1940-2023
Michael moved into the Roost when it was first built and became a director of HPMCR Ltd, the freehold company, late in 2007. Very soon afterwards he took on the role of Service Director and worked hard and effectively for the community in this position until his untimely death in January 2023.
Michael is missed for his cheerful positive presence and for his attentive and unflinching support for the Roost community. His support went far beyond the duties expected of the Service Director: always offering help and always taking care of our welfare.
"Michael’s sudden death was a great shock for all of us at the Roost. We shall miss him greatly. He was a friend to us all and in his role as Director of Services he cared for us all as individuals. He was a true gent: courteous, discrete, with a masterly attention to detail and above all kind. All his email missives displayed a love of precision and language, particularly Latin. They betrayed his headmaster’s background and proved a reliable asset in dealing with us, a motley group of Roosters. His presence among us will be irreplaceable. RIP."
Gillian
"Michael was always very kind and helpful. He was a consistent and reliable neighbour who put a great deal of time and effort into helping The Roost run smoothly. I will miss him."
Ann
“For many years, Michael has been a constant presence our lives, always willing to help and ever supportive. He never expected recognition for his service but was clearly delighted to receive it and always with such grace. He was a true teacher with a mission to bring out the best with humour and wit. When he knew the grandchildren were coming to stay he would always produce his quirky word games for them to puzzle over- as I did! He was dedicated to keeping The Roost a safe and secure place to live and his contribution to our welfare was invaluable. I will miss his cheerful, positive outlook and all those personal qualities that made him such a wonderful neighbour.”
Linda
"Michael was a good friend to our parents, Brenda and Geoffrey Smith, when they lived at 15, The Roost. Kind and outgoing, he went out of his way to get to know family members and, in particular, made visiting children feel important and welcome. He often spoke of his teaching and it was obvious that he derived great joy from being able to continue to work with children well into his retirement. I am sure he has made a lasting impact on so many of them. Our niece and nephew certainly remember him fondly! When our parents no longer lived at The Roost, and we let out their flat, Michael continued to be a supportive friend to us, offering practical help and advice whenever needed. He also maintained a keen interest in what everyone was up to. His curiosity and enthusiasm was infectious. He seemed to have a zest for life. It is a great shame he is no longer with us but he is remembered with great affection as well as appreciation."
Analisa and Katy
What a most wonderfully kind, selfless and honourable gent - we whall miss your erudite and amusing company whilst supping away on a glass or red wine on our patio. Valete our dear friend
Di and Richard
Michael was a lovely man with a very kind heart and always asked me how myself and kids are. Always had a smile on his face and dog treats in his pocket. He will be very missed.
Dawn and family
Michael will be missed by all at One Stop. He was a lovely kind man who always stopped and had a chat with us and gave all our dogs a treat every time we saw him. Thoughts go to his family at this very sad time.
Pauline X
Michael was one of nature’s gentlemen and always in our thoughts.
Mark and Sarah
So very sad to hear of Michael's passing today. We (myself, my son and our dog Dalha) were very fond of him and he became our friend on our daily dog walks. Such a charming, friendly gentleman and so kind to all the dogs and their owners in the village. He will be extremely missed. With our sympathy to his family.
Wendy, Wesley and Dalha
Michael - I didn't know your name but our paths crossed frequently and my dog Buzz was always on the lookout for you. Such a lovely gentleman. With love
The Webbs and Buzz X
Michael - HERE COMES ANOTHER CUSTOMER!! You would always say this as myself and my dog approached you while we were out walking. Such a kind gentleman. i was saddened and shocked to hear you had left us all. I will certainly miss our chats as we walked home together, as we were neighbours on Heather Lane. Elsa and I send you a salute and much love.
Love from Stephy and Elsa
Michael, no more quizzes and jokes :( You will be sadly missed. Barbara and Derek, Jemima and William X Gentleman - always had time to chat. Miss him.
Suzanne X
Michael was a lovely man and I'll miss speaking to him. Me and Boris will miss Michaels passing as he used to treat him when out working or out for a walk. Boris my dog kept a look out for Michael so he would be given a dog treat from Michael. He will be missed by lots of dogs.
Nicholas and Boris
Well missed by both us and our canine friends. RIP Michael - you are very much missed. Lots and lots of love
Rob and Jen xx
So very sad to hear this news. Michael was such a lovely man always had time for a chat with my dog Lexie and a treat. I for one will miss him telling me how well I dig my garden and listening to all his stories.
Michael will be sadly missed. A truly lovely man with a very kind heart, he left a presence wherever he visited. Ernie missed him terribly, he always loved our chats about my girls and my dog Ernie. Lots of love
Sania, Jed and Ernie, Soph and Jess X
Michael - You will be missed terribly by everyone at the Pool Cafe. Always a friendly face. Loved and missed always from all the past and present staff at the
Pool Cafe X
To all you in Hathersage and all your dogs who knew Michael - a big Thank You for all your comments. He will obviously be missed by you and we are very happy that he lived amongst such a friendly lot of people. Thank you.
Jo and Judith - Michael's nieces.