Michael David Gillender passed away peacfully at home on 23/10/2023.

Tribute to Mike from Guy:
Dad, they broke the mould with you, a one off. I miss you more than I can say... You are a legend. God bless.

Tribute to Mike from Gail:
To so many people, you represented a fun, charming, suave and handsome man. You were a loveable rogue but to me you were simply my Dad. You were not the most paternal of men which you knew but you were a wonderful, kind and caring man. When you called me sweetheart and pinched my knee, my heart melted and I felt safe and loved by you. You were my hero and brought so much joy, energy and happiness to my life. You were the light in my life when it was dark. Dad, I love you...I will miss you so very much.

From John Rowley:
“ He was one in a million”.

From Alison Forman:
My memories of Mike go back to the late 1950s or early ‘60s when Skegness Grammar School used to play QEGS (Queen Elizabeth Grammar School)Horncastle. I used to help out with the cricket teas and somewhere along the line must have encountered Mike. Not a “memory” as such, but a link with the past. Who’d have thought that, many decades later, we would end up close neighbours ?
More recently – Mike sitting in the sun on the bench in the porch reading the paper. Wearing shorts when the rest of us were shivering ! It was lovely to see him doing the same every so often this summer when he was already so unwell. His beaming smile and absolute glee as he tried out his new scooter not so long ago. Given the chance, I wouldn’t have put it past him trying a few wheelies ! What a shame he wasn’t really able to use it much.
A true gentleman and player ! Mike loved mint imperials, Lidl’s whisky and, so I’m told, my lemon drizzle cake. I ‘ll make one and share it with all the neighbours who loved Mike. We miss you, Mike, but our lives are the richer for having known you.

Travel from the Crematorium to the wake.Due to major roadworks on the A14 between Bury St Edmunds and Stowmarket, the A14 can get extremely congested causing long delays, particularly on a Friday afternoon. Should this be the case, the following alternative route is suggested:
From the Crematorium, Pick up the A14 to Ipswich.
Leave the A14 at junction 43 and pick up the A143 to Ixworth.
From Ixworth, pick up the A1088 to Woolpit, rejoining the A14 at Woolpit/Elswell.
Leave the A14 at junction 50 and pick up the A1120 to Stowupland and on to Saxham Street.

Cafe;
There is plenty of parking at the crematorium and a cafe for refreshments if required.
                  
Dress; It was Mike's wishes that his funeral be one of celebrations rather than commiserations. To that end, it is suggested that guests wear attire of a celebratory or with a sporting theme. Alternatively, whatever you might be comfortable in.

Flowers/Donations; The family have requested no flowers. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St Nicholas Hospice, Bury St Edmunds at the link below. Thank you.