Michael Wood (Passed away 16 Feb 2016)

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Location
Chelmsford Crematorium South Chapel Writtle Road Chelmsford CM1 3BL
Date
9th Mar 2016
Time
11.30am
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In loving memory of Michael Wood who sadly passed away on 16th February 2016

We celebrate the life of Michael Lawrence Wood, a gentle man who gave much to many!

Born 9th April 1936 in London, son of Joseph and Phyl, Michael was educated first at St Pauls where he was also a choirboy and subsequently, during the war years, in Somerset where he indulged his love of sports and developed his skills as a keen cricketer and rugby player and alongside his academic studies. It has been said that perhaps more time and enthusiasm was devoted to sports than academia.

His working life started at National And Grindlays Bank where he met the love of his life and future wife, Liz, over a crossword puzzle with her pal Bubbles. Ever open to adventure, when the opportunity came to take a posting in Rhodesia, Mike applied and was accepted. Liz and Mike married and prepared for their big adventure, only to be stopped in their tracks when Bank policy changed and their plans were scuppered.

Mike’s best days in the bank – Now National Westminster- were in School Liaison where he developed a number of sponsorship initiatives in sport – most notable amongst them was the Nat West support for the Rugby Sevens which continues even today.

Mike and Liz’s lives were enriched by the birth of their three children Nicky, Mandi and Mat. A devoted father, Mike taught his young family many valuable lessons: how to love without question, how to listen and advise without judging, how to have an adventure and live life to the full, the art of wallpapering, gardening, Scrabble, car packing, tent pitching and many more.

A loving husband, Mike was always there for Liz. This love was visible in his eyes as he looked at Liz in his last weeks in a hospital bed. A treasured memory.

As well as being a keen sportsman, Mike, in spite of initial reticence was a keen camper. Driving the family on epic journeys down through France for annual holidays in Spain. The tent pitching ritual, always a challenge, was aided by careful planning and careful marking of tent poles with insulation tape. A process which never failed to impress.

Mike was always a giver of time and knowledge. As a coach at Chelmsford Rugby Club, as part of the NatWest caravan club both as a caravaner and Chairman of the Club. Latterly as Vice Chairman of Danbury Parish Council and an active member of the Danbury U3A.

Mike’s talents also extended into the garden. In the early years of their marriage, Mike and Liz spent many happy hours growing fruit and vegetables on their allotment and teaching the kids how to dig the soil, plant and reap the benefits. The lawn at 9 St Catherines was an item of pride and the garden developed in Danbury over many years was regularly opened to the public during the Open Garden event.

Mike’s passing will leave a huge gap in the lives of many. His ready wit, mischievous nature, diplomacy and nurturing spirit will be remembered with a fond smile and missed by many.

RIP xx

Joy and Arthur Radley donated £40 in memory of Michael

In fond remembrance.

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Elisabeth Blyth posted a picture
Vice-Chairman Mike with Chelmsford Councillor Bob Shepherd at Danbury Parish Council's annual public meeting, March 2011.

Vice-Chairman Mike with Chelmsford Councillor Bob Shepherd at Danbury Parish Council's annual public meeting, March 2011.

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Barbara Hallett is attending the funeral
Ray Craigie wrote

I met Mike through tracing my family history, It transpired that we were 3rd cousins!
I never met Mike personally but spoke to him on the telephone and shared family history facts via email.
Mike was always most helpful with any odd questions I may have had and I was sorry hear of his passing.
My sincerest condolences to the family.

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April Chapman is attending the funeral
Pat Wheeler wrote

To our dear cousins--Our sharing of family history with Mike will be sadly missed. He and Liz were wonderful hosts and we always enjoyed his emails bringing us up to date on his family. He loved them dearly. A kind and generous soul.

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Alec and Margaret Fraser is attending the funeral and the reception
Stuart & Sue Berlyn wrote

Mike will be greatly missed by all at Danbury Parish Council and in particular by Stuart who always valued his support and guidance. Both of us will miss him as a friend and neighbour - RIP Mike.

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Alan & Janet Buck is attending the funeral and the reception
Stuart & Sue Berlyn is attending the funeral and the reception
Teresa, Alan, Sian & Evie Ranscombe wrote

Fond memories of Uncle Mick, including the time he drove us to the next station so that we didn't miss our train back to London. What a guy!

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Teresa, Alan, Sian & Evie Ranscombe is attending the reception
Winifred Sutherland is attending the funeral
Martin and Gilly Lutton wrote

In memory of a unfailingly supportive neighbour and enthusiastic gardening mentor who will be sadly missed.

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Martin and Gilly Lutton is attending the funeral and the reception
David Whiteing is attending the funeral
Joy and Arthur Radley is attending the funeral and the reception
Hannah Mayes is attending the funeral
Max Telling is attending the funeral and the reception
Malcolm & Rosemary Case wrote

Mike will be sadly missed by all his friends at Maldon & District U3A

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Malcolm & Rosemary Case is attending the funeral and the reception
Sheelagh & Geoff Culverhouse donated in memory of Michael

In loving memory of " my Uncle Michael ", always good fun to be with,

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Sheelagh & Geoff Culverhouse wrote

In loving memory of " my Uncle Michael ", always good fun to be with.

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Sheelagh & Geoff Culverhouse is attending the reception
Mat Wood donated £50 in memory of Michael

Love from Mat x

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Mat Wood posted a picture
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Mat Wood posted a picture
Wedding day

Wedding day

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Happy days

Happy days

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Blue Eyes

Blue Eyes

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Mat Wood posted a picture
Sunny holidays

Sunny holidays

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