It is with great sadness that I must report that Mike Morley, a founder member of Chester Easy Riders (CER), passed away peacefully on Sunday morning. Mike had been diagnosed with terminal pancreatic cancer last summer and yet in a manner so characteristic of him he continued to join the group for morning coffee whenever he could; his ready smile and humour brightening our day. Mike’s humour was also in evidence on his Twitter feed with his last tweet just days before he passed away.
Mike spent his life in Chester; he attended the old Chester City Grammar School before joining Nationwide where he worked for nearly 30 years, was a Partner with Yates & Co and finally spent the last few years working part-time with Cestrian Financial Planning Services. His passion though was for Chester FC and he still managed to attend the occasional match throughout his illness.
+-+Version+2.JPG) |
| Mike Morley, Swettenham ride May 2009 |
Within CER I remember Mike for his humour, unchallengeable knowledge of local hostelries, and great rides. When Mike was leading you knew you were in for an interesting day. Mike led two of my all time most memorable rides: first his ride to Goostrey on 29th April 2010 exploring all the lanes he could find to return cold, wet and sodden but still smiling with 70 miles clocked and second his Pistyll Rhaeadr hilly epic on 2nd September 2010. Both were superb.
Mike was above all a great friend to all who knew him. Our thoughts go out to his friends and family.
Thanks for everything Mike, we will certainly miss you.
Bryan Wade
Mike Morley's funeral will be on Friday, 28 March at 13:45 pm at St Oswald's Church, Church Lane, Backford, Chester. Then on to the crematorium and finally for a glass or two in celebration of his life. Josie and her family have said that they would like it to be a celebration of Mike's life and have asked that people wear bright clothes. Donations to the Pancreatic Cancer Charity.
Mike Morley's funeral will be on Friday, 28 March at 13:45 pm at St Oswald's Church, Church Lane, Backford, Chester. Then on to the crematorium and finally for a glass or two in celebration of his life. Josie and her family have said that they would like it to be a celebration of Mike's life and have asked that people wear bright clothes. Donations to the Pancreatic Cancer Charity.
Whilst it was not unexpected news, it is still both very sad , yet poignant that we read of Mike's passing. He was a true English gent, with a ready smile and a kind word for both new CER members plus the old-timers. I feel it a privilege to call him a friend. I have written a note to his family asking to be informed of the funeral arrangements, as many of his cycling friends wish to pay their last respects. I will let Bryan W know when I find out anything. Brian Mac
ReplyDeleteSo sad to hear of Mike's passing and I should like to echo the sentiments so ably expressed above.
ReplyDeleteHis quietly happy demeanour and idiosyncratic riding style will always be remembered. His fortitude in the face of his illness was remarkable, ever confident that he would not let it interfere with his life. He should be an inspiration to us all.
Clive Albany
Mike was a true gentleman and a great touring cyclist. He will be greatly missed.
ReplyDeleteDave Hill
We have lost a thoroughly decent man in Mike. Always chipper, it was a pleasure to have ridden with him.
ReplyDeleteOur thoughts are with his family of which he was so proud.
Liz and Martin Donaldson