Michael was born in Ilford in Essex on 5 November 1931.  He died suddenly and peacefully in Plymouth, close to family, on 5 April 2016.  Beloved husband of Lin and loving father of Sally and Toby.  Proud grandfather of Connie, George and Lucina. Fond father-in-law to Aimée. Friend and entertainer to many. 

Aimée, Toby’s wife, wrote these lines for Michael and Toby.  They have brought comfort to the family, and we would like to share them with friends:

He did not want to linger
for us; I’m sorry he could not stay
but his body has carried him all his years
and couldn't last another day.

He lived such a full life
vibrant with art, music and song.
Happy hours spent holding court
with old friends, some stayed, some gone.

He was truly blessed
with his wife; proudly watched his children grow.
Saw his beautiful grandchildren flourish and
loved us all more than we could know.

We must take heart -
“should haves” and “what ifs” matter not.
An abundance of love, warmth and care we gave 
and this must never be forgot.

He would not want us to cry for him.
If we will, cry with joy not pain.
Remember him, shed tears and laugh together
when we visit old haunts again.

Think of him often and smile
upon hearing jazz or a blackbird’s song,
or upon catching a sweet-pea fragrance on the breeze.
In us all, he will always live on.