Messages from friends and family

Darling Sal,

This is so lovely and I did shed a tear.

I have very warm memories of Michael, always smiling and such a happy soul I truly think he had the biggest smile I have ever seen. His chuckle was just gorgeous, and his face was like a ray of sunshine.

I remember very fondly when I got back from my travels Michael very kindly and generously took up position as Chief Used Car Finder, as I had no transport! I can remember his absolute laser ability to find the duds from the diamonds. And he found me the perfect Blue Mondeo from a forecourt in Cippenham. She was an absolute workhorse, giving me years of hassle free, low maintenance driving. I sold her and still saw being driven around Bedfont! What an eye and heart for a good car he had! Of, course that is another lovely memory… his great love of cars and amazing ability to fix things! Such a practical, logical and intuitive man. Even in the latter weeks, offering advice on how I might be able to put together the kitchen trolley that had defeated me. Amazing!

Michael was such a caring man, I remember when he was a carer, that he always put the clients at the heart of everything, I think I have remembered this correctly…. Even if it meant breaking the rules, as I am sure he would do a certain amount of not “allowed” lifting/moving the clients if it was the right thing for that person. All respect to that rule breaker!

I remember when Kay and I came to visit you and Michael in Spain…. It was so lovely to see Michael so happy and loved by all your friends. I could see how popular and loved he was, his lovely soul touched so many people.

Michael was an incredibly kind, loving, lovely happy soul. I feel so lucky to have met him.

All my love to you and Becky.

Sam xxxxxx

Dear Sally and Becky

Thank you for sharing your memories of Michael with me. Lovely words written with such depth of feeling.

Oh, where do I start the memories from. I am now 65 – besides my lovely sister Sheila, Michael is the one of the few people who I have known all my life.

My earliest memories of Michael were of this super, larger than life, man who would pick me up and throw me in the air. He seemed so big and strong and exciting to a little boy and, most importantly, he was my big cousin. How exciting!

Days and nights at Ruislip when Sheila, Michael and I would slip away from the adults and do things they would so no to. Michael would say “fancy going for a drive?” He always had a sports car; each time I saw him it was a different one. A Sunbeam Alpine, an Austin Healy even a VW Karmann Ghia, this was my favourite – such an unusual car. The cars never lasted long, he wold buy one, do it up then sell it on. He would throw me into the seat next to him. Pull down the hood and off we would go. What a joy for a young boy, driving along far too fast in an open top car. I just wished my friends could see me.

Christmas was always special, Mum, Dad, Sheila, Aunty Connie, Uncle John and of course Michael. Huge Christmas tree, loads of food and of course Uncle John’s famous Pimms No 1. Happy times.

My late teens and Michael’s flat at Burnham Beeches. I would just pop by and share a glass or two of beer. Listening to his stories about cars, planes, nights outs and pop groups. He always had a story to tell and a new adventure to recite. Plus of course another car. So many good times. One time he was servicing a Rolls Royce for a friend, What a car. We all jumped in, me, a couple of my pals, a friend or two of Michael’s. Michael donned a chauffeur’s cap and off we went. We pretended to be pop stars and stopped at every set of traffic lights and hung out the windows trying to attract the local girls. Oh, what fun.

I have, of course, inherited Michael’s love for cars. So, at 18 I bought my first sports car. An old Austin Healy Sprite. It was a wreck, holes in the floor and an engine which packed up every week. Michael must have hated it; most Saturdays I would turn up and he would once again repair it. He always did it with a smile with me standing next to him listening to his latest stories. It was about this time that he met the lovely Sally. Good times.

How time flies – I moved out of the area but still saw Michael and Sally whenever I came home. Swapping stories and adventures. I could go on and on – it seems like only yesterday. I will miss Michael so much. But I have memories. A lovely, adorable man who always had time for me. A perfect cousin for a little boy and a grown man. He will be missed by so many.

With all my thoughts and love – do take care

Ian xxx

Dear Sally and Becky

Our love and thoughts are with you both at this sad time.

Ian and I are in close touch and he indicated you wanted us to share any particular memories we have of our dear cousin. I always looked up to Michael who for me stood for all the very exciting things in life. I remember his passion for cars, music - always an Elvis and a Stones fan. He was kind, smart, daring and great fun - we loved him. I remember fantastic Christmases at Whiteheath Avenue (number 7 I think) in Ruislip, the big Christmas tree, Uncle Johns special drink ‘JOHN COLLINS’ , the dancing, the fun and laughter. Michael, Ian and I used to hide from the adults in our den behind the settee emerging for Connie and Mum’s special nosh (Lavish cream cakes). Very happy times.

I remember going to Ruislip Lido with Michael and getting lost - as you can imagine he found me eventually....with his friends.

Richard and Jane were deeply saddened by the news and send their love to you both.

To Richard, Michael was simply an idol! As a small child I used to take Richard to Mum and Dad’s pub - The Hare and Hounds in Fifield and his excitement on seeing Michael was electric! He loved to sit in Michael’s cars and I’m certain Richard’s passion for cars - he currently has 5 including an Aston and Porsche! - emanates largely from MIchael and Dad. He remembers sitting on Michael’s knee in Dad’s car and being allowed to drive the car into the garage. He remembers Michael lifting him high so his head would touch the garage ceiling.

I have made contact with Pamela and Robert advising them of the sad news. Both were very sorry and send their condolences. Pamela was particularly reflective indicating her sadness that due to family circumstances she hadn’t seen Michael for many years. She recalls visiting Mum and Dad in Worthing and Michael coming for several days - apparently they went train spotting. Mum and Dad left Worthing when I was about 3 or 4 so this was many years ago. I recall the railway line ran at the back of our garden. Apparently Michael visited Pam and George shortly after their marriage - about 55 years ago. Pamela has asked me for your address which I’ll forward to her over the next couple of days.

Sorry this e-mail is so long but just wanted to share my thoughts and love for Michael who will always be very dear and someone who I deeply respected and will always remember.

Peter and I and our family send much love to you both and we’ll keep in touch.

Love and many hugs Sheila xxxxxxxxxxxx

I remember so clearly the day You and Michael walked through the gate at Portman to have a look around .

I remember quickly going into estate agent mode !! and telling you about .. the beautiful corner apartment with 3 bedrooms and a huge en-suite !!

Well needless to say you bought that very place .. and from then on it was clear what beautiful souls you both where .. . Michael was so happy to be there .. I can see him now cup of tea in hand .. laid on a very well cushioned !! Sun bed .. I would be naughty and have a G and T and pinch his cigarettes .. bet he used to dread me coming !!

Michael together with Sally created a beautiful garden for me at my new place .. and this is my special reminder when I’m there of the love and care and help , that Michael gave to everyone who was lucky enough to be his friend .. he didn’t suffer fools .. and my respect for him was enormous xx RIP dear Micheal.. you are exploring another place now .. and one day you can show it to us all xxx Love Jayney

Treasured memories of our dear friend Michael

Friends for over forty years, we have so many memories. Michael was never happier than when he was covered in grease with his head under a bonnet. That is - until Spain! One of the best things to happen, second only to their beautiful Becky. Just the mention of Portman would light up Michael’s face. Their new Spanish friends became a big part of their life. Michael always full of stories of the days out on the Mar Menor.

He was never envious, always happy with his lot. He felt he had everything - and he did with Sally by his side: his soul mate.

Since Becky came back to live at home it brought them both so much happiness. At the mention of her name his shoulders would automatically rise with pride. The perfect trio - plus Prince of course.

In recent years, although Michael wasn’t in the best of health, we always had lots of laughs on their visits to see us.

We shall miss him very much but take comfort in the knowledge that he was indeed loved by so many.

With love Linda and Steve