Obituary John Michael 'Mike' Daniels
The following announcement featured on the website of The Telegraph.
John Michael (Mike). Mike died peacefully on 21st August at Torr Home, Plymouth, aged 92. Beloved husband, father and grandfather, he will be much missed by Sarah, Jane and his grandchildren Ben, Emily, Thomas and Eleanor. The Cremation will be held at Weston Mill Crematorium on Friday 6th September at 9 a.m. Followed by a wake at the Royal Western Yacht Club. Family flowers only. Donations if desired may be left online at wcpltd.com/donate made payable to Dementia UK and the RNLI. Dress code is sailing casual with accents of red to recognise Mike's Welsh heritage. All enquiries to Walter C Parson, St Judes PL4 8PJ. Tel: 01752 665438.
The following obituary came from Mike's daughter, Jane Palmer (GH 1979-81).
Mike, as he was known, was born in Ystalafera on May 10 1932, to Gladys and John Daniels, school teachers in the local primary school.
When Mike was 13 he won a scholarship to Blundell’s.
Mike thoroughly enjoyed his time boarding at Blundell’s (P 1945-50), before heading off to Cambridge University to study mechanical engineering. After graduation, he joined the navy to do his national service. It was during that time that he met Maggie Elfird. They were married in October 1958 in Plymouth. Mike then went on to work for Ind Coop before joining IBM. Mike and Maggie had two children, Sarah and Jane. Mike was overjoyed when both his daughter Jane and his two grandchildren Thomas and Eleanor went to Blundell’s.
On retiring Mike and Maggie moved to Plymouth and spent their retirement sailing and socialising. Mike became involved with the OB club and served as chairman for two years retiring from the Committee in 2012. He played an important role in the design and building of the club's headquarters at the school, later named the Beale Centre.
Mike was a man of enormous charm and good humour. He had a wide circle of friends and he and Maggie always had an active social life. He was proud of his Welsh heritage and was a great supporter of their rugby team. Maggie died in 2023 and she was sorely missed by Mike and the family.
Mike leaves daughters Sarah and Jane, son in law Didier and his four grandchildren Ben, Emily, Thomas and Eleanor. He will be remembered with great love by all his family and friends.