Michael’s wife Cherry shared the news with the School and described Mike as “a fine and gentle man who was a very proud Old Lyonian who enjoyed his years at John Lyon, with a true passion for sport”. He excelled in football as a pupil and later as an adult, and Cherry fondly recalled cheering on the Old Lyonians as the weekend matches.

Alongside his football talent, Michael had a deep love of cricket. After the family moved to Australia, he proudly coached Under-7 and Under-8 teams, leading one side to victory in a hotly contested local championship.

Michael’s school friend John Thomson (OL 1954) also shared his memories:
“Mick (as I called him) lived in Australia for many years. After leaving John Lyon, he qualified as a chartered accountant. Mick and I were as thick as thieves during our JLS days. He excelled in football both at JLS and with the Old Lyonian Association – a boy and a man you simply could not dislike, so easy-going.”

Michael will be remembered with great affection by Cherry, his wife, and by his children, as well as by his many friends within the Old Lyonian community.