Mick - you were like a fine vintage British sports car; an exhilarating companion when going well and forgivingly cantankerous when you were not. Thank you, our dear friend, for forty years of great conversations, dinners, laughs and debates. Alan and Wendy.

Dear Caire, Chris & Chloe ( and Family ), Mick was one of a kind who lived a full life. When I think of him I think of food, wine and laughter. He is in so many of my childhood memories, he's big diet he did before Christmas Day so he could eat what he wanted on the day. That big smile and rosy cheeks will be missed. Lots of love and thinking of you . Kate xxx

Thanks for sharing a wonderful service. I will miss Mick's food posts that offered me inspiration at times, and awe at others. I enjoyed the snippets of what was truly a wonderful life. Much love to his family.

Great tribute to an interesting and clever man

All the staff at Nelson Oral Surgery join me in expressing our sadness at Mick’s passing. Mick was a joy; entertaining, witty and with a zest for life. It was a privilege to have met this lovely gentleman. Dr Iain Wilson

The boys, Fi and I will miss you Mick. We are smiling about all the great memories of Nelson in the summertime with you and Mum, your generosity, good humour, the conversations, the stories and your fondness for fine food! What a host, what a character. So happy Mum met you and you had such good times together. Raising (another) glass of red to you now mate, well lived!!

At the time, there was an internet programme called friends reunited. Although i never knew Mick, he wrote to me telling me her remembered me from school. Apparently we both went to kings land road high school, although I didn’t remember him. We struck up a friendship which lasted forever. He was such a lovely chatty man, I soon got to know him. And now I will miss his witty happy jolly clever character. Although we lived in different countries, he was very big in my life. G-d bless you wherever you are Mick. Love u. Never forget u. Helen Burdett xxxxxx

The coolest, smartest most adventurous Godfather and Uncle anyone could have had. It has been such a lifetime's joy and privilege to know him and be related to him - a man full of the joie de vivre if ever there was one.