Michael Christmas — November 30, 1935 - October 20, 2024

MICHAEL Christmas, a long time Henley resident, died on Sunday, October 20.

He was happily married to Pam (pre-deceased in 2006) and they had two children and four grandchildren.

He was born in Southfields, London, and went to Emanuel School after which he served his National Service with the RAF in Cyprus.

After studying at the School of Pharmacy — University of London, he spent most of his working life as the chief pharmacist at the Royal Masonic Hospital in London, where he would first meet his wife.

Much later in his career he worked for the prison service as a pharmacist and was based on the Isle of Wight.

Michael always loved his pastimes and his sports. He was a keen team member of Henley Badminton Club for many years.

Later he enjoyed golf, snooker and croquet with his friends, much of this centred around Badgemore Golf Club and especially Phyllis Court Club in Henley. He also hugely enjoyed his chess, backgammon, and especially bridge. He played chess with the Henley Chess Club and also with prisoners at nearby Huntercombe Prison.

In his later years after Pam had died, he met and partnered with Dorothy and they were together for more than 10 years.

He loved to see new places and only 10 months ago took himself off to India, then aged 88 years old, a country he had always wanted to visit.

He enjoyed his garden, his coffee, his newspapers, his pastimes, his sports, his friends and his family.

Michael’s funeral will take place at 12.45pm on Wednesday at Reading Crematorium, West Chapel — for family and close friends.

Afterwards, at 2pm, there will be a gathering in the Pavilion at Phyllis Court to which all friends and family are invited. Family flowers only, donations to Mesothelioma UK.