Mike was born in Brighton on June 11 th 1935 to William and Jessie Stainer. He has
an older brother Jack and had a younger sister Jill. His father was a baker in one of
his grandmothers’ bakeries and the family lived in the bakery on New England Road.
Mike would often recount stories of growing up during the war, of hearing the
doodlebug rockets overhead, dreading the engines cutting out and the unexploded
bomb lodged in the viaduct just by their home.
He told many stories from his childhood, of sneaking into Preston Park with his
friends, where the Canadian army were camped. Getting up to all sorts of mischief
including the time he arrived home with belts of live ammunitions draped over him.
These and many more memories would bring a smile to his face.
At the age of 16 Mike moved to live with grandmother Nellie on Preston Drove who
although very strict she taught Mike the values that he adhered to all his life.
At the age of 16 Mike began an apprenticeship as a tool maker, a job he excelled at
and remained in this profession until he retired. When retired he continued to use
these skills to create incredible dolls houses, shops, zoo’s, garages and forts which
gave the grandchildren, great nieces and nephews hours of fun.
In1956 at the age of 21 he enrolled in the RAF for his national service, he was a
member of the fire crew, he enjoyed this hugely and was always very proud of this
association. You would often see Mike wearing his RAF tie/lapel pin with pride.
It was at this time that Mike married Queenie and they moved to Hollingbury with
their son Darryl and soon after their daughter Lisa was born.
During their childhood Darryl and Lisa joined the NTC marching band and later
Southwinds. The band played a huge part in theirs and Mike’s life. He was very
much involved in supporting band competitions and organising fundraising events
including trips to Holland where he met lifelong friends Nico and Bernadette.
After separating from Queenie, Mike with Darryl and Lisa would often travel up to
Tottenham to see his Mum Jess and sister Jill. They shared some fun weekends
together which we know supported him at the time; Mike got great comfort from
these visits. Mike with Carol continued to make regular trips to London to spend time
with the family.
A new chapter of life began in 1978 when Mike met Carol at ITT Creeds. Mike was a
toolmaker and Carol worked on the assembly line. They began their relationship and
married in 1986. Carol recalls Mike proposed after hearing on the radio 2 Jimmy
Young Show that they could save money on paying tax if they were eligible for the
marriage tax allowance, forever the romantic…..
Carol holds onto the memories of some fantastic years together. As a couple they
were very sociable, enjoying their trips to Holland, Isle of Wight and London.


Mike also loved being with his grandchildren taking them out for day trips with the
obligatory carvery always thrown in. He loved his food and drink, and as long as in
the latter years it was ‘gluten free’ everything was good. Also, who of us hasn’t been
taken to the Garden Centre for Fish & Chips, we know this was a regular haunt for
him and his brother Jack.
Mike loved to play cards with friends and family, in particular his niece Sally and her
husband Barry. He also took great delight in teaching the grandchildren various card
games. We will all remember Mike for his expansive DVD library that was well
organised, categorised and colour coded, and if you ever borrowed one he would
constantly remind you if it’s return was overdue! Mike also loved his board games
and more recently Sudoku and Jigsaw Puzzles.
Mike certainly didn’t mince his words and of course he was always right! He often left
us thinking “did you really just say that Mike!”.
He was always so generous with his time visiting loved ones in hospital and always
the first to offer help if needed. He took great pride in his appearance usually
featuring a jacket, shirt and tie. His GP Dr Khan recently told Carol that in his entire
30 year career Mike was by far his smartest dressed patient.
Mike was a stickler for punctuality he would always be the first guest to arrive at a
party, the first to send you a Christmas card and he never forgot a birthday although
Carol was probably responsible for that. If he had an appointment at the Dr’s or
hospital you could be sure he would be sitting in the waiting room at least 30 minutes
early and I’m sure if he had it his way the coffin would have been here today half an
hour before we were!
This is a particularly poignant time of year as Christmas holds such fond memories
to all those that loved Mike. It wouldn’t be Christmas without visiting Hartfield Avenue
and ‘paying’ to see the decorations and yes they were worth seeing. Every year they
would add to the collection making it a magical experience for the children
particularly the snow scene under the stairs which featured a Christmas back drop
painted by his brother Jack. And who could forget the constant ho ho ho of the
parachuting Father Christmas. Mike and Carol raised a lot of money over the years
for the British Heart Foundation.
Recently as Mikes health deteriorated Carol became his carer which was a
challenging role for her at times, Mike wasn’t the easiest patient but she showed
patience and devotion and we know that he appreciated all that Carol was able to do
for him. Carol reflects that they loved each other dearly and he will be forever missed
by her.
Mike was certainly a character and he will certainly be missed by us all.