For members of the Rotary Club of Twickenham Upon Thames, the earlier joy of Easter and the coming of spring were dampened this year by the passing of club president Michael Kelly after a short illness.

Michael was born in 1936 and achieved a very successful career, with more than 20 years spent with F.W.Woolworths and Co where he was a senior buyer up to his retirement.

The nature of his work required him to travel internationally and despite the impact this had on his free time he actively pursued his commitment to the Rotary Club of Twickenham Upon Thames and other social activities.

The rotary club was inaugurated in May, 1978 and Michael was one of its founder members.

He held the office of club president both in 1992-1993 and currently for 2017/18 as joint president with Ian Cave, another founder member.

His commitment to both the club and Rotary International was recognised by the award of a Paul Harris Fellowship which is the highest given within rotary, and was sponsored by a recommendation to the Rotary H.Q. in America by the whole club.

Michael was the much loved husband of Frances (their 56th wedding anniversary took place in February 2018), and his children Bernadette and Stephen, and was the proud grandfather of Emma and Alex and of James and Matthew.

An active social life included membership of Fulwell Golf Club for 42 years, plus being an expert bridge player. A lifelong interest in cricket has been passed down to his grandchildren, especially Alex who is a keen cricketer.

Michael had a long and active life and his commitment to the community and his social activities have helped many people. A reflection of this could be seen when his family was joined by all his friends at St Edmund’s Church in Whitton and a full congregation gathered to give their thanks for a life well spent and to say their final goodbyes. After the service a wake was held at Fulwell Golf Club in his memory.