Michael John Lyke OH 1958-65,
Wednesday 27 April 2022
It is with much regret that I have to inform you of the death of my brother Michael John Lyke. 1946-2022, HCS 1958-65, East House.He was born on December 21st 1946 to John Henry Lyke, Director of Russell, Baldwin and Bright, and Gwyneth Lyke.He attended the Hereford Cathedral Prep School and followed on to HCS in 1958. He became “Man of the House” and grew up quickly when his Father passed away in 1960 and was a great example to me. He was in East House and played rugby and cricket for the Junior Colts, Colts, rugby for the 2nd XV 1963 before the 1st XV in 1964 under “Tank” Voss. He was the only player from HCS to play for the combined Counties XV in 1964-65 and was a very good prop forward!. He was a great supporter of Wales which came from his Welsh roots. His cricket career at School was even better and he played for the 1st XI for three years 1963-65 and was an excellent wicketkeeper. Mike also did well academically and having got his A levels went on to City University in 1965 studying Civil Engineering. He married his wife Janet in 1968, having met her about 8 years earlier at Youth Club. His first job was a traineeship in Walsall and then in 1970 Mike and Janet moved to Newton St Cyres in Exeter. Here Mike worked on numerous road schemes and achieved membership of the Institute of Civil Engineers. He played cricket, badminton and had a very productive allotment. While Mike and Janet were in Exeter, they had two daughters Sam and Pip. In 1980, the family moved to Scotland, to Strathclyde and later South Lanarkshire. He worked on many road schemes as well as town centre revitalisation and forward planning. It was here Mike spent many happy days in the outdoors. He loved mountain walking and then bird and wildlife watching followed. He particularly enjoyed visiting the Scottish Islands and enjoyed his other interest of photography. He loved the scenery and wildlife especially the Golden Eagles!Mike retired in 2005. He kept himself busy with gardening, DIY, where he had all the family genes, and Rotary where he became President. Mike and Jan enjoyed their big holiday trips, especially going to visit their daughter Sam with her husband and three daughters in Australia. They loved travelling through the outback and seeing some amazing scenic locations. They also loved seeing their other daughter, Pip and her husband and two sons in Yorkshire and America.Mike and Jan moved back to Hereford in 2012, living in the village of Wellington. They became fully involved in village life and he used his working background to lead many projects to improve the flood mitigation scheme and to make footpaths more accessible. Mike joined City of Hereford Rotary and served as Secretary.He thoroughly enjoyed Family celebrations including his 70th birthday with his children and grandchildren. He was a loving husband, father, father-in-law, grandfather, brother and friend.He was a gentle, kind soul who was modest and helped many people without seeking recognition. He was a very patient calm man who firmly stood up for what he believed to be right and correct. He will be sorely missed by everyone who knew him.His diagnosed illness was short and he showed incredible strength throughout. He passed away on April 2nd 2022. He will now be soaring with the Eagles.Graham Lyke. East House 1962-69.