Rtn John Michael (Mick) Brown

Today, a service of thanksgiving for the Life of John Michael (known as Mick) Brown was held at the United Reformed Church in Hucknall.  Mick was called to higher service on 12th April 2013.  Hucknall rotarians, along with many others, gathered together to pay their respects.  I was asked to pay tribute to Mick during the service.  These are the words I spoke:

Rtn Mick Brown 18/9/42- 12/4/13

Mick joined Rotary in 1972, giving over 40 years of 'Service above self.' Mick was the longest -serving member of our club when he was called to higher service.   Being a Rotarian is all about fellowship, fun and service and Mick embodied this.  He was one of those chaps that every group needs, fully quietly and effectively behind the scenes.  He never strived for high office or recognition, Mick wasn't in Rotary for his own advancement - He was in Rotary because he wanted to make a difference to the community in which he lived and worked.   Mick would do anything and be fully involved in all the club's projects.  He was reliable, if Mick say he would be somewhere or do something, he did it.  A lesser man might have given up under the circumstances of his illness, but Mick continued to organise, and help run the town's monthly Arthritis group attending every meeting up to February 2013.  He never wanted to let anyone down.

Mick had a great sense of fun.  for myself, Mick's great warmth of personality and his sense of humour helped me settle into the club.  Mick wanted the best for everyone, I've never hear him speak a bad word about anyone.  Mick's lovely humourous nature could defuse the tensest of meetings.  All manner of items could find their way into your jacket pockets - sometimes Mick would stop and ask you why you were taking condiments or cutlery home with you - other times you'd put your hand into your pocket  and find a salt pot!  You darn't leave anything in the meeting room unattended because it would re-appear elsewhere!

Mick was more than this however.  Nothing was too much trouble.  Any running around and transportation etc, Mick would take care of.  And how many times over the years did Mick play Santa's helper and tow the sleigh around the streets of Hucknall and on carnival night?  Mick still continued to do this when he took ill.  I have a special memory of Mick, like everyone.  17 months ago I went with Santa and Mick to one of our local primary schools.  As  Mick drove us onto the school playground at playtime, all these excited children ran towards the sleigh.  Somehow, Mick managed to avoid any accidents and we had great fun escorting Santa around the different classrooms in the school.  Great times!   mick was always involved in our community projects such as the Over 73's tea.  I have a photo somewhere (I think it appeared in the Hucknall Dispatch) of Mick pouring a cuppa from a giant teapot.  I guess it made a difference to pulling a pint or two!

Mick bore his illness with great dignity, always putting on a brace face, always having a joke to tell, " Have you heard the one about...."  Although very poorly, Mick somehow found the strength each month to get to the Arthritis club meeting, even then putting community service before himself.  Thank you Maureen and Tracey also, for helping and supporting Mick to carry on his involvement with the Arthritis Group, something we know was very close to Mick and your hearts.  Mick's whole life was geared all around community service, in his family, work, interests and Rotary and he has now been called to higher service.  God bless you Mick and thank you for sharing great memories with us all.