Our school community received a shock in late July when we were informed that our colleague and friend Michael Matthews (better known as Ajarn Mike) had passed away. We knew that A. Mike had been ill but we hoped that he would enjoy a long and eventful retirement living in the south of Thailand. Unfortunately, that was not to be and as we had not had an opportunity to pay our respects at his funeral in Bangkok, we assembled on Friday 17 August in the Auditorium to honour Ajarn Mike’s memory and to celebrate his life.

The Memorial Service quickly established a tone that was respectful but in harmony with the passions of Ajarn Mike’s life; rugby, The British Navy, literature and of course History.

Ajarn Beth, Ajarn Dan, and Ajarn Kirsty delivered the three eulogies and they shared many happy memories of their respective times with Mike. In particular, they focused on Mike’s warmth, humour, joy and how he managed to make everybody feel the better for having spent time with him. The celebratory applause was warm and heartfelt, signaled, of course, by the sound of a Boatswain’s whistle.

The Book of Condolences contained many personal messages to Ajarn Mike and will be sent to the family in England together with the photograph of Ajarn Mike that was on stage and a special book that was produced by Didzid Rossman when he was an IBDP History student.

It is without a doubt that we are a better community for having had Mike as a member. Ajarn Mike will be much missed.

RIP Mike.