Michael Frank Whitworth
School 1965-69
Mike followed his older brother Peter as a pupil at The Leys from 1965 to 1969. The School gave Mike a world perspective, encouraged him in a sport he enjoyed and there he made lifelong friends. He could talk to anyone.
He qualified as a teacher but dabbled in many occupations, never really finding his niche.
Mike played rugby. It was an antidote to his struggles with mental health. Whenever he moved house, he joined the local rugby club because he enjoyed the camaraderie. After his playing days, he was a referee.
Naturally gregarious, he was disappointed that his recent limited mobility made it more difficult for him to meet people, so it was very much appreciated that Old Leysians took the trouble to travel to Carlisle to visit him in his last year.
In spite of his love of foreign travel, going everywhere from India to Australia and the USA, his favourite place was always Cornwall. Friends will remember happy times at big house parties there. Trevone will be his final resting place.
Mike died of natural causes on 27 February 2023 and is missed by his three children, Andrew, Louise and David.
Words by Caroline Steel