First and foremost, Michael was a gentleman (they are few and far between in these times) and not a character. He understood Ealing and understood how to live in Ealing. A couple of weeks ago I commented on how smartly dressed he was in the ultra-local South Ealing venue, the Panini Cafe, as I had not recognised him queuing next to me. He wasn't wearing his usual low-key builder's clothing. He said: "If I dressed up smartly no one would talk to me", and proceeded to offer to pay for my tea. If I had said yes he would then have offered to get me a cake or a pastie... How very Ealing: if it goes around in a suit during the day its either an electricity salesman or a council officer, therefore avoid. Understatement is something that Ealingites do well and which businessmen, restauranters and publicans do not seem to understand when then move in to try and exploit the masses of Ealing!He understood Ealing and his small-wheeled bicycle rarely exceeded ambling pace on the pavements taking up little space and moving suitably slowly (an excellent example that should be followed by the lycra-clad cycle-proud eco-pseuds terrorizing OAPs on the pavements in Ealing with their hi-tech bikes and clothes with a carbon footprint ten times that of a spinster in a duffel coat on a Pashley bike....).Even at his age he was forever taking on building projects to keep busy (usually involving roofs) where he could be seen working with his distinctive blue safety helmet.He had properties in Ealing and a couple of farms in Eire. An Ealing gentlemen, not a character.I do hope that Ealing Today can give him a fitting obituary, and providing details of any funeral/memorial services and internment details.
Mark Ring ● 3326d