a beautiful soul, one with untamed beauty and a fire within.”

“He had some crazy ideas, sometimes drank too much, but he cared.

“It did not matter if you were a lord or living on the street, he would treat you to his sincere advice and attention.

“It was not always comfortable to have his attention, but he wanted to help everyone. He had a beautiful soul on fire for justice and for God and for people.

“Sudbury is poorer for the loss of Mark but I imagine him looking down on us, willing Sudbury to be the loving community he stood to promote.

A tribute page has been set up at markelston.muchloved.com