Mike Cole

This page is one of "MaC's Memories" - a series of stories about the people who helped to make Isle of Wight Scouts what it is today.

Mike Cole (right) receiving an award from Lord Lieutenant Martin White

 

Mike Cole's funeral was held on Monday 29th January 2024. 1st Gurnard Group Scout Leader Paul Savill delivered the following eulogy:

When I joined 1st Gurnard Scouts in the early 1990s Mike had already served decades there from when his family first got involved. He would tell me how he had helped the troop build the extension onto the north side of the hall (probably before the Health and Safety act came into force) , but which I have to add still stands, and that he had been Chair of the Group Executive ( our board of trustees) since the 1970s. Mike had also served as member and Chair of the Scout County finance committee and on the County Executive. More importantly for me he regularly turned up to Scouts on a Tuesday night to be help me run meetings.

As Scouts we have a promise and a law. Although Mike didn’t wear a scarf he kept the promise and followed the law without having to think about it.

The first law is a Scout should be trusted. I knew if Mike said he would do something it would get done or that he would turn up at Corf when needed.

Secondly a Scout is loyal. The time Mike dedicated to Scouting is amazing. I managed to get his service recognised around 2012 and we awarded Mike his 40 years of service and then more recently 50 years of service.

A Scout is friendly and considerate…maybe I was lucky but I never saw Mike angry, frustrated yes but he always met people with a smile and who could ignore those amazing animated eyebrows .

A scout is a member of the World-wide Scouting family. Mike was well known across Island Scouting and going by the number of people here much further than that too

A Scout has courage in all difficulties. My time as Scout leader at Gurnard included when I was commuting to Portsmouth on shifts as a police officer so some of the planning could be a bit rushed. I wanted to take the troop on a night hike from the Scout hall and finishing back there to sleep when we finished. How long will it be Paul, Mike asked. Oh about six miles I said, Good said Mike I want to break in some walking shoes for a trip to Italy. The night came and off we went with bouncy Scouts and Mike following ( bearing in mind he was in his 70s at that point). Some of the route had to be diverted round and we went through Parkhurst forest lit by a full moon. When we got back to four cross in Northwood at 2 am Mike did question the distance we had walked and I admitted it was closer to 11 miles. Mike just smiled at me and carried on walking.

A Scout makes good use of time and is careful of possessions and property. Hello Gill I would open a telephone call trying to speak to Mike at home. He’s up at the club would be the reply, you have the number, Of course I did it was the other number in the phone next to Mike’s name. I know Jackie is going to talk about the club but what an amazing resource for our community. Just visit the Mike Cole’s Indoor bowling facility to find an amazing space where we sometimes had group exec meetings and through Mike arranged section meetings for our young people to try a new activity. Watching the leaders cringe as another dambusteresque bowl bounced down towards the jack was always a pleasure,

A Scout has self-respect and respect for others. I’ve had messages from those who knew I was speaking today. Included lines like what a gentleman…kind-hearted…supportive…you know I could go on.

Softly falls the light of day,
As our campfire fades away.
Silently each Scout should ask,
Have I done my daily task?
Have I kept my honour bright?
Can I guiltless sleep tonight?
Have I done, and have I dared
Everything to Be Prepared?


Mike… We are all going to miss you. Without exception, you did your very best for all of us. A true Scout Gone Home

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