[JonnyTester]

Well, we buried PrettyGreen (Michael) this morning. I just wanted to thank everyone here for their kind words of condolence, which I have passed on to his wife of 15 years, Marie, and make an attempt to get my life back on track now. My wife thinks I'm not wise starting to use a computer so soon after the funeral but I think it may help me come to terms with what has happened.

Michael was diagnosed with congenital heart disease about 17 months ago and suffered a massive heart attack as he arrived home from work. Luckily (sadly?) neither Marie nor the kids were at home at the time, sparing them the heartbreak of seeing their husband and father suffer like that, but denying them the chance to say their goodbyes.

We were quite close as brothers, sharing a love of music (me a musician, he a dj) and comedy (something we inherited from our father and which Michael's only son also appears to have got from him) and he was an avid mod and scooterist (he took his AVF name from a Jam song), running mod nights and organising scooter club events. He met Marie at one of these events when she was part of a catering crew. He always said that his only regret in life was never getting to see The Jam in concert but I managed to wangle a meeting with Paul Weller at a local hotel when he played in Belfast a couple of years back, something he never stopped thanking me for.

He also had a passion for the natural world and loved going on nature walks with his kids. In recent years I started accompanying him with my kids and I was amazed at his knowledge of local plant and wildlife and the history of his favourite places. For someone that left school with 2 O-Levels, he graduated with honours from the university of life.

I'll miss our conversations about our favourite 70's artists and songs, our love of slapstick comedy and people and events from our past. But I'll never forget them.

See ye later, our kid!

[mikeycubed]

Sounds like a special guy, i'm sure he will be missed but most importantly remembered.

Our condolences,

Mike and Lorna.

[Mr Incredible]

May the love for your brother fill the void that's been left by his departure from this world.

Take care.

[Dony]

Such a tragic and sad loss of a young man. Seems like you have plenty of memories to fall back on. Can't be easy for you or Michael's family.


When I think of family members or friends who have passed away it is always with fondness, time will show you that. Often remembered, never forgotten.


Edit: are you from Belfast?

[JonnyTester]

Originally Posted by Dony

Such a tragic and sad loss of a young man. Seems like you have plenty of memories to fall back on. Can't be easy for you or Michael's family.


When I think of family members or friends who have passed away it is always with fondness, time will show you that. Often remembered, never forgotten.


Edit: are you from Belfast?

Carrickfergus originally and between there and Larne now.

[pixelpixel]

Originally Posted by Dony

Edit: are you from Belfast?

That was also what I was going to ask ?

Its hard when someone goes that is close. Maybe you will find something to do to mark his passing. Maybe a mod and scooterist event to say we all still think and remember him. Maybe also in his name.

May his soul and the souls of all the Faithful Departed rest in peace.

[Woodywizz]

Again my heartfelt condolences to you and Michael's family. You have your memories of a special brother, and as much as it is difficult to get on with your life, time will ease the pain mate and the love of your brother will always be with you.

In echoed steps I walked across an empty dream
I looked across this world, there was no one to be seen
This empty feeling turned and quietly walked away
I saw no warmth in life no love was in my eyes

I stared a century thinking this will never change
As I hesitated, time rushed onwards without me
Too scared to break the spell too small to take a fall
But the Absolute luck is that love is in our hearts!


Paul Weller - The Jam "Absolute Beginners"

RIP Michael.