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England (Counties as in 1851-1901) => England => Leicestershire => Topic started by: Rachel from Leicester on Tuesday 28 January 14 19:46 GMT (UK)

Title: Mike from Leicester
Post by: Rachel from Leicester on Tuesday 28 January 14 19:46 GMT (UK)
Hi

It is my very sad duty to let you all know that my dad "mike from Leicester" passed away suddenly last Friday.

I'm sure over the years he has helped a great number of you and that was my dad... He loved to help with any problem and I know tracing family's brought him a lot of joy.

He will be missed more than would of ever realised and touched on so many peoples lives

Sleep now dad xxx with al my love always  Rachel xxx
Title: Re: Mike from Leicester
Post by: mosiefish on Tuesday 28 January 14 20:07 GMT (UK)
Oh! Rachel that is such sad news.  Your dad was invaluable when it came to research in Leicestershire and helped so many on Rootschat.  He will be sorely missed by all of us.

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this very sad time.

Thank you so much for letting us know. 

Mo
Title: Re: Mike from Leicester
Post by: Dizzifish on Tuesday 28 January 14 20:38 GMT (UK)
Dear Rachel,

I am so very sad to hear about your dad. I have missed him lately and had been wondering how he was.

A special man who will be missed by lots of us on Rootschat.

My thoughts are with you and your family xx


Sheila.
Title: Re: Mike from Leicester
Post by: JJen on Tuesday 28 January 14 21:12 GMT (UK)
Rachel,

So sorry to hear that your father has passed away. I was one of the many that 'Mike from Leicester' helped, he was very generous with his time in assisting with a variety of requests relating to Leicester ancestors. His opening line of 'GREETINGS' always brought a smile to my face!

We shall miss him.

Jenny

Title: Re: Mike from Leicester
Post by: TonyV on Tuesday 28 January 14 21:39 GMT (UK)
Hi Rachel

I'm another whom your dad helped on more than one occasion. He was so generous with his time and so helpful to so many people on this forum. I'm so sorry to hear of his death and your loss and I thank you for finding the time to tell us all. He will be missed by many people who never even met him.

kind regards

Tony Vines
Title: Re: Mike from Leicester
Post by: suzard on Tuesday 28 January 14 21:42 GMT (UK)
Dear Rachel,

So sorry to hear such sad news - your Dad will be missed by many RootsChatters - his knowledge and the time he gave freely were much appreciated.

My thoughts and prayers  to you and your family
 
Suz x
Title: Re: Mike from Leicester
Post by: jess5athome on Tuesday 28 January 14 22:23 GMT (UK)
Hello Rachel,
My thoughts are with you and all of your Family at such a sad time, I can only echo the words expressed by other members, your Dad will be greatly missed by all of us, he gave me great help in my search for information and was such a warm and friendly person in the way he responded to requests for help.
Take care
Frank.
Title: Re: Mike from Leicester
Post by: Annie65115 on Wednesday 29 January 14 17:55 GMT (UK)
Oh my goodness - I am so sorry to hear of your news, Rachel.

Mike gave freely of his time to help people here and certainly helped me unstintingly with all sorts of information.

On my occasional visit to the Leic records office, I used to consider calling out "If Mike of Leicester is here, could he please stand up!" so I could thank him in person!

We will miss him but our loss is nothing compared to yours and that of his other loved ones.

RIP Mike.
Title: Re: Mike from Leicester
Post by: dawnsh on Wednesday 29 January 14 18:18 GMT (UK)
Hi Rachel

Thank you for letting us know.

His impressive 4866 post count, (all on this county forum apart from 16),  will remain as a lasting tribute.

I hope he has found the answers to the quote in his profile

http://www.rootschat.com/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=2748

Dawn
Title: Re: Mike from Leicester
Post by: Truebrit on Wednesday 29 January 14 19:21 GMT (UK)
Rachel

How sorry i am to hear your news. What a shock :-[

Like many others Mike has helped me with many aspects of my research and even stopped by my house once to give me some resource material.

I will miss his reliable presence on this forum as will many others.

God bless and my condolences to you and your family.

Regards

TB
Title: Re: Mike from Leicester
Post by: sarah on Wednesday 29 January 14 19:29 GMT (UK)
Dear Rachel,

We very sad to hear about Mike.

Mike joined RootsChat in 2004 and from the moment he joined he was there helping all the Leicestershire researchers (a little Rutland too) and sharing his wonderful local knowledge.

Our thoughts are with you and our family.

Regards

Sarah
Title: Re: Mike from Leicester
Post by: trystan on Wednesday 29 January 14 19:38 GMT (UK)
Dear Rachel,

Very sorry to hear the news of your dear Dad. Our hearts, thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family.

It was always wonderful to read Mike's posts, he was ever so helpful and patient. He will be sorely missed.

It has been a real blessing that we've had the pleasure to have had his company on here. A wonderful chap.

Trystan
Title: Re: Mike from Leicester
Post by: spark on Wednesday 29 January 14 21:05 GMT (UK)
Dear Rachel,

So sorry for your loss, like many on here he helped me with some brick walls and will be missed.  Prayers to you and all the family.

Spark

RIP Mike
Title: Re: Mike from Leicester
Post by: tedscout on Wednesday 29 January 14 23:49 GMT (UK)
As an Australian, who's whole family came from Leicestershire, Mike helped me a great deal.

I will miss him. He was so kind, thoughtful, helpful and always a polite and proper gentleman.

RIP, Mike
Title: Re: Mike from Leicester
Post by: Ruskie on Thursday 30 January 14 01:16 GMT (UK)
Very very sorry to hear this sad news.
Thank you Rachel for letting us know. It sometimes happens that rootschatters just stop posting and we are all left worried and wondering why we haven't heard from them, so it is kind of you to post this message.
I know Mike was a real favourite on the boards - he will be missed.
Title: Re: Mike from Leicester
Post by: anne50 on Thursday 30 January 14 01:42 GMT (UK)
I'm so sorry Rachel to hear this sad news of your dad. I was also helped by him in finding my ancestors in Leicestershire. He gave his time and knowledge freely. My thoughts are withthe family

Anne xx
Title: Re: Mike from Leicester
Post by: carol8353 on Thursday 30 January 14 07:29 GMT (UK)
Very sorry to hear that Rachel,I didn't have any need personally for his services in Leicester but saw him reply to and help many people on Rootschat over the years.

Thinking of you and your family at this sad time.

Carol x
Title: Re: Mike from Leicester
Post by: wisteria16 on Thursday 30 January 14 08:40 GMT (UK)
Dear Rachel,
          Sorry to hear about the death of your Father (Mike of Leicester).  Even talking about him brings a smile to my face, because of his kind, considerate, unstinting effort in helping any-one with problems searching for their missing ancestors. He has helped me over the years in my quest to find my family who lived in Leicestershire years ago. I knew like many others that he helped over the years that if 'Mike' couldn't find information for you it was not there to be found.
          He will be sadly missed - by both his family and members of Rootschat.  R.I.P. Mike.

                                                        Carol
Title: Re: Mike from Leicester
Post by: sillgen on Thursday 30 January 14 18:29 GMT (UK)
That is sad news.    He was a wonderful person and helped so many people.
Title: Re: Mike from Leicester
Post by: diddymiller on Thursday 30 January 14 18:44 GMT (UK)
Rachel,
 so sorry to hear the news of my Leics friend Mike. we did actually meet once when he turned up at a local Meccano exhibition my husband & I were holding in Quorn. Such a lovely man.

I have had queries from RC friends in the last month wondering about his disappearance. He was always a fountain of information and ready to help out. I know he was also involved in the scout movement.

He will be keenly missed by all RC but especially the Leics board.

God Bless Mike.

Diddy
Title: Re: Mike from Leicester
Post by: willsy on Thursday 30 January 14 23:15 GMT (UK)
Rachel,
Such a great internet friend who I had the pleasure of meeting and he taught me how to get started.
I will really miss him.
Title: Re: Mike from Leicester
Post by: Suzy W on Friday 31 January 14 03:21 GMT (UK)
Extremely sad news.
 I often called him "Sir Mike" as I thought he should be knighted for his great work (and in return I was his Lady).  He helped me so many times finding family members from Leire, and I must of driven him crazy with ongoing questions, as always a real gentleman.
All my blessing from New Zealand

Suzy W
Title: Re: Mike from Leicester
Post by: SC on Saturday 01 February 14 20:12 GMT (UK)
Dear Rachel

That is indeed sad news about your father.  Over the last few years Mike helped me break down many of my Leicestershire brick walls with his wealth of resources, experience and local knowledge. He was always so helpful and his reply with “Greetings” followed by some very relevant information was always much anticipated and appreciated. He will be sadly missed and my condolences go out to you and your family.
RIP Mike
SC in Canada   
Title: Re: Mike from Leicester
Post by: lesleyhannah on Saturday 01 February 14 22:15 GMT (UK)
I am so sorry to hear your sad news. Mike from Leicester will be missed and his generous and wise advice will always be remembered with gratitude. Our thought are with your family.
Lesleyhannah
Title: Re: Mike from Leicester
Post by: Ozdais on Monday 03 February 14 12:30 GMT (UK)
Rachel,

SO sorry to hear your news - deepest sympathy on the loss of a true gentleman who was so helpful and generous to so many - we will miss him - not just for his genealogical expertise and friendship, but also in his "other life" as a "Boy" Scout. Super Mike was also a huge presence on "genes" - http://www.GenesReunited.co.uk/boards/board/tips_board/thread/1336980

Maggie x

Title: Re: Mike from Leicester
Post by: meercat on Monday 03 February 14 13:46 GMT (UK)
Rachel,

I am so sorry to hear this sad news.Mike was always there with an helping hand for my
Leicestershire family.

Meercat.
Title: Re: Mike from Leicester
Post by: Treetotal on Monday 03 February 14 14:16 GMT (UK)
So sorry to hear the sad loss of Mike who made such a valuable contribution to Rootschat...My deepest sympathy goes to you and your Family.
Fondly remembered.
Carol
Title: Re: Mike from Leicester
Post by: Joy Dean on Monday 03 February 14 18:52 GMT (UK)
That is sad.

R.I.P Mike.
Title: Re: Mike from Leicester
Post by: copperbeech5 on Monday 03 February 14 19:32 GMT (UK)
So sorry to hear about Mike, he was so generous and helpful to me when I first started on here and I was searching for Leicester connections as a complete rookie.

Very sad indeed.

Copperbeech5
Title: Re: Mike from Leicester
Post by: ankerdine on Monday 03 February 14 19:55 GMT (UK)
Dear Rachel

Thank you for taking the time and trouble to relay your sad news.

Mike helped me considerably both with Leicestershire ancestors and the Rutland contingent too.

He was patient, often going back and looking again if things weren't all they seemed at first.

Thinking of you and your family.

Judy x
Title: Re: Mike from Leicester
Post by: Finley 1 on Tuesday 04 February 14 16:04 GMT (UK)
OH DEAR NO..

I am so sorry to be so late in noting this .......... forgive me, Dear MIKE, we shared so many lovely moments on here, remembering our 'interesting' school days at Medway... although we were there at different times, it gave us a special connection, bless you and thank you MIKE xxxxx
Also without his great knowledge and interest - I know half of my relations would still be waiting to be found....
Oh Mike, who am I going to go up onto the roof with now xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Forgive me Rachel, for sounding maybe a little to close to your wonderful Father, He was my 'fellow Medwayite'  and we shared a rememberance of treasured School days...
Such a special time and some one who remembered it with you - makes that person important in your life.  xxxxxx  Bless you and I hope you cope over the next few months by remembering how kind and sharing he was with his knowledge and time.   

xxxxxxxxxxxx

xin
Title: Re: Mike from Leicester
Post by: Suzy W on Wednesday 05 February 14 23:59 GMT (UK)
Xina.. Mike touched so many of us, no matter how far away we lived.
He told me his brother lives only a block away from me here in Christchurch NZ, amazing small world, and how we all connect in way or another.
He will be truly missed by all xx

Suzy W
Title: Re: Mike from Leicester
Post by: Rachel from Leicester on Thursday 06 February 14 05:39 GMT (UK)
Hi all or Greetings folks (think I'm allowed to use that)

Thank you so much your lovely comments and memories ... I've got such massive comfort in the last week from your posts and am so very proud of my Dad ... Always there to help whenever anybody needed him.

I know a few RC members and other researchers are based in leicester and myself and my siblings would welcome any of you to attend dad's funeral. The church service will be on the 24th February at Trinity Methodist Church (Narborough rd) at 11am followed by his cremation at Gilrose at 12pm. We will then go back to trinity for his "Bun Fight" as he always called it for 1pm.

Please feel free to pass this info on to anyone I may of missed and thanks also for posting on other forums that dad was a member.


Rachel x

ps someone mentioned putting a picture of dad up... I'm not sure if this is ok so for the min I have changed my profile pic to him.. bit small but if its ok with moderators RC etc. I'll post it bigger x
Title: Re: Mike from Leicester
Post by: dawnsh on Thursday 06 February 14 10:27 GMT (UK)
Hi Rachel

Thanks for coming back and posting again.

It's obvious from all these posts that Mike was a well-liked member of the forum and his help and research skills will be greatly missed.

I do hope that there are some contributors here who are able to attend his funeral.

And a slightly larger picture of your father can be posted here (as long as it fits the sizing guidelines  :) )

Dawn
Title: Re: Mike from Leicester
Post by: Rachel from Leicester on Thursday 06 February 14 11:34 GMT (UK)
thanks dawn for replying...

I hope this file isn't too big... I'm sure some of you are aware Dad was also very into his scouting and had not long received his 30 year service award!,  hence him in uniform :)
Title: Re: Mike from Leicester
Post by: Ozdais on Thursday 06 February 14 11:44 GMT (UK)
Lovely pic Rachel. Hoping to be at funeral, but will be in uniform from the "other side". Maggie
Title: Re: Mike from Leicester
Post by: dawnsh on Thursday 06 February 14 13:05 GMT (UK)
Hi Rachel

What a lovely photo and a great momento of his contribution to scouting. Another unsung hero!

Will the scouts forming a Guard of honour?

Dawn
Title: Re: Mike from Leicester
Post by: Finley 1 on Thursday 06 February 14 17:28 GMT (UK)
What a lovely photo  xx thank you for sharing
xx

xin
Title: Re: Mike from Leicester
Post by: Jool on Thursday 06 February 14 18:03 GMT (UK)
Rachel, so sorry to hear the sad news about your dad, he will be missed by so many.  Thanks for sharing his photo, what a lovely smiling face.  Our thoughts are with you and your family.  You are always welcome to pop in on RC for a chat if and when you want to. x
Title: Re: Mike from Leicester
Post by: PaulaToo on Thursday 06 February 14 23:07 GMT (UK)
I never came across your Dad, Rachel, my lot are all at the other end of the country and the bottom left hand corner of Wales, but it is always sad for us when one of our stars falls.
Sleep tight, Mike. You will be remembered with love and gratitude. :'(
Title: Re: Mike from Leicester
Post by: Tenpin on Thursday 06 February 14 23:12 GMT (UK)
Always willing to help.
R.I.P

Pete
Title: Re: Mike from Leicester
Post by: niglor on Monday 10 February 14 23:19 GMT (UK)
R.I.P Mike 

Helped me such a lot with my Leicester family info.
Title: Re: Mike from Leicester
Post by: minijimaus on Wednesday 12 February 14 04:30 GMT (UK)
Rachel

My deepest condolences to you and the rest of the family. Your dad helped me a great deal with family research and was a very valuable source of information.

All the best

James
Sydney, Australia
Title: Re: Mike from Leicester
Post by: DORAN54 on Wednesday 12 February 14 14:08 GMT (UK)
R.I.P MIKE  so sorry to hear of his passing :-[
Title: Re: Mike from Leicester
Post by: greyingrey on Thursday 13 February 14 20:46 GMT (UK)
I did wonder if something was wrong, because Mike offered to help me with something if I couldn't get further. I eventually got back to him but didn't receive a reply.....I normally had to rein him in from spending too much time helping me !

You can be more than proud of your Dad.

RIP Mike.....I'll miss you for the laughs we had.....now I'll never get to give you that face to face thank you that I promised

xx
Title: Re: Mike from Leicester
Post by: Heather D on Thursday 13 February 14 23:38 GMT (UK)
So sorry to hear this, condolences to Mike's family. I haven't been around much lately but I considered Mike a friend who brightened up my inbox with daft humour and tantalising snippets about my Leicestershire families. I will miss him :(
Title: Re: Mike from Leicester
Post by: Jan Ann on Thursday 13 February 14 23:39 GMT (UK)
Rachel, I haven't been on here for a few weeks, so have only just read the news. I am so sorry to hear that your dad Mike (or milkyman as I fondly nicknamed him) has passed away. I started to trace my tree in 2005, he helped me so much, always there to offer advice, he spent so much of his time helping everyone, a true gentleman in every sense of the word. He will be truly missed. My sincere sympathy to you and your family. RIP Mike xxxx
Jan
Title: Re: Mike from Leicester
Post by: iluleah on Thursday 13 February 14 23:55 GMT (UK)
So sorry Rachel, as you say he helped many including myself on numerous occasions and went out of his way always well above expectations he will be sadly missed.  :'(

I loved it when he answered one of my questions, especially being a Leicestershire lass myself, I was only reading one of his emails today that he had sent some time ago with lots of information he had got for me , seeing his name always made me feel like I was 'back home' for a while.

My condolences to yourself and all who loved him
Title: Re: Mike from Leicester
Post by: larkspur on Friday 14 February 14 09:39 GMT (UK)
"Greetings" Rachel. So sorry to hear about your dad. He helped me a lot with my elusive Leicestershire runaways. Giving me far more information than I had asked for.
 I'am sure he will have found all the answers now....my very best wishes to you all.
Title: Re: Mike from Leicester
Post by: katwoo on Friday 14 February 14 12:42 GMT (UK)
Hi Rachel,

So sorry to hear of Mikes passing, he will be missed by many. When i first started doing my family tree he was really helpful and encouraging and nothing was too much trouble. May he rest in peace.

Katwoo :(
Title: Re: Mike from Leicester
Post by: chinakay on Tuesday 18 February 14 00:56 GMT (UK)
So very sad to hear, Rachel...although I have no family concerns in Leicester I did run into him from time to time and he was always pleasant and cheerful. Deepest sympathies.

Cheers,
China
Title: Re: Mike from Leicester
Post by: charby on Tuesday 18 February 14 17:52 GMT (UK)
I am very sad to hear that your father passed away, he had helped me quite a few times and I appreciated all his help. He will be missed. :-[ :'(

charby
Title: Re: Mike from Leicester
Post by: cricket2 on Wednesday 19 February 14 19:18 GMT (UK)

I am very sad to hear that your father passed away, he had helped me lots of  times and I appreciated all his help. He will be sadly missed by me and all on rootschat god bless you
john
Title: Re: Mike from Leicester
Post by: CaroleW on Saturday 22 February 14 00:25 GMT (UK)
I am so very sorry but have only just seen this post. 

I exchanged many pm's with your dad over the years and he was a wonderful help on all things Leicester and will be very sadly missed.

My deepest sympathy to you and all your family
Title: Re: Mike from Leicester
Post by: swampinstein on Saturday 22 February 14 21:03 GMT (UK)
Sorry for your loss...Mike has helped me many times...A very kind man xxx
Title: Re: Mike from Leicester
Post by: Vicki Morley on Sunday 23 February 14 19:16 GMT (UK)
Oh my goodness I'm so sorry.  He came across as nothing less than helpful and was such a nice man.

RIP Mike.
Title: Re: Mike from Leicester
Post by: sarah on Sunday 23 February 14 19:53 GMT (UK)
Hi Rachel,

Trystan and I will be coming tomorrow to pay our respects to your Dad, our thoughts are with you and your family for tomorrow.

Regards

Sarah
Title: Re: Mike from Leicester
Post by: trystan on Monday 24 February 14 21:40 GMT (UK)
We attended Mike's funeral today at Trinity Methodist Church, in Leicester. We were also joined by Xinia and "Mr Xinia", from here on RootsChat who many of you know.

The church was filled all the way to the back pews, and the singing was magnificent. Mike had served as a steward of the church, and he remarked in the past to the minister that he considered himself a servant to the church rather than anything grander than that. It is clear that Mike lived his life as a servant to others in many aspects of his life. On remembrance day last year, the minister recalled, Mike lit the remembrance candle and so today it was so incredibly fitting that the minister lit the remembrance candle in honour of him and read the same passage that Mike did.

Mike was a devoted Christian, and it was so very fitting that the poem "Footprints" was read, along with Psalm 121 and ending in the triumphant hymn "Thine be the Glory".

His son made a wonderful testament to his Dad's life, where we learnt more of Mike, his background and his walk through life. He recalled both the good and painful memories, and the passions and interests that Mike had. One of Mike's biggest passions was in scouting. The flowers on his coffin were in the scout colours, and a line of scout leaders stretched the whole length of the church as his coffin passed them in his final journey.

Thanks was given to his online friends in genealogy for the messages of condolances that you left, which has brought great comfort to the family.

We left a printed copy of your messages for his family.

We would also like to thank Rachel and the family for giving the invitation on here to join them in the celebration of Mike's life.

Trystan & Sarah
RootsChat




 
Title: Re: Mike from Leicester
Post by: willsy on Monday 24 February 14 21:50 GMT (UK)
My thoughts were with you all today, many thanks for writing about the service.

Will miss him dearly

Elaine
Title: Re: Mike from Leicester
Post by: Finley 1 on Monday 24 February 14 21:58 GMT (UK)
Yes, Mikes good heart was definitely reflected within his family.

So many people with so many lovely things to say about him

Thank you to all

Xin
Title: Re: Mike from Leicester
Post by: chinakay on Monday 24 February 14 22:22 GMT (UK)
Good to hear your account of what must have been a very touching occasion, Trystan. Thank you.
Title: Re: Mike from Leicester
Post by: Newfloridian on Saturday 01 March 14 08:59 GMT (UK)
So sorry to hear the news. I can only repeat what has been said so many times before in this thread. A generous fount of local knowledge - sorely missed.

Alan
Title: Re: Mike from Leicester
Post by: jess5athome on Saturday 01 March 14 12:00 GMT (UK)
Thankyou for that Trystan, its very much appreciated.

Frank.
Title: Re: Mike from Leicester
Post by: Suzy W on Tuesday 04 March 14 23:07 GMT (UK)
Thanks for giving us a recount on Mike's last farewell "Trystan"
It sounded like a lovely service.

Suzy W
Title: Re: Mike from Leicester
Post by: Ozdais on Wednesday 05 March 14 08:19 GMT (UK)
It WAS a very moving service, there were glimpses of the Mike we knew, as well as insights into the Mike we didn't know so well - the one with artistic talent, the chef..... Rachel and family also included some great photos in the service sheet - if anyone would like to see it, pm me your email addy and will scan it for you.
Title: Re: Mike from Leicester
Post by: seahall on Wednesday 30 April 14 23:07 BST (UK)
Love the tribute to Mike on your web site Alan.

We used to chat about you and ourselves often.

I was talking about him to someone in Market Harboro'
on Tuesday that knew him.

Sorely missed.

Sandy
Title: Re: Mike from Leicester
Post by: Ozdais on Thursday 01 May 14 08:16 BST (UK)
It IS a lovely tribute.

...And Yes, he is missed - he was a tremendous help to me in tracking my Butlers of Leicester, and I know he would have been right in there helping with my latest mystery.

Will be strange going into the new County Scout Shop without Mike behind the counter.  :(
Title: Re: Mike from Leicester
Post by: RobfromYeovil on Thursday 01 May 14 23:01 BST (UK)
Hello All

Firstly please accept my apologies for not posting sooner, some days drag by and sometimes they fly, so really hard to keep track of how long it has been already.

I would like to say a huge thanks for all the messages on here regarding my dad.  Also special thanks to those who attended his funeral, it was a great comfort to all of the family,so thanks.

It is a day that I, and the rest of the gang will never forget - for many reasons - the number of people who  attended the service, the moving tribute from the Scouts with their guard of honor.

Rachel has asked me to join this site and post our thanks on it, and to post a copy of the eulogy that we delivered on the day.  Many people have a genuine interest in hearing about the day so we thought this would be a good way to make our contribution to the thread.

Please ignore any spelling etc, copied below is simply the notes used on the day - and it kind of made sense to me at the time!
Also, I have just found out that there is a character limit on posts so will post the eulogy in several posts to get it all in for you!
Title: Re: Mike from Leicester
Post by: RobfromYeovil on Thursday 01 May 14 23:01 BST (UK)
After a lot of soul searching and thought, We would very much like to present this tribute to our Dad; it is a compilation of the stories, memories and  photos that we’ve pieced together over the last few weeks.

So please, sit back, relax, take a deep breath and SMILE, some may find it helpful  to close their eyes.

This is the story of our Dad that we would like to share with you today, had he been with us it is the story you never would have heard. But we will now just start with GREETINGS FOLKS…

Dad was born on Thursday May 28th 1942 to proud parents Mother and Dad (Jack and Murial)
Michael Frederick Cassell , THATS CASSELL, C.. A.. DOUBLE S.. E.. DOUBLE L...

He was the third son born into the Cassell family, his two brothers Clifford and David having arrived in the years before,  sadly neither of them  can be here with us today..
David,  having sadly passed away in 2010 and Clifford, although very much alive and well and playing with his train sets in New Zealand  is unable to attend due to the huge distance but, he  assures us his time table have been adjusted!

Contrary to popular belief Dad wasn’t born with a full bread or wearing his scout uniform,
but we do think he came out clutching his trusty penknife and compass (sorry Granny!)

During his childhood, dad developed many pastimes which he carried on and,  re-kindled at various points of his life. A great artist, a keen photographer, a lover of the outdoors, he loved his Hornby trains to name but a few.

Dad very much enjoyed his time at Dale Secondary Modern School becoming prefect and  taking  up on the many extra activities on offer; swimming /diving, cricket, football , cycling, and sailing, his favourite being chess club, which he went on to develop his skills to county level.

After Dad left school in 1957 he became an Apprentice Chef at the Grand Hotel, right here in Leicester. Dad must have been pretty good at this cooking lark as he progressed over the year’s upto Head Chef


And it was around this time that he made a good friend, a friend so good he introduced him to his much younger sister,
Dad continued with his cycling (the most impressive trips being Leicester to Skegness time trials) and throughout his early courting days many a happy weekend was spent with a light stuck on his head whilst potholing through the caves of Yorkshire and Derbyshire. Anyway things blossomed in his relationship and in 1963 Lesley and Michael were married!
.
In 1966 he was blessed with his first child, a daughter “Sarah”, his princess,
he probably thought his life couldn’t get any better.  However, in 1968 along came another beautiful child... a loving and extremely handsome son “Robert”... ‘Me!’
(Pause...  Cheeky look n grin to the congregation)

We remember Dad using his artistic skills  to entertain and look after us kids, he  painted the Magic Roundabout characters onto Sarah’s and my bedroom walls, ‘Dougal’  Brian the snail and the rest of the gang. (dougal was also being the name Sarah gave his  rather impressive moustache!)

Sadly, for many reasons the marriage ended, and dad, like many fathers faced with this situation in those times, sadly and regrettably, lost contact with his Princess and me.

In the early 70’s, history soon started to repeat itself (a regular thing for our dad) , And while it started out differently, namely starting as a blind date in 1972, things blossomed and he  married  Jane in 1974 and wow dad those side burns were very impressive! 

3 years later a daughter arrived ‘Rachel’ very much the apple of his eye (sorry rach its those lovely cheeks ) and then followed in 1981  by another good looking and, the icing on the cake… handsome son ‘Peter’ in 1981. 
Title: Re: Mike from Leicester
Post by: RobfromYeovil on Thursday 01 May 14 23:02 BST (UK)
Just one of Rachel’s memories of how  special a  Dad he was, was when she saved up and bought her first bike, she did this because she wanted to use it for her first job – a paper-round.  . She’d decided to get a Sunday round as it was only 1 day a week but hadn’t figured on the weight of the Sunday papers! Within the first 2 mins she had fell of said bike twice and with scraped elbows ran home to dad…. dad stepped in and got the car out and that’s how it stayed for the next 3 years, In all weathers they ventured out, without fail but he  always insisted it was her job, so the wages were hers too.

During the late 70’s Dad felt a change in career was in order, a need to escape the confines of a kitchen (after first becoming a master butcher in 74) ,and  go back to his love of the outdoors……..so he became a milkman! He further rose to supervisor but was very much saddened when privatisation came in and moved his career to join the Red Cross as a delivery / technician and again climbed that ladder and became head stores man.

One of Pete’s fondest memories of spending time with Dad, is of a sponsored walk they did around Bradgate park for the scouts in the late 80s,early 90s, while at the time I think Pete was less than impressed that Dad insisted that they do another lap as ‘they really should set an example’, I think he appreciates that dad really didn’t try to set an example, in life as well as that day, a thing few people can stand by.

Towards the end of dads working life he really would of loved to become a paramedic  but with too many years on the clock it wasn’t to be. But this didn’t stop him practicing. He would always stop, at any “incident” whether help was required or not. But of course first-aid rules and regulations have to be followed!  (something you might have noticed!)

But of course we haven’t mentioned what was  maybe his greatest passion in life , Scouting.  This started as a boy, him and his brothers enjoyed countless hours spent tying each other up.. Sorry tying ropes and enjoying the great outdoors. He very quickly in 1983 responded to a request for help and become a warranted leader with the 82nd Leicester Scout troop, from there he took on many responsibilities and activities – memories that are too numerous to pick just one here but memories he and many of you will never forget. So my thanks to Lord Baden Powell, and many thanks to you all at  Leicester Scouts for having him!  And for helping him to achieve his 30 years service medal, a very proud moment for him in his life, we are sure.

But in his personal life, once again history repeated itself  and in 1995 he was a single man again.
Like all of us in times of sadness he went home,…… to a mother that was always a great comfort to him, and in return he was able to become a great carer for her in the final years of her life.

After sadly losing his mother in  2001, he was fortunate to have many friends and colleagues from this church, the scouts and many of his online friends from genealogy sites, which in many ways became his extended family. Dad really touched  so many peoples life’s over the years. so thanks to you all for being part of his.

Title: Re: Mike from Leicester
Post by: RobfromYeovil on Thursday 01 May 14 23:03 BST (UK)
Lastly, to his online friends, some of which we know will be here today.  We have been deeply moved and  have found great comfort in what many of you have put online since his passing, Thank you all. I’m sure he’s sorry he could not help you anymore with your family projects
(but guess what folks, he has all the answers now – the truth was out there!)

Please feel free to follow Dad  to the crematorium or sit tight here for as dad would put it ‘his bun fight’ later, for those of you coming to the wake please make sure you have a piece of his large Walkers Pork Pie (and we didn’t forget the mustard dad)

So now, He’s gone home, his train has pulled into its final stop and he must get off.
Ta ta family, ta ta friends........  That’s all folks!!

EXCEPT….

Dad,
You will be missed more than we  think you could have ever realised.

You were at times stubborn, annoying, frustrating, useless at keeping in touch, useless with IT (but an expert with the spell check!),useless at delegation,  a messy chef, a lousy writer of letters,  and often just a plain old silly bugger!

But we, along with many others here today, and many that will be here with us today in thought only, we would not have wanted you any other way.  You were you:

Thoughtful, helpful to those who asked for help, always willing to show people the ‘right’ way of doing things, extremely community spirited, often sacrificing his own wants and needs to appease others. Loving and loved.

Without you there would be no sarah, rachel pete or me, and then without us there would be no ....... heck, between us we have produced too many children to mention here! At the last count there were 10 grandchildren – 6 boys and four girls. And one beautiful great granddaughter.
 
On reflection, I think I should name them :

Matthew
Oliver
Luke
Bonnie
Katie
Tomas
Matty
Zoe
Tom
Megan
And one great grand-daughter, the newly born Lily-Mai

We will forever hold you in our hearts and want to say we love you, we are missing you Dad, and standing here today I can vouch  for us all  that we extremely proud and honoured to be able to say we were your children.

From all of us in the Family circle and from your many friends, we salute you.
God Bless



Footprints

One night I had a dream.
I was dreamed I was walking along the beach with God, and across the sky flashed scenes from my life.

For each scene I noticed two sets of footprints in the sand, one belonged to me, and the other to God.

When the last scene of my life flashed before us I looked back at the footprints in the sand.
I noticed that at times along the path of life there was only one set of footprints.  I also noticed that it happened at the very lowest and saddest times of my life.

This bothered me and I questioned God about it.

“God, you said that once I decided to follow you, you would walk with me all the way, but, I noticed that during the most troublesome times in my life there is only one set of footprints.  I don’t understand why, in times when I needed you most, you would leave me.”

God replied

“My precious, precious child, I love you and I would never, never leave you during your times of trials and suffering.  When you see only one set of footprints it was when I carried you.”
Title: Re: Mike from Leicester
Post by: Finley 1 on Thursday 01 May 14 23:32 BST (UK)
Hello Rob and Rachel, and all the family
To say it was a beautiful day - I know sounds wrong, but it was a celebration of a special person, and that made it beautiful.  It was lovely to meet you all  - I really appreciate you typing this out, as my hearing is not as good as it was and I couldnt hear it properly on the day, so thank you.

WOW - such beautiful words.   

Take care all

xin :)
Title: Re: Mike from Leicester
Post by: seahall on Friday 02 May 14 08:13 BST (UK)
Extremely moving words.

Here is the link to Alan's tribute which I previously wrote here.

http://www.rootschat.com/links/0z4a/ 

Loss is always painful.

Sandy
Title: Re: Mike from Leicester
Post by: Ozdais on Friday 02 May 14 08:25 BST (UK)
Thanks Rob, it was good to hear your words about the Mike we knew, but also to find out more about the Mike he kept hidden. He remains in our thoughts - often pass St Denys and give him a little wave.
Title: Re: Mike from Leicester
Post by: RobfromYeovil on Friday 02 May 14 09:02 BST (UK)
Sorry, I was also asked to mention that Rachel and Peter recently attended an award event with the scouts where they picked up a special award for Dad.

Title: Re: Mike from Leicester
Post by: Drobbly on Thursday 08 May 14 20:13 BST (UK)
Yes I was another person he helped. Great help and sound like he was an excellent help to many people.      Thanks Mike....    :)
Title: Re: Mike from Leicester
Post by: Mary from Italy on Saturday 07 June 14 08:54 BST (UK)
Very sorry indeed to hear this news. Mike was a wonderful help to me when I first started my research, and I know he helped countless other people too.

My deepest condolences to his family.

Mary
Title: Re: Mike from Leicester
Post by: ansteynomad on Saturday 09 August 14 16:02 BST (UK)
I've only just seen this and I am saddened to hear of Mike's passing.

If anyone could unscramble my family, it appeared to be Mike and although I am still floundering, I would be floundering in an entirely different place had it not been for him.

My condolences to his family.  Mike was an exceptional man and will be hugely missed.
Title: Re: Mike from Leicester
Post by: Carrie-ann Bugby on Saturday 13 October 18 20:21 BST (UK)
Hi Mike was wondering if you could help looking for a plot at Gilrose for the last name Oriens if it is on the map thank you
Title: Re: Mike from Leicester
Post by: CaroleW on Saturday 13 October 18 20:25 BST (UK)
Welcome to Rootschat

If you read the previous posts you will find that sadly Mike died some 4yrs ago
Title: Re: Mike from Leicester
Post by: Carrie-ann Bugby on Saturday 13 October 18 21:29 BST (UK)
Oh I'm sorry didn't read that far into the feed my apologies and condolences to family and friends
Title: Re: Mike from Leicester
Post by: iluleah on Saturday 13 October 18 21:59 BST (UK)
Welcome to Rootschat

If you read the previous posts you will find that sadly Mike died some 4yrs ago

You know Carole it doesn't seem like 4 yrs ago
Title: Re: Mike from Leicester
Post by: CaroleW on Saturday 13 October 18 23:11 BST (UK)
I know.  It gave me a bit of a shock when I saw the date.  It only seems like 2yrs ago.
Title: Re: Mike from Leicester
Post by: Treetotal on Saturday 13 October 18 23:41 BST (UK)
I wondered why the post had been raised....four years  :o and still remembered.
Carol
Title: Re: Mike from Leicester
Post by: Finley 1 on Sunday 14 October 18 15:06 BST (UK)
Good old MIKE (always in Caps xx)

will always remember my Medway Mate.. 

bless him -- we went to same school..

Played on #Roof -- at seperate times.. as he was younger than me. (I think :) ) xxxxxx

What a Mine of information and how - willing to always see if he could help with the answers.

Special MIKE xxxxx

xin
Title: Re: Mike from Leicester
Post by: samhuzz on Saturday 09 March 19 17:34 GMT (UK)
So sorry to hear this Rachel, he was a great help to me and a lovely chap. May he RIP