Deaths

MICHAEL JAMES FREDERICK WELD (O45) 20th July 1927 – 9th May 2017.  Michael’s brother, Anthony (O42), writes: 

My greatest and happiest associations with Michael come in two parts – childhood and old age.  During our working lives our ways did not cross very often, Michael going his way and I going mine, but this was well made up for in our childhood and in our dotage. 

I am told that, as a two year old child, on the birth of Michael, I stood at the garden gate and announced to any passer-by that I had a baby brother and his name was Michael James: no doubt this practice was not allowed to continue.

I do remember however, that in 1931 Michael and I were taken to Chile for about a year when our father was attached to the Chilean Navy and Michael watched with glee as I was violently seasick while he enjoyed the passage across the Atlantic; I have sometimes felt in later life that those were our best days together when we were two little boys.  He had a very generous nature and I remember on one occasion I had some sweets and on offering him one, Michael’s reply was; “only if you have one to spare.”

Michael’s school life was spent as was mine at Avisford and then at Ampleforth and I well remember the joy I had when Avisford school was evacuated to Ampleforth during the early part of the war, as being near Tangmere airfield was not considered a very safe location.  Although the two schools were not intertwined it was wonderful to have Michael so near. 

However, life goes on and sadly our associations thereafter tended to diminish as we both set out on our different ways into the world.  Michael joined the Navy but as he was diagnosed with colour blindness, he joined the paymaster branch where he served with distinction, reaching the rank of Lieutenant Commander.

On his retirement, Michael made his home in Sussex and we found we were near enough to each other to be able to resume our childhood days when we were both widowed, about the same time, we would regularly meet for lunch perhaps half way between our two homes.

Sadly these happy reunions were cut short because Michael was moved into a home where he could have 24 hour care, but he was within striking distance of me so I was able to visit him and I felt we were reliving the days when we were two little boys.

My sisters and I feel a great loss now Michael has left this world, but we are happy that he is now at peace.  God bless you Michael. 

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Rest in eternal peace.