In loving memory of Michael 'Mick' Victor Barwis born Friday 30th January 1942 in Oldham, who sadly passed away aged 84 years on 12th June 2026 in Southend Hospital.
Mick, also known as Gran Miguel, Rioja Mick, Darjeeling Mick, Piano Mick and Mike the bike, he lived in the same house in Hadleigh for 79 years, proud of being the longest living resident in the road!
Mick had unfortunately struggled over the last couple of years with the many complications of severe heart failure and passed away peacefully with family by his side.
Mick was a Guillotine operator at the Printing Firm Naish's in the early part of his life and then after being made redundant he found employment as a Piano technician and demonstrator at The Piano Pavillion in Chalkwell until his retirement, his other hobbies included sea swimming, cycling, hosting spanish wine tastings in London and at home, attending Piano recitals, among many other interests such as playing piano before arthritis affected his playing!
Mick was a fun loving, kind, generous and enthusiastic and much described by those who met and knew him as a "real character"
Mick leaves behind his wife Margaret of 53 years, Daughter Nikki, Son-in-law Brian, and his two Grandsons Toby & Theo, and he is now at rest with his beloved parents Marjorie and Bert Barwis.
Funeral to be held at Southend Crematorium, Sutton Road, SS2 5PX. 27th July 2026 @ 11am, then on to Latinos Restaurant in Hadleigh for his Memorial gathering.
There will also be a live stream available for those who cannot attend, please message me for the email link.
Family flowers only please.
Donations welcome to the suggested charities.
Kind request only colourful dress to be worn please, (shorts are welcome too!!) No black, thank you.
Nikki, Margaret & family xx
I have many happy memories of our Youth Club days and the evenings at your house listening to music with a group of friends. Also having chats outside Piano Pavilion when you was working there. Rest well.
With very fond memories of Mick
Thank you so much for the kind donation, it was so lovely to see you and Maria at the service, I'm so sorry I didnt get a chance to talk to you both properly!! Dad would have been very pleased to know you were there!!! Thank you Nikki xx
In memory of Mick and his piano and Calligraphy skills affected by this condition. We will miss his warmth, stories and humour.
Thank you so much for your memories and donation Ian, lovely to meet you, thank you for being there!! Dad was such a talent wasn't he!!!! Nikki x
In the hope that arthritis will not take the joy of playing the piano for those in the future.
Thank you so much Louisa, very much appreciated xxxx I agree xx
I looked forward to our catch ups when I was over from Italy.
You will be very sadly missed, but hopefully Nikki, Margaret, the boys and myself can carry on getting together when I next get over
With love from Karen, Liberato and all the family in Italy xxx
Thank you so much our Italian family, yes, we will continue our get tigethers and his memory!! Xxxx
Such a lovely, interesting man. We had many happy times at his house on those fabulous wine tasting evenings with Margaret and Nikki and Brian. His wonderful stories and beautiful piano recitals were amazing. Mick will be very much missed. Sleep well Mick. Love from Kay, Paul and Hollie xxx
Lovely to have known you Mick and to share our love of music and wine together in the past.
Rest in Peace
Glynn
Thank you so much for your generous donation Glynn!! Lovely memories, I will share the details for the live stream of the funeral, should you wish to be able to view the service!!? Thanks again Nikki xx
With fond thoughts of Mick and the wonderful memories of the times spent with him at Hadleigh.
Thank you so very much for this donation John xx
Fond memories of Mick and the good times we spent together in Hadleigh as young men. I shall always remember his friendship, humour, talent, enthusiasm and joy for life.
Unfortunately I shall be unable to attend the funeral due to my health problems but will follow on the link.
Ah thanks John, thats lovely!! We've found a few photos of you and Dad together, I will send some over to you, in fact I think theres one of you Dad and Norman Land in the garden, surrounded by bottles, possibly an 18th!!? xx Yes, he always spoke fondly of you too!! I'm sorry to hear that, you will be missed there!! But I will share the livestream link! Nikki xx
Father's Day 2017 Dad enjoying his brandy & cigar!
A lovely photo of Mick which brings back memories of many musical evenings combined with wine tasting sessions at his house in Hadleigh. Also, our get together at the Grande Hotel in Leigh on Thursday evenings where a group of pianists , including myself and Mick used to 'entertain' customers on the Pleyel piano. Good times always to remember. Glynn Freeman
Hi Glynn, Hope you're well? Thank you so much for lighting the candle, so lovely to read your message too!! I've just managed to update the obituary with the Funeral details, Mum and I would love to see you again if you're able to come? Nikki x
Father's Day 2017 Dad enjoying his brandy & cigar!
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