The Trust is deeply saddened to learn of the unexpected death of Trustee and former Chairman, Mike King, on Monday 14th March.
An experienced and well-known sailor in his beautiful 1896 ketch, Hypathia, Mike was a mainstay of the Trust since it formed in 2001 and we are extremely grateful for all his hard work and companionship over the years. He was there at the beginning when Endeavour was first found in a parlous condition in Rochester. He recalled "When Mike Guy from the Leigh Times, Peter Wexham, a previous owner, the late John Porter and I went to Kent and saw Endeavour, it was obvious that we couldn't just leave her to rot."
Mike was one of the key people in the early days of the Trust, instrumental - with others - for the fundraising efforts, accessing Heritage Lottery money and putting together the business plans for other major sponsors. He was heavily involved in the restoration project sourcing Brian Kennell and Shaun White of Brian Kennell Boatbuilders, whom we use to this day. Mike always provided wise counsel on the committee and for many years was responsible for Endeavour's; annual maintenance programme.
David Norman MBE, our current chairman, had this to say about Mike:
"I was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Mike King, who was very much the prime mover of the Endeavour restoration from its inception. I have had the privilege of working with Mike for the last 20 years and greatly admired his immense knowledge from the time we worked together on the Lottery bid which was crucial in financing our project.A private funeral will be held for Mike, after which he will be laid to rest next to the plot of his wife, Pat. The Trust understands Mike left plans for a memorial to take place in the summer.
"I always looked to him for advice as Chairman - most recently as a week before he died. He was helpful and supportive and sharp as ever.
"I had hoped that we would have had him around for a long time to come. Mike is simply irreplaceable and will be sorely missed by the people of Leigh whom he served so well in so many different capacities over a long period of time.
"We mourn his passing."
Thank you, Mike, for everything you did for Endeavour and for your constant friendship. We will miss you enormously.
Mike King at Endeavour’s re-launch ceremony in 2005 |