It is with deep sadness, to announce the passing of former Principal, Mark Leighfield.
Mark served as Principal of St David’s for 24 years, retiring in April 2024.
After a four-year battle with cancer, through which he remained a pillar of the St David’s community, Mark passed surrounded by his family.
Mr Leighfield was a leader; a man who truly loved this college.
Stories of Mark will continue to be told within the community of St David’s, to many of whom he was a friend. As importantly, some stories may not be said but held cherished by those they remain so relevant to – as that was what Mark did. He did well for the sake of people, not through praise or thanks, but had a deep personal need to help people – to feel accomplished. The importance was always to do good, in the eyes of God.
Last October, the college officially named and opened the ‘Mark Leighfield Lecture Theatre’. During the unveiling, Mark spoke of his time at St David’s, and how he never achieved anything on his own – it was always the community, and the coming together of people that made the place what it is today.
Principal, Geraint Williams said,
“Mark dedicated a significant part of his life to St David’s. He was a man who truly loved our college, an outstanding leader, and a cherished friend, colleague, and mentor to many of us. His impact on our community has been profound, and he will be deeply missed.
When I was appointed as Principal at St David’s, I was deeply humbled to have been able to follow in his footsteps having worked with him over the years. I was blessed to have called him a friend and I was immensely grateful for his support and counsel throughout my career, in particular when I took on the role as Principal.
My prayers are with his wife Kath, children Jonathan and Francesca and sister Steph at this time.”
Chair of Governors, Christian Mahoney, said,
“I have had the privilege to work alongside Mark for over 25 years at the College in my capacity as a Foundation Governor. Mark was a devoted husband and father, a man of deep faith and of the utmost integrity.
Mark emphasised, during his time in office, Christ’s example of servant leadership. This revolutionary form of leadership was deployed across all areas of the College and transformed the lives of countless young people and staff members over the decades. This transformation encouraged the College community to find God’s dream in their respective lives and follow that dream no matter how impossible it may have seemed.
The model of servant leadership continues to be embedded within the College and is the biggest legacy entrusted by Mark for the future generations of young people and staff.’”
Join us in extending our prayers and thoughts to Mark’s family and loved ones during this time.