Remembering Mike Townsend
Dear Through the Roof family
It is with sad hearts that we announce that Mike Townsend, Through the Roof’s Chair of Trustees, passed away on 28th November 2023.
Mike and his wife, Edith, had been on a cruise in the Caribbean when Mike was admitted to hospital in Antigua with breathing difficulties. It was found to be a re-occurrence of the pneumonia he had suffered in recent years. He had also endured a cardiac arrest, which meant some of his organs had begun to shut down. Although his condition stabilised for a short time, sadly he had encountered too many complications for his body to recover. Edith’s sister flew out to be with her, to support her in plans and arranging the logistics of returning to the UK.
Mike played a huge role in the development of Through the Roof, having been involved since the early years, and we are grateful for his giving of time, energy, skills and experience. We remember him as someone who was passionate about challenging people’s attitudes towards disabled people and helping them see things from God’s perspective. He was also a great advocate, and role model, for disabled people fulfilling their potential in God’s sight - a real Roofbreaker! A very moving obituary has been published by Premier Christianity.
We will miss Mike, but we share his faith and trust in the Lord, so we rejoice that Mike is now in his eternal home with Jesus. We’re sure he was greeted by those wonderful words: ‘Well done, good and faithful servant’ (Matt 25:23).
Please join with us in continuing to pray for Edith; their daughter, Christine; and the family. Thank you.
Yours in His service
Tim Wood (CEO) and Rev Trevor Hahn (Vice Chair)
Share your memories and condolences
Many people have asked if they can share condolences and memories of Mike in a memorial book or page.
If you would like something to be put on the page but can't access it, please feel free to email annette@throughtheroof.org with your comments and we will sort this out for you.