Mike, who passed away on 2^nd January 2020, was a multifaceted and truly gifted person with a strong Christian faith, a host of interests and a multitude of friends.

Mike and Sheila lived for many years in Ealing and were active members of their local church, where Mike became Church Secretary and Treasurer, and later Church Councillor and Elder of the nationwide Congregational Church. As well as his official duties Mike organised rambles, played tennis and after playing football for Brentford FC later became an ardent, life long supporter.

Professionally, Mike was a highly respected electrical engineer, whose main interest was in the creation of carbon free energy and the promotion, development and implementation of new technology, e.g., smart meters, video cables travelling under the Channel, wave and wind technology, etc. He held many senior posts in the field of electrical engineering, among them Director of Engineering at Yorkshire electricity. He has been described as ‘An unsung hero whose outstanding work had a massive effect on people’s lives’. His outstanding work was recognised with the award of an OBE in 1990, which Mike, in his own inimitable way referred to as being awarded to ‘Old big ears’

After moving to Caversham with his wife Sheila he soon became an important part of the community. Mike and Sheila became members of St Peter’s Church and served in many capacities over the years. He and Sheila were an integral part of Church life and were greatly appreciated members of the Church community. He was a Rotarian and was an active and enthusiastic participant in its work and activities.

He became a member of the Warren and District Residents Association in the early 2000’s and became Treasurer soon after. He enjoyed the fundraising activities and entered into them all with great enthusiasm, with the possible exception of the Reading Festival waste collecting activities!

He lived very close to Caversham Court and was always excited to dig up another cannonball from his garden as evidence of Civil War activities in Caversham! So when a movement for the renovation of Caversham Court Gardens was started in 2007,  Mike was at the forefront and became a great supporter and later a popular and knowledgable guide to the restored gardens. He became very excited in 2019 at the prospect of the 800th anniversary of the death in Caversham of William Marshall, who had served five kings as Earl Marshall of England Marshall was born in Caversham and Mike’s mission was to have a statue of William Marshall erected in Caversham Court. He did not achieve this, but the plaque which has been recently attached to Caversham Bridge is testament to Mike’s hard work and single mindedness.

Mike loved good food, good company and conversation and has been described as ‘A more generous spirited person than Mike one could never hope to meet’. We would all agree with that sentiment – goodbye Mike and thank you for all you gave to your country, your community and your friends. We will miss you.