Mike Sandry
It seemed as though the whole of South Brent had gathered in St Petroc’s to say farewell to Mike this afternoon. Between the moving hymns and prayers family and friends paid tributes which outlined his life.
Born one of three brothers in at Wrangaton in 1934, his early passion was golf at which he achieved a handicap of 3 as well as playing cricket & football for local teams.
After Kingsbridge Grammar he was discouraged from becoming a professional golfer and started an apprenticeship at Devonport instead. This was interrupted by TB which required 2 years isolation up on the moor. After completing his time he joined RFA Resurgent in 1958 and spent much of the next 8 years in the Far East.
His handsome 6ft 4inch figure made a suitable impression on Jean when they met on a Torquay dance floor in 1960. They married in 1966 after which Mike applied his engineering skills to running his garage business in South Brent which continued until he retired in 1998, apart from a brief spell back at sea as 2EO in the North Sea in the seventies.
Throughout he maintained his interest in golf, cars, motorbikes, steam railways and added aviation by gaining his private pilot’s licence, which he often used to fly the family to France.
He has been a stalwart supporter of the Association since the Plymouth Branch was formed.
All who spoke of him emphasised his honesty, integrity and decency which was underlined by a dry sense of humour.
During his recent illness he has been lovingly cared for by Jean and their daughters.
He will be much missed by all.
