Michael Bailey ‘Mick’

“Our precious memories keep you near” 

Michael was a quiet unassuming man with a gentle nature – well unless he was
occasionally rattled but normally, he was placid and serious. He could be extremely
sociable if he felt comfortable in someone’s company or if he shared a mutual
interest, like his three allotments where he spent many happy hours. For years, he
grew prize marrows and produced an abundance of amazing fruit and veg: like
sprouts, beans, tomatoes, raspberries, rhubarb and incredible sunflowers. I gather
Michael exhibited in shows around Crewe and won son many accolades. We have a
wonderful photograph on the front of the order of service.
At one time, Michael was in charge of the allotments, he was an inspiration to all
budding growers and was always on hand to teach people or give expert advice. He
had a passion for nature and made many good friends whilst sharing hints and tips.
Memories of Michael
Michael was delivered into the world at Linden Grange Crewe on 2 nd September
1939, an only child for his parents Ida and Frank Bailey, he remained very close to
his mum until she passed away. Shortly after leaving school, Michael started as an
apprentice at Crewe works, he qualified as a fitter and stayed at Crewe Works until
he was made redundant at the age of fifty-five.
He and Joan met through a mutual friend in 1967 and have shared a wonderful
togetherness all these years. Joan described Michael as a really cool guy, who
always remained calm, someone she looked up to and could totally rely on. They
enjoyed many spectacular holidays together to places like Isreal, Egypt, the Sea of
Galilee and Belgium.

Sadly, Michael’s health deteriorated in his later years, but he still loved gardening
and enjoyed going to the allotments, mind you it is so close to Belong, he regularly
went along for a tasty lunch in the restaurant there. Joan also recalled how they
often went shopping in Crewe then called at Belong for lunch. They also had lovely
Christmas parties with all the trimmings, crackers, poppers and festivities.
Michael was a keen supporter of Manchester United! And I gather Michael also liked
to watch greyhound racing, he had many a flutter and the occasional bit of luck and
Joan remembers when they went to the track at Belle Vue. They sat in the
hospitality box with friends and I smiled as Joan told me the dogs shot by so quick,
she didn’t even see them! No one won on the coach, but they did have a fantastic
time.
Michael was doing a spot of gardening when he collapsed with a stroke, sadly, he
was in hospital for eleven weeks and only managed to see Joan once over a video
call and had one telephone conversation, so heart-breaking after being soulmates for
so many years
Michael had an eclectic taste in music, Neil Diamond, The Rolling Stones and
Johnny Cash to name just a few.

Michael peacefully passed away on 2nd December at Leighton Hospital aged 81 years.

Beloved partner of Joan. Mick will be remembered by many people for his prize winning marrows he grew on his allotments or from work as a fitter at Crewe Works.

His funeral will take place at Crewe Crematorium Chapel on Wednesday 16th December 2020.

Family flowers only please but donations will be gratefully received for the Stroke Association in memory of Mick.