By Dan Walsh
The London Wexford Association has announced the sad passing on Sunday morning of the well-known long serving member and President, Michael Sills, (76), who was a native of Murrintown and set up home in London in 1969.
Born on February 28, 1946, Michael was a native of Murrintown, Co. Wexford resided in Willesden, London. He was son of the late Robert and Anne Sills and brother to Anita and Patrick and the late brother Victor. Michael was proceeded by his late wife Bridget.
Michael travelled to London at the age of 22 and worked in the cosmetic industry. In 1972 Michael married his wife Bridget in St Mary Magadline Church in Willesden, London and had two children Damian and Joanna and two grandchildren, Lauren and Malachy.
Michael was a kind caring considerate gentleman great character and always appeared happy and had a great sense of humour. He was a hardworking man who set himself high standards and was always guaranteed to get a job done which gave him great satisfaction.
He gave his time and commitments to many Irish organisations throughout his life. Michael first joined the London Wexford Association in 1969 taking up the role of Registrar, years later he became Treasurer and then served many years as Chairman to lead the association to great success.
He would give his time and support to other committees The Fr Murphy Youth Club and an avid member of Fr Murphy Hurling Club, The London Irish Festival, The London Irish Centre, The Council of Irish Counties Association, Gladstone Park Allotment Association.
Michael was easy to get along with and always had a good word for everyone
Michael also had a serious side to him and did not suffer fools easily. People would have called on Michael for advice as he had a vast range of knowledge and experience of various topics.
He was always game for a laugh and would have pulled a few tricks in his time, although his light-hearted humour never caused any upset or offence.
Michael loved to spend time working on his allotment and would have produced a few spuds and cabbages in his time and would share them amongst family and friends. Many a story would have been told at the tea shed in the allotment amongst his friends and fellow gardeners.
In 1983 Michael was one of the founders of The Wexford Darts League which is still going strong.
Michael’s great love in life was for his family and friends, music and sport. He had a fond love for Country music which he would listen to on a daily basis on South East Radio and ICMR Radio.
Michael loved the challenge of the quiz nights and had a tremendous passion for the GAA. He enjoyed watching or listening to the hurling and football and rugby games and would always look forward to hearing the results.
Michael was a modest man and picked up a few awards in his time. In 2009, he was declared ‘Rehab Wexford Person of the Year’ at a black-tie ball held in the Riverside Park Hotel, Enniscorthy. The award was in recognition of his contribution to the work of the London Wexford Association. “The Wexford Association will be really delighted with this,” he humbly responded.
Unfortunately, in the last few years of his life Michael suffered ill health with Super Nuclear Palsy which left him wheelchair bound, but he still fought on courageously.
Michael will be sorely missed by his family and large circle of friends, as he had made such a positive impact on many people’s lives.
London Wexford Association Chairperson Lucia Butler told WexfordLocal.com; “Michael was a very sincere loyal honest gentleman who worked extremely hard for the benefit of the association. “He never forgot his roots a proud Wexford man. We are all very grateful and will continue to build and promote the association to ensure its continued success”
“We would like to express our sincere condolences to his son Damian and his partner Anna and his daughter Joanna his sister Anita and brother Patrick and his grandchildren Lauren and Malachy and all his family and friends. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.
Funeral arrangements to follow.
WexfordLocal.com 