Michael Dale

“Deep in our heart’s you will always stay. Loved and remembered every day.”  Mick passed away on 7th September in Leighton Hospital  aged 77 years.  Beloved husband of the late Olwyn and devoted Dad to Craig and Ian. Very sadly his son Ian, passed away on 11th September at home aged 53 years.

We remember today a father and son who sadly died within days of each other: Michael (or Mick/Mike) age 77, and Ian age 53.

These sad losses come soon after the passing last year of Olwyn, Mick’s loving wife, and Ian’s and Craig’s mother.

Family life was central to this family.  This was apparent in various ways. Olwyn and Mick had a love affair which lasted from their teenage years. Their sons Ian and Craig were dearly loved, and their parents wanted the very best for them.  Craig’s son Jay was close to his grandparents’ hearts.  Ian as a young man was slow to leave home. Home life was that good!

As illness came to Olwyn and Mick, Craig and his partner Ally (who became the daughter Olwyn and Mick had never had) have faithfully and lovingly cared for them both – in fact they were live-in carers.  Ian assisted when able. Mick himself had been devoted to Olwyn’s care, despite his own deteriorating health.

We should not forget the large extended family which meant so much to them all. Pat Davies, part of that extended family, gave a heart-warming tribute at the funeral service.

Olwyn and Mick and Ian were all people persons.  Lots of good solid friendships and relationships were established over the years. Mick, for example, had a friendship with Alec going back to infant school. Many friendships were made through work, especially through Rolls Royce/Bentley where all three of them had worked for varying lengths of time.  Mick had also held directorships in The Potteries, and had managed the garden furniture section in Stapely Water Gardens. (Work places were well represented at the funeral.)

Good relationships lie at the heart of what it is to be human, and give us our identity, and contribute massively to our well-being.

Olwyn and Mick were world travellers. Ian had travelled extensively in his role with Bentley.  They would return from travel  fuller, more interesting and productive people. All this feeds into building relationships and understanding – being good people persons.

We note  Ian and Mick’s interest in technical/mechanical things. Ian, for example, as a youth was renowned for his ability to fix things. The story of Ian and Mick’s working lives tells a similar story. To be intrigued by science and technology is to have an appreciation of our wonderful world. You could say much the same about the way we gain insight from travel. If you have appreciation and gratitude in your life you have the perfect antidote to depression.

But now there is a whole store of memories for all to share, plus those which are personal and distinctive. All freely bequeathed to you.

Olwyn and Mick both demonstrated fortitude and courage in the face of the adversity of illness. They have shown inner strength. Fortitude and courage are not qualities like your shoe size or the colour of your eyes. They are qualities which you have to work on and refine.

So we leave Ian and Mick, and let’s include Olwyn, in peace. There is a reunion in the heavenly places, and those of you who love them can hope to see them there again.

Both Mick and Ian will be having a joint funeral on Thursday 29th September at Crewe Crematorium Chapel at 1.45pm.

For any further information please contact our funeral home on 01270 584447.