Michael Wood (Passed away 16 Feb 2016)

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