When I decided to write this tribute to Mike, I decided to focus on one of many attributes that Mike has. Dad/Grandad I looked up the meaning of dad and to my amazement the dictionary simply said a male parent. This definition fails to describe Mike as a dad and granddad therefore I will give my own definition of Mike. Mike is much more than a male parent. He loves his children/grandchildren, Mike has a calm approach in guiding them in the right direct and would do this with the calm of his voice. He knows that all his children/grandchildren are individuals and would not try to directly model them as himself, instead he respects their values and opinions and nurtured each individual accordingly to their individuality. He would allow them to make their own mistakes however he is always watching closely and be there just at the right time to point them to the right path. Mike is their teacher and not just in an academic way. He would teach them to appreciate the things they had but more importantly he taught them the building blocks of a very close family life, (I can see this when I see his family now). All this teaching would all be done without the children realising, that is a great teacher. He knew his children would spend more time as adults than kids therefore he knew how important it is to spend not just time but quality time with his family. He always made sure they had fun; he is a great listener which made it easy for everyone to chat to him. Mike instilled happy memories in all, right from the start and they will have all these memories for ever. He is their dream maker. Even though He is a great dad/grandad he could not have done this alone. Mike is also a devoted and loving husband who supported Lorraine through 35 years of marriage. They both taught the kids (amongst many other) proper etiquette, honesty, to be thankful, kind and loving to each other and others. These are but a few attributes that Mike has – as a dad, there are many more. If I could rewrite the definition in the dictionary of the word Dad, I would simply write MIKE. All my love Mark, Sue, Sam and Lois, Sarah, Jake and little Millie

Top bloke and real good friend chez we had some great fun in our younger years. Taken far to early r.i.p. my old friend. Kerz

Saying I’m proud to call you my Dad is the biggest understatement there is, the best man I’ll ever know. If I can pass on even a percent of what you’ve passed onto me then I know the world will be all the better for it. Thinking of you always Dad. Joel x