Obituary - Sgt Maj Michael (Mike) Jones

By Mac Eyre-Varnier The funeral service for Mike Jones took place on Monday 16th March at Kensal Green Crematorium.

As one of the original ‘Old and Bold’, Mike served his two years of National Service from 1956 -1958 with 40 CDO Royal Marines and then he joined the RMFVR (which became the RMR).. he went on to complete 37 years of service.

At Mike’s insistence, the service was kept simple, with a very moving poem from  Philip Jones and eulogies from Colin Jones and Dave Hill.

Colin took on the role of ‘celebrant’ and gave a very moving profile of his dad.. which he gave his consent for me to reproduce here, as follows..

Who..

Husband, brother, dad, grandad, great grandad, uncle, friend, Sgt Major..

Warrior, worrier, catcher..

Climber (one of the best), skier, sailor, abseiler..

Technophobe..

Whisky and wine lover..

Music lover..

Chef..

What;

Sensible..

Responsible..

Reliable..

Calm under duress..

Watchful of others..

Intelligent..

Bright..

Active..

Reserved..

Private..

Humorous..

How;

Always learning..

Careful..

Strong..

Fit..

Alert and observant..

Why;

Caring..

Service oriented..

Courageous..

When;

68 years Mum, more years for Teresa..

37 years in the Marines..

Always there for Philip and me (Colin)..

Where;

London, Peabody..

Suez..

Cyprus..

Malta..

Sennen and Bosullow..

Austria, France, Scotland and Wales..

Per Mare Per Terram..

Some Phrases;

“Don’t matter do it”

“Get off my land”

“Dreckly”

“It’s clagging in”

“You don’t know your luck till you tread in it”

“Just turn downhill and ski down”

“You won’t fall far, just jump”

“Taking in slack”

“Slainthe”

“Goodbye horse”

The man;

“I give you WO2 Michael Jones

R.I.P”

It was a privilege and honour to attend the service of remembrance for Mike Jones, to pay my respects to a great man and be a part of his final journey.

Mac Eyre-Varnier

Welfare Representative

City of London Branch