I was glad to be able to join the “proper” funeral given to Mike earlier this month. All those involved should be commended for providing such a fine opportunity to both mourn Mike’s passing and celebrate his life.
I got to know Mike at Cambridge through the MET course and then Bradders, Diggers and Vickers shared a number of flats together in London for a couple of years. I have since dined out on many of the stories from that time together – Mike’s sartorial elegance whilst sporting a dressing gown and half empty can of lager is a particular high point.
We saw each other and spoke less frequently for the next few years as our lives headed in different directions. But Mike dropped me an email last year and we picked up as if we were still looking for something to eat in the fridge at Baron’s Bottom. Same Mike, same chat, same giggle, same sharp mind – so easy to talk and not realise you had been on the phone for 45 minutes.
We got together in May for a MET troops reunion in Hampstead (see picture). He looked so well and was on top form – back at work “80-90%” and I remember he said “if I get through the next 2 years with no recurrence then I have the same life chance as the next guy”. He had the risks well modelled and understood. How we wished for 2 more years!I said goodbye to him in the Harley Street clinic in August on a flying visit while down south on holiday. The Krispy Kremes I brought raised a smile and Wendy, the rock, was there looking after all his other needs. My kids love those doughnuts but our nearest outlet is over 500 miles away. I would like to think that whenever and wherever they eat one in the future, their giggles will raise a memory and Mike will share one with us.
Andy Vickerstaff
Seallaidhmor
Gairloch
At approx. NG 803769
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