It is with great regret that we have to announce the passing of Mike Ford, a consummate professional Journalist & Photographer who has been working away in the background to keep the good ship YJA afloat for seemingly more years than any of us can recall. Among the many YJA roles that Mike didn’t just take on, but truly embraced with his every sinew, were at various times, Secretary, Treasurer, Webmaster & Membership Secretary & as a result his knowledge of all things YJA was truly amazing.
In addition to his various roles with the YJA, Mike was also a Member of the Guild of Motoring Writers & a long time Member, Supporter & Editor of the Royal Southampton Yacht Club’s Yachter Magazine. However first & foremost Mike was a family man & on behalf of the hundreds of present & past members of the YJA & the staff of Press Offices around the world, we extend our sincerest condolences to Mike’s Wife Jill & Daughter Michelle. RIP”
Chris English, Secretary
Mike has helped the YJA for many, many years, and supported a long list of Chairmen. His knowledge and experience of all aspects of the YJA was truly impressive, from constitutional matters to membership, and clearly losing such a ‘font of knowledge’ will inevitably have an impact in ways we cannot imagine as yet. It is always sad to hear of members passing, but Mike has been closely involved with the Committee ever since I have been a member, and I have had countless dealings with him since taking over as Chairman. He was as delighted as anyone when MS Amlin stepped up as sponsors last year for our annual awards, and reveled in being able to join the celebrations in Southampton as the YJA began a ‘new’ chapter in it’s evolution.
A lovely man who will be missed by everyone who knew him.
Cliff Webb, Chairman