Mike was an officer and an exceptional gentleman. I first met him in 1975-76 whilst serving in the Royal Navy, based at the former submarine base HMS Dolphin. He was in command of the Dolphin based submarine HMS Opossum at that time, a very popular skipper, a reputable tactician and he commonly visited us in the Communication Centre. In 2011, Mike (as RNLI Chairman) came all the way down to The Lizard to officially open our magnificent new boathouse and slipway, which was also coupled with the naming ceremony of our mighty new Tamar lifeboat Rose. As station LOM I had the privilege and pleasure of personally hosting his tour of the boathouse, meeting 100’s of visitors in the process. A truly memorable occasion we’ll all treasure, Mike made the day very special for everyone, he had an infectious pleasantness about him you’d never forget. His sad passing has happened far too soon, gladly his memory will be with us forever more, truly a man of exceptional standards, God bless him.

(photo: courtesy RNLI The Lizard. Lord Boyce opening the new station and presenting Long Service badges)