Involved Benonian dies after 12 years in England
He was involved in many Benoni clubs.
Mike Tilley, a Benoni resident that had to leave for the United Kingdom 12 years ago, died of pneumonia while in the UK at the age of 87.
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His wife, Patricia, said Mike had to leave to receive treatment for various illnesses.
He was diabetic and had a history of cancer.
Patricia said his medical bills would have been too expensive in South Africa and Mike was a British citizen who therefore qualified for state healthcare in the UK.
“He phoned home once a week and we were later introduced to Skype calls,” she said.
She said Mike was a quiet gentleman and was involved in many Benoni organisations.
“We attended Northfield Methodist Church and sang in the choir,” she said.
She said Mike was proud to have been a founder member of the Youth Hostels Association of South Africa.
He was also a member of an electrical engineering organisation.
She mentioned he was an active man and was a member of the Benoni Northerns Athletic Club and he often cycled with friends.
“He was the chairman of the Benoni Publicity Association when it still existed and he was a co-founder of The Buskers,” said Patricia.
She said The Buskers was a group of people who came together to play their instruments, sing or dance.
“Mike played the swanee whistle,” she said.
She said he loved singing, dancing, camping and caravanning.
“He won an Arthur Murray medal for dancing,” she said.
Patricia said her late husband was fond of exploring Europe and South Africa and that he was a curious man with a good sense of humour and adventure.
Mike is survived by his wife, three daughters; Tania Collins, Sharlene and Michelle Tilley and his grandchildren Ryan Collins, Jamie Palmer and Nichola Tilley.
Patricia’s final message to her late husband reads: “Go with God on your final journey. With love, from your wife of 56-and-a-half years, Patricia-Anne.”
She said Mike’s daughters are planning a memorial service for him in England.
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