Born in Malta in 1936, Michael spent part of his childhood in the Azores before returning to England and joining Sidcot in 1946. He left in 1953 as Head Boy. During his time at Sidcot, he also played in the First XV rugby team, gaining his colours. His school reports described him as “friendly”, “boisterous” but “good hearted”.

Michael went on to study Chemistry at Balliol College, Oxford, gaining a first-class degree and later a DPhil. In 1963 he joined the newly founded University of Sussex, where he remained for 38 years, eventually becoming a Reader in Chemistry. Michael was a much-valued teacher, tutor and colleague, remembered for his kindness, integrity, humour and willingness to support students. He welcomed doctoral students from around the world and worked with universities internationally.

Michael married Anne Rainbow in 1966, and they raised their three children, Bill, John and Alice, in Brighton. Before retiring in 2001, Michael and Anne moved to Seaford, where he devoted much of his time to gardening. When poor health forced him to slow down, Michael typed up Anne’s diaries recording their life in Brighton. This followed work, started as student, as his generation’s family historian. Michael remained intellectually curious to the end, following current affairs, reading and completing cryptic crosswords.

Michael’s life reflected many of the values associated with his Sidcot education – kindness, curiosity, independence of thought and a commitment to others. He is remembered with great affection by his family, friends, former colleagues and students, and by the wider Sidcot community.