MIKE CUSTANCE 19th MARCH 2008
It was with great sadness that we learnt of the sudden death of our Divisional Secretary Mike Custance aged 57 years. Although he had spent some time in hospital prior to his death he had been allowed home and was looking forward to returning to the work he loved so much. He had held the post for over 20 years and had recently started attending committee meetings and developing the Association’s web site. His friend and colleague Norman Jones said “ He was respected by other trade unionists, councillors and the LEA’s officers, partly because of his formidable talents and partly because he shared their determination to provide the best possible education for every single child in the borough.” A devote churchgoer, Mike was a lay preacher at St George’s church, Mossley and a keen fundraiser for many Christian charities. The Rev Richard Lindsay said: “ He was a very thoughtful person and a great listener. He was reliable and he looked after the interests of the school and the church.” His life, from a young man, was committed to helping those less fortunate than himself. There is no doubt that the death of Mike is a great loss to both the church and the union. The best way to honour his memory is to carry on with the work that he championed.


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