I knew Michael through work for a good number of years and kept in touch via email after he retired. Mick the "Rottweiler" as he was affectionately known. Because of his no nonsense approach to work, life etc. You always knew where you stood with Mick, what he expected of you and God you got to see the Rottweiler in him if you were not performing. But that was never a problem you took it on the chin and got on with it. As when you got to know Mick there would always be a reason for it and it made you into a better person. Mick was a true professional at work, knew how to get the job done and how to get the best out of his team. I was fortunate in those days to spend time on occasions socialising with Mick and Vikki and they were always fun to be with good company and so obviously madly in love with each other. This was when you got to see Mick’s softer, gentle caring side, and when Caleb was born it was so obvious Mick’s world was complete now that he had Vikki and his son Caleb. It just shone through how much he adored Caleb. When Mick fell ill we often shared long and lengthy emails about our lives and what we were doing in them. I remember how Mick always remained positive and encouraged me in whatever project I was considering, we chatted about my pending charity cycle trek and Mick offered lots of sound advice and support. I look back now and think whatever hell is was going through his thoughts were never about him, just his wife, son, family and others. He was truly one in million and will always be missed. No 583 I hope you are on “standby” in heaven.
Trudi - 746
24 February 2008
I first met vikki and Mick through having the children and we used to meet up as a group. My special memories of him were at the gym when he would always encourage me to do just a bit more and when he took me on my first and last 9 mile run on which I thought I would collapse but he always kept you going with a joke or smile. I gave mick reflexology treatment weekly from the time he was diagnosed and he always stayed positive,never complaining. He would chat to me about his past during our sessions and he was a remarkable man who led an eventful life. He was unselfish to the end only worrying about how vikki and caleb would cope after he was gone. It is not the same now he has gone but I know he will be watching out for them both as thats the type of person he was. I feel very enriched knowing mick as he was a special person in everyones life he touched.
nicky Sell
26 April 2007
We first met Vikki, Mick and Caleb in the summer of 1999, when Caleb was just two years old and our autistic daughter just started special school in the USA.
We connected straight away, as our children having autism, somehow brings families together in a very special way.
Although we haven't met as many times as we would have liked to, but the times we have met, Mick's passion and energy in our discussions for getting the right education for our special kids was so very strong and encouraging.
When we heard of Mick's illness we were devastated, it seemed so unfair.
He was a lovely man, he is missed by all.
We thank God for having had the privilege of knowing him.
Mal and Richard
Mal & Richard
19 February 2007
I met Mick many years back when your Mum and him first met and settled down together. My most poignant memories are when they lived in Shepreth with the Noah's Ark of animals including Cleo the Great Dane (never let a Great Dane in your bed - unless you have one the size of a bouncy castle). A fantastic summer's day playing an impromptu game of volleyball and your Dad watering the garden with someone else's water (darn those water meters). Big glasses of red wine, warm fires and more big glasses of red wine and certainly hilarious fun and laughter. Your father was an extremely special and warm hearted man gifted with a wonderful sense of humour and I was one of the lucky ones to meet him. I know he's watching everything you do young man and he will be very proud of you xxxxx all our love Elaine, Joe and Katey.
Elaine Forman
01 December 2006
I met Mick, Vikki and Caleb when Caleb was only 2 years old. Although it was under sad circumstances I do believe that every thing happens for a reason and I was given the great honour of working with Caleb in his behavioural programme, of which I supervised. Meeting the Brownings really opened my eyes as to what is really important in life and made me realise that you just make the most of every minute you have as they always did.
Mick was a wonderful father and husband and he really did have a gift, a gift of being able to make all those around him feel warm and comfortable.
I am sure he was loved by many and that he is missed greatly. I feel honoured to have known him for the time that I did.
Kelly Cutler
29 November 2006
Mick was always calm and ready to be positive about any potential problems. I always felt great confidence when he was talking to me, and meetings never ended with anything but a smile or a laugh. After he left us, it was a long time before it registered that he wouldn't be there any more and I seemed to see his face amongst groups of people I would pass. We are all the better for having known him.
Jenny Heinzelmann, Head, Barkway V.A. First School
28 November 2006
Knowing what I know now I really wish I had known Mick for longer, his friends speak so warmly about his loyalty and wisdom. My contact came in the last year or so of his time with us. I spoke with him by phone and in person on a number of occasions. What hit me like a sledgehammer was despite his predicament and the purpose of my call to try and give him some support through his illness. The conversation would never focus for long on him and his discomfort and uncertainty about the future but would move swiftly at his steer to Vikki and Caleb and others around him who were suffering indirectly through his dilema. Few people going through a similar set of circumstances would focus more on the people around them than themselves. This typifies Micks personality and continued through to his final hours at Centreparcs. It illustrates not only his deep compassion for others but greta courage. Special people like Mick leave legacies behind them which can touch and stay with you for the rest of your life making you a better person in yourself and your realtionships. His deep love for his family and the selfless way he took early retirement to spend more time with Caleb is a lesson to us all. Vikki and Caleb knew how proud of them Mick was and how much he loved them. How often in our hectic lives do we take those we love most for granted and as the days rush by never take the time to consider how lucky we are and how precious our time together is or actually tell them how we feel about them! Although I only had the privilege of making Micks acquaintance for a short time his legacy will live on through me and those others around him who I know were also touched by his philosophy on life. I hope this brief note brings a little comfort to Vikki and Caleb and reinforces in them how proud they should be of their father and husband as he was of them.
Dave
24 November 2006
Knowing what I know now I really wish I had known Mick for longer, his friends speak so warmly about his loyalty and wisdom. My contact came in the last year or so of his time with us. I spoke with him by phone and in person on a number of occasions. What hit me like a sledgehammer was despite his predicament and the purpose of my call to try and give him some support through his illness. The conversation would never focus for long on him and his discomfort and uncertainty about the future but would move swiftly at his steer to Vikki and Caleb and others around him who were suffering indirectly through his dilema. Few people going through a similar set of circumstances would focus more on the people around them than themselves. This typifies Micks personality and continued through to his final hours at Centreparcs. It illustrates not only his deep compassion for others but greta courage. Special people like Mick leave legacies behind them which can touch and stay with you for the rest of your life making you a better person in yourself and your realtionships. His deep love for his family and the selfless way he took early retirement to spend more time with Caleb is a lesson to us all. Vikki and Caleb knew how proud of them Mick was and how much he loved them. How often in our hectic lives do we take those we love most for granted and as the days rush by never take the time to consider how lucky we are and how precious our time together is or actually tell them how we feel about them! Although I only had the privilege of making Micks acquaintance for a short time his legacy will live on through me and those others around him who I know were also touched by his philosophy on life. I hope this brief note brings a little comfort to Vikki and Caleb and reinforces in them how proud they should be of their father and husband as he was of them.
Dave
24 November 2006
My action man cousin Michael!
Mike was the life and soul of a party , yet he made time to listen and care. He was the big brother I never had! When life got tough he was always there.
He was fun loving and inspirational. He liked a challenge and followed his dream.
I am proud to have Michael as a cousin and miss him dearly. Yet I know he is at peace now.
Clare (Nee Browning)
22 November 2006
I met Vikki, Mick and Caleb under sad circumstances, as I became Calebs home therapist. As time went on I saw in Mick a very devoted father, husband and a wonderful friend. Some times I still can't beleive he has gone, but I know he is still watching us all and laughs at all the stupid mistakes we make. I know he will be so proud of both Caleb and Vikki, and how they are turning their lives around.
Carrie
22 November 2006
Mike as a boss only asked one thing of you and that was you gave your best,if you gave that he would ask no more. I know that as I had my ear bent once or twice and deservedly so. I also saw the gentle side, while going through a tough personel time Mike not only gave me a shoulder to lean on he also gave me a place to stay should I have needed it. I will never forget that and will be forever grateful to both him and Viks. It is with my whole heart that I say it was a privilage to have known him. Your not lost 583 only unsighted.
Cooperman
25 October 2006
Of all my treasured memories of Mick, the one I cherish most is the short time we had together at Centerparcs.
We were all in such anticipatory high spirits as we arrived and sat down to a meal together. Mick watched with proud, shining eyes as Caleb played easily with all the other children. Then while Vikki & Pete took the kids swimming, Mick & I relaxed together over a glass or three of red wine! We chatted and laughed easily as he reflected over his life and his loves with great warmth. He had reconciled his fate and his only concern was for those he would leave behind.
When I held his hand as he slipped away peacefully the next day, those words echoed in my mind.
He was a wonderful, selfless man who I miss greatly and feel so privileged to have called my friend.
Laura
25 October 2006
Mick was a wonderful man and a good friend. His understanding of people was immense and I will greatly miss him. My late husband Peter was devasted on hearing the news of his cancer and did his best to be there for Vikki and Caleb. Now they are together and Peter can teach Mick to fish and Mick can teach Peter to play golf
Ann Walker
24 October 2006
Mick was a great guy. He never judged or preached. Generally just listened and gave advice but he was always straight with you! He was one of the few people who was so very positive about my bypass surgery and happy for me, and my life changing decision. What always shone through was how much he adored Vikki and CJ, and was at his happiest with them. I will miss him.
Karen Rendall
24 October 2006