I have known Mike since my senior years at the Royal Hospital School (RHS) where I attended and remain great friends with Mike’s eldest son, Stephen. I lost my father in September 1986 when I was 16 years of age and I reflect on certain times where Mike stood up and offered me some sound advice, especially when I was going through difficult times. In addition to being a tower of strength for his own two sons, he always took an active interest in his son’s friends careers. After graduating from university I sought a career in the fire service and in 1994 Mike stepped up again by supporting me as a referee for my application. Further Mike offered me interview tips and coaching which certainly helped secure my position. I have since enjoyed over 25 years’ of a rewarding career in the UK and Australian fire services. It wasn’t just in terms of my career that Mike helped me. It was also in terms in general life skills and ethics. I remember Mike and Shirley generously supporting Steve and I taking the residents to Pontins near Lowestoft but unfortunately on the journey, Steve and I had an incident in my old Vauxhall Viva which rendered the car un-driveable. Such was Mike’s ingenuity, he sought alternative transport for both of us (Shirley’s VW Polo), then whilst Steve and I were at Pontins he arranged for my car to be repaired so it was completely functional when we returned. Not only this, the Joneses arranged for the car to be refuelled so I was ready to go for the journey South to Poole. It’s was these little tokens of generosity and kindness that defined the qualities and character of Mike and his family. On another occasion I recall Mike driving Steve and I down to Dover so we could catch the train south to Argeles Sur Mer. Despite Mikes insistence in going early (which we did) and catching the early hovercraft to Bolognes, we then had to wait 8 hours for the overnight train to the South. The intent was sound but the planning could have been better. Nevertheless on our return journey a few weeks later, Mike was there once again to pick us up and make the 200 mile journey north back to Bury. I’m so proud to have known Mike and his legacy lives on in his two sons and their families. Steve and Stuart have always made me feel welcome and I have fond memories of my times coming up to see them in Bury. Despite emigrating to Australia, every time I returned I always made a point of popping in to see Mike and Shirley and they were always welcoming and wanting to hear about my career and my family. I shall miss them dearly. Love to all the Jones family. Rob, Rachel, Jason, Andrew and Jonny xxx.