Remembering Mark McDermott

We are saddened to receive the news that our friend and former colleague Mark McDermott lost his courageous battle with cancer and passed away at home in Seattle on 1 December 2025.  Mark was well known to many at Sunderland Marine and the wider marine insurance industry and will be greatly missed.

Mark joined Sunderland Marine in 1978, straight from school and quickly established himself as a valuable member of the claims team.  He had a thoughtful, caring approach that was liked and appreciated by members.  Mark subsequently managed the claims department during which time he handled some of our most challenging and sensitive claims.  Mark was manager and mentor to many young claims handlers over two decades before relocating to Seattle in 2004.  Here, he was tasked with setting up our US branch office, which he tackled with great enthusiasm and quickly developed some long-standing relationships with the insurance community on the West Coast of America.  Latterly, Mark continued to work as a claim consultant for a local marine insurance broker where his many years of experience were also much appreciated.

In the office, Mark was a keen supporter of social activities, particularly any charitable events that involved fancy dress!

Outside of work, Mark was a talented sportsman who enjoyed participating in anything competitive. There are many scars on colleague’s legs representing his combative approach to all sports!  He continued his charitable fundraising in Seattle, often for leukaemia and cancer research, including the “Big Climb” of the Columbia Tower which he completed 17 times including this year while he was receiving treatment for cancer that was diagnosed at the end of 2024.

Mark will be missed by many, and our deepest condolences go to his family and friends.