Author Topic: MIKE O'BALLANCE  (Read 7805 times)

richard

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MIKE O'BALLANCE
« on: March 02, 2014, 07:07:16 PM »
I am very sorry indeed to report the death of Mike O'Ballance earlier today .
I was phoned just now by John Bannell , of Goggo fame , he asked me to post the news . Most would be unaware of Mike's ill health but he was apparently only diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease in mid January and was working with his cars until very recently , John was with him last night at Mike's home but as he said Mike  just failed to awake this morning .
I served with Mike for a short while during the transition period between The Heinkel Trojan Owners Enthusiasts and The Heinkel Trojan Club Limited and I must say that that in all these years since he has been  respected both as a gentleman and keen enthusiast of micro's . More recently Mike has started to inform others on Goggomobils , one of his other keen interests . via RUMCAR NEWS.
Although unmarried Mike was well known to be a devoted uncle to his nieces . I feel sure that others would pass their condolenses to his close friends and family   RIP
outside of a dog a book is mans best friend. Inside of a dog it's too dark to read .Groucho Marx 1895-1977

Jean

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Re: MIKE O'BALLANCE
« Reply #1 on: March 02, 2014, 07:44:48 PM »
Richard, you beat me by a short head I had just logged in to report the same sad news.  Chris and I were aware of his recent diagnosis but had no idea his time left with us would be so short. Our condolences go out to his family and close friends.

I got to know him for the first time when he camped on our field whilst he spent a week exploring Kent in his Goggo saloon, even venturing up to London in it to collect his niece so that she could join him on our Open Day in July last year.  We,Lesley, Michael, myself and especially Jamie delighted in his company in the evenings and he allowed Jamie to drive his beautiful Goggomobil around the field. A true gentleman and dedicated enthusiast who will be sorely missed in the Microcar world.  As you say may he Rest in Peace.  Jean
« Last Edit: March 02, 2014, 07:46:25 PM by Jean »
Jean
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Big Al

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Re: MIKE O'BALLANCE
« Reply #2 on: March 02, 2014, 08:53:35 PM »
That is distressing news. I really liked and respected Mike, he was a good friend to me over the years and someone I trusted. We might have disagreed about HTOEC to HTC Ltd but there is no doubting he turned that club around, as he said he would, so I willingly conspired and lastly fell on my sward to clear the committee to all new folk and new start it needed, unencumbered with prior frissions. Always a wise advisor and surety of a good evenings entertainment. This one I knew nothing about, comes out of the blue, and will be hard. Very upsetting.
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blob

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Re: MIKE O'BALLANCE
« Reply #3 on: March 02, 2014, 09:31:48 PM »
That's terrible news! I only knew him a few years, but remember accompanying him at the 2010 National run out in his beautifully restored Goggo Coupe, the best I've seen. Great guy always willing to chat about something, will be missed indeed.

Bob Purton

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Re: MIKE O'BALLANCE
« Reply #4 on: March 03, 2014, 11:04:16 AM »
That is very sad news. I didn't know him all that well but he was clearly a true enthusiast, one after my own heart in as much as he was a hands on microcar guy, a restorer and driver.
 I have fond memories of him last year at Jeans open day, some good humoured banter over Chris's driving test/obstacle course.  He will be missed for sure!

swanktank

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Re: MIKE O'BALLANCE
« Reply #5 on: March 03, 2014, 04:43:37 PM »
That's very sad news. I am touched that he was answering an email re a Goggo problem from me at the end of January . . .
Maurice

Jean

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Re: MIKE O'BALLANCE
« Reply #6 on: March 08, 2014, 09:19:18 PM »
Do any of you feel we should send either flowers or a donation, which ever has been requested, from RUMCARS or do you each wish to do your own thing?  Big Al has told me that he will be attending the funeral on Friday the 14th March and he has kindly agreed to represent RUMCARS on this occasion.  May I have your views as soon as possible please?  Jean
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Big Al

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Re: MIKE O'BALLANCE
« Reply #7 on: March 14, 2014, 10:59:21 PM »
Mike had a suitable send off. The HTC Ltd committee provided an escort of Treinkel cars to the official cars. The Microcar world was well represented and there was little spare seating in the crematorium. As befitted Mike the order of service was unusual and not religious but well presented by the chosen officiate and family. I learned a few things I did not know but overall it was a celebration of another unusual person who had made a success off what he chose to do in life. Micronauts just are not run of the mill people.
The reception was a more cheery affair, with shared memories, and Mike's cars took a major place being set out on display. The most pleasing thing was the family are enthused enough by Mike's hobby, and his sharing of it, that they are to have a car each. So maybe this is the start of something, as well as the end. Driving back late I mulled over the lesson once again, that we have limited time, and not to put off things you want to do. You just never know. 
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Chris Thomas

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Re: MIKE O'BALLANCE
« Reply #8 on: March 15, 2014, 10:26:53 AM »
Dear Al

Thanks for representing us at the funeral. I did think during Friday, I wonder how the funeral for Mike is going.

Reading your thoughts did send a chill up my spine, especially your last sentence. A lesson to us all.

Thanks again

Chris Thomas

richard

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Re: MIKE O'BALLANCE
« Reply #9 on: March 15, 2014, 12:54:36 PM »
agreed  Chris , as i have 4 cars all in bit's and all mixed up how would anyone else make sense of it all ? good job i won't be there then  ;)
outside of a dog a book is mans best friend. Inside of a dog it's too dark to read .Groucho Marx 1895-1977

marcus

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Re: MIKE O'BALLANCE
« Reply #10 on: May 24, 2014, 02:02:32 PM »
A bit late but I was very sorry to hear this news. I met Mike briefly at the London-Edinburgh Heinkel-Trojan run, and he seemed a pleasant and exceptionally dedicated person. A great loss, RIP.
Just remember: as one door closes behind you, another slams in your face