From Press Officer Rick Purnell................

Mike unexpectedly passed away peacefully in his sleep on 18th March 2023.

Mike joined our Probus Club on 7th March 2018 and was introduced by the late Air Commodore Don Harrison. He served as Registrar and introductor during his 5 years of membership. He was a chef by trade starting life at the Crown Hotel in Stone Staffs and working his way through several posts culmination in corporate hospitality and hospital catering management. His final job was Area Operations Manager for Fairfield Catering part of the P&O empire. His interests included F1 motor racing, clay pigeon shooting and travelling. On retirement, he worked for a short while as a gardener. 

He settled down in Holcombe village community in 2011 being a 'regular' at the Castle pub and besides a probus member he was a regular member of his freemasons' lodge and Shaldon Conservative Club.

Mike's well supported funeral took place on Wednesday 5th April 2023, at 12.40 pm at the Torquay Crematorium at Torquay with more than 100 attending, led by a close family friend the Reverend Garry Swinton. A very well supported wake followed at The Castle Inn, Holcombe where everyone celebrated his life with a toasted and a delicious buffet.

Thank you Mike & Alex his wife of 47 years married

If anyone wishes to donate in his memory, his charities are the R.N.I.D and the British Heart Foundation which can be made online at www.oliverknapmanfuneralservice.co.uk or cheque to the funeral Director Oliver Knapman at 22 Brunswick Street Teignmouth TQ14 8AF  

We normally have a photo but Mike managed to avoid the photographer's camera!