Guest Posted June 18, 2010 Share Posted June 18, 2010 All, I have been asked to post a message here about this. A dear friend of many and long time PMC member of Tip to Tip fame Mike Silvester had a gardening accident a few days ago. He fell from a tree and sustained serious head injuries He was taken to a specialist brain hospital and has been there since. Poor Mike has not responded to any stimulation and my heart goes out to Jackie Silvester and Mikes family who have made the very difficult decision to stop medication and turn off the life support machines tomorrow morning. There is a small chance that he will respond when this happens. The first thing I could think of when I heard of his accident was how Mike has used and abused his body to the max to get the very most out of life for every second of it. Triple heart bypass Arthritis in the knees Diabetic And some other stuff, but it never stopped him getting his Paramotor on his back and flying the length of the UK. Mike has an awesome past of 'stuff' under his belt and should have a smile on his face for that reason alone. He is one of the kindest people I have had the pleasure to have known. SW Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dantheman Posted June 18, 2010 Share Posted June 18, 2010 That's awful news, he is one of the nicest guys you will meet in the sport, everything is crossed but sounds like it may not be enough Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skybound Posted June 18, 2010 Share Posted June 18, 2010 Sad sad news, life sometimes deals the most awful blows. Clive Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
druffuk Posted June 19, 2010 Share Posted June 19, 2010 Sorry to hear this awful news. I only met Mike a few times but he was a very friendly chap. My thoughts are with his family. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
slim Posted June 19, 2010 Share Posted June 19, 2010 All our prayers are with Jackie, Mike and their family. Please keep us as informed as you can Simon. S. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Farmer_Dave Posted June 19, 2010 Share Posted June 19, 2010 I really hope Mike can pull through. Only met him a couple of times but anyone could warm to him I reckon. Fingers crossed here Dave Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
irm750 Posted June 19, 2010 Share Posted June 19, 2010 I met Mike and Jackie when I attended my first PMC fly-in. I knew no-one before arriving and they instantly made me feel welcome, introducing me to some of the others. You couldn't hope to meet a friendlier couple. My heart goes out to them both and their family and friends. I really hope Mike makes a full recovery. Ian. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted June 20, 2010 Share Posted June 20, 2010 All, at 03:00 hrs this morning Mike silvester passed away. In the true Mike style he as given the few working parts he had left to save lives. Mike will be missed by all who had the pleasure of meeting him As upsetting as it is, I know Mike would want everyone to remember him with his normal smile and passion for everything he did in life. We will be having a party for him at the fly-in which I think we dedicate to his name. SW. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cageuk Posted June 20, 2010 Share Posted June 20, 2010 Mike was one of the gentlemen of our sport, he enjoyed his life to the max and of course Jackie was often there by his side! He was a good friend and I shall miss him. Heartfelt condolences to Jackie and family! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
outkast Posted June 20, 2010 Share Posted June 20, 2010 Oh my god, not logged in all weekend and only just seem this, this is terrible news, I first met MIke and jackie up at the flagpole a few years back, I can honestly say Mike and Jackie are the kindest, nicest couple I have ever met, I was looking forward to seeing them again at the fly in. This is a sad loss for The PMC. Simon, if you get the chance to talk to Jackie please let her know that all our thoughts are with her and the family at this sad time. RIP Mike, a true gent. Dave Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
norman Posted June 20, 2010 Share Posted June 20, 2010 This is heartbreaking. Mike and Jackie were inseparable and made the world a better place between them. We have all lost a fine man and someone who loved his time in the sky. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
helimed01 Posted June 20, 2010 Share Posted June 20, 2010 It is with a heavy heart I write these words. I had the privilege to know Mike for the past few years since the Tip to Tip. Mike led and set an example to us all by persuing the sport we all love despite the challange of pain in his knee / joints and medical conditions that would have caused many others to give up on many aspects of life, Mike adapted and overcame all the difficulties and was active in all the fly-ins I have been to. Mike was a kind gentle soul who always had time for everyone, his love for people and the sport is evidenced in the DVD made on the Tip to Tip when he describes the team coming together using the words "brotherly love". I still fly the wing he flew on the Tip to Tip and his name tag still remains in the lid of the harness bag which I never did remove due to the respect and fondness I have for Mike. My wife Jackie and I had the great pleasure of Mike and Jacks company last Summer when they came to visit us here in Cornwall. Mike and I sat up drinking beer putting the world to rights and I am greateful for those moments shared with Mike. Our thoughts and hearts are now with Jackie and family during this very hard time. Fly free Mike, fly free. High Flight Oh! I have slipped the surly bonds of earth And danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings; Sunward I've climbed, and joined the tumbling mirth Of sun-split clouds - and done a hundred things You have not dreamed of - wheeled and soared and swung High in the sunlit silence. Hov'ring there I've chased the shouting wind along, and flung My eager craft through footless halls of air. Up, up the long delirious, burning blue, I've topped the windswept heights with easy grace Where never lark, or even eagle flew - And, while with silent lifting mind I've trod The high untresspassed sanctity of space, Put out my hand and touched the face of God. Pilot Officer Gillespie Magee No 412 squadron, RCAF Killed 11 December 1941 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
learner_driver Posted June 20, 2010 Share Posted June 20, 2010 Truly unbelievable - that such an innocent activity could lead to this. Please send love to Jackie God Bless Mike Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
edwardc Posted June 20, 2010 Share Posted June 20, 2010 RIP Mike, You were an inspiration to those of us fortunate enough to meet you and one of the nicest guys around. Give my love to Jackie and condolences to the the rest of the family. We will all have a drink on you at the 'Mike Silvester' fly-in. Eddie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
neilc Posted June 21, 2010 Share Posted June 21, 2010 Such a tragedy, and very sad... I never met Mike, but heard through members of the PMC what a thoroughly decent chap he was. I was really looking forward to meeting him on the upcoming trip to Spain in October. Sincere condolences to Mike's wife and family. Neil. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mike1714 Posted June 21, 2010 Share Posted June 21, 2010 My condolences to Jackie and family. I met Mike and Jackie at the last fly-in, both eminent in making a newbie welcome!!!..............................a true ambassador to the sport. He will be missed! Mike Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pete_b Posted June 23, 2010 Share Posted June 23, 2010 I have been asked to let you all know that Mikes funeral will take place at Aldershot Crematorium on the 30th of June at 10.30am. All are welcome to come along, and we will be going to a local pub just down the road after to have a drink and a good chat. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pete_b Posted June 24, 2010 Share Posted June 24, 2010 The pub we are going to after the funeral is the Lion brewery 104 guilford road Ash Aldershot GU12 6BT Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dantheman Posted July 2, 2010 Share Posted July 2, 2010 I hope we can all have a beer together and spare a thought for Mike & family this weekend at the fly-in. Mikes generosity to others has gone on even after his death as a couple of people have been given a very precious gift thanks to Mikes organ donations - please click if you wish to register yourself. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Malcs Posted July 2, 2010 Share Posted July 2, 2010 That's good to hear Dan, great when something positive comes from a tragedy. I can't make the fly in this weekend but would still like to make a donation on Mike's behalf and if someone can PM me his address then I'd like to write to Jackie. Cheers Malc Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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