It is with profound sadness that we have to report that Mike Briers died on Tuesday 11th August in Blackpool Victoria Hospital. Mike became ill only four weeks ago with an aggressive brain tumour. His loss to his family, friends and the Ribble Cruising Club is impossible to overstate and Lytham has lost an extraordinary gentleman. He was active at the church, Music Society, Civic Society and other good causes, where with his infectious energy made so many lives richer.
Mike and Michele joined the club with their very young family Sarah and Daniel in 1979. For over 40 years Mike was been among the most active of members on and off the water.
He cruised and raced dinghies, trailer-sailers, quarter and half ton cruiser/racers and the International 12 metre Sceptre which gave Mike unparalleled experience, pleasure, and considerable success on the Ribble, Windermere, Scotland and as far as the Azores.
Mike was a Trustee, Commodore in 1985, Hon Secretary for 16 years and long-time speaker finder for the most successful Last Tuesday Talks. Most recently active on the RYA Northwest Regional committee with special interest in environmental and cruising matters. At the RCC August Main Committee meeting he was voted an Honorary Member.
The funeral arrangements will be notified in due course although they will inevitably be on a restricted format due to the Coronavirus.
Michele has asked for time to adjust and has the support of Sarah and Daniel and her grand children Jessica, Liam and Edward who are in our thoughts at this time of great loss.
David H Miller
Trustee
12th August 2020
