Sadly, I was told of Mikes passing last weekend after a valiant fight with cancer.
I met Mike, Charley and his sister twice along the Trent & Mersey Canal as it wove it’s way through Stone.
I took this picture on the first occasion, taking the opportunity to present him with a mounted print on the second encounter. A lovely, gentleman I felt I had an instant connection with.

I will always be grateful to Mike for posing in such a natural and relaxed manner.
The image turned out to be one of my most successful, and still available via my ‘Portraits’ page.

Mike with his faithful fury friend Charlie. Inseparable wouldn't you say? Mike navigates the midland canal system selling herbs, but on further investigation it turns out he spent 40 odd years as a circus clown - can you see it in his face?
Mike's jumper of many colours was distracting but the image became much stronger in mono.
Where does Mike end and Charlie begin and end?!
f/7.1 • 1/400sec • 24-105mm lens @ 82mm • ISO800

Location: Trent & Mersey Canal, Stone, Staffordshire

I sent a digital copy to his friend Gary, to be printed ready for Mike’s funeral in a few days time.
This is Gary’s response:

Hi Noel,
That's great, I'll get a print done & framed. I think the other print may be on the wall in their home, the boat is near Oxford at the moment with someone else staying on it, but it would be nice to have one at the funeral. Many Thanks
Love your work. I'm trying to do more art type photography than just the normal everyday stuff I do, lots of inspiration on your site!
Best Wishes, Gary

Sadly, I was told of Mikes passing . . .