Michael Thomas (25 Jul 1945 - 24 Jun 2026)

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Michael

£525.00 + Gift Aid of £113.75
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Location
Kemnal Park A20 Bypass Chislehurst BR7 6RR
Date
16th Jul 2026
Time
12.30pm
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In loving memory of Michael Edward Thomas (Taffy) who sadly passed away on 24th June 2026.

Michael Edward Thomas was born on 25th July 1945 in Bridgend, South Wales. He spent his early childhood in Wales before his family moved to Deptford, London, where he grew up and began the next chapter of his life. Despite the move, he remained immensely proud of his Welsh roots throughout his life.

In July 1963, Michael proudly joined the 3 Green Jackets (Rifle Brigade), beginning a distinguished military career that spanned over 22 years. During his service he undertook numerous postings, earning an exemplary service record before being discharged in September 1985. Michael was immensely proud to have served as a Rifleman, and the friendships he forged during those years remained with him throughout his life.

Above all else, Michael was a devoted father to his two daughters, Josephine and Anna-Louise, and a loving father-in-law to Terry. He was also a cherished grandfather to Corey, Travis and Dexter. His family meant everything to him, and he was incredibly proud of each and every one of them. To his grandchildren, he was affectionately known as “Silly Grandad” – a title he wore with pride and one that perfectly captured his fun-loving spirit.

Michael was also a very much loved brother, uncle and godparent. He treasured his family deeply and formed close bonds that lasted a lifetime.

A proud Welshman through and through, Michael passionately followed the Welsh rugby team and had a lifelong love of sport. Whether it was cheering on Tottenham Hotspur, watching horse racing, cricket, golf or Formula 1, he rarely missed an opportunity to enjoy the action. He also loved having “just a cheeky bet,” encouraging family and friends to join in.

Michael loved music and never needed much encouragement to pick up a microphone at parties and family gatherings. His heartfelt rendition of Danny Boy became his signature song—one that family and friends will always remember with affection.

Michael will be remembered for his larger-than-life personality. He was stubborn in the most endearing way, a mischievous wind-up merchant with a cheeky sense of humour, an infectious laugh and unforgettable twinkling blue eyes. He had a remarkable ability to make people smile and his presence lit up every room he entered.

Michael leaves behind a lifetime of treasured memories, enduring friendships and a family who loved him beyond words. His legacy is one of love, loyalty, laughter and unwavering devotion to those closest to him.

A proud Rifleman. A proud Welshman. A devoted father, father-in-law, grandfather, brother, uncle and godparent. Forever loved, never forgotten.

Family flowers only, please.

Donations in memory of Michael, if desired, may be made to The Rifles Regimental Trust in recognition of his proud service with the 3rd Green Jackets (Rifle Brigade), later known as the 3rd Battalion, Royal Green Jackets.

Andrew Edwards donated £40 in memory of Michael
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Andrew Edwards wrote

Sadly missed but not forgotten, loved listening to your stories, a true gentleman to know,

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Danny Danny Healy donated £20 in memory of Michael
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Linda Thomas donated £30 in memory of Michael

RIP Michael from Linda

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Jason Young donated £20 in memory of Michael
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Jason Young wrote

Michael - it was many years ago when I first met you, when all of us were much younger. On the handful of times that I was in your company, you were always very polite and gentlemanly - obviously a trait of your personality. As the years went by I am sure that you had great pleasure in seeing the strength of Terry & Josephine's marriage progress. Not an easy accomplishment these days and I am sure that Josephine inherited some crucial traits from yourself to achieve all of the amazing things that she has done. Goodbye Michael - may you now Rest In Peace.

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Clare Hoskins posted a picture
Your dad will always be remembered for his joy of singing Danny Boy and the impact he had on so many people. Thinking of you all and sending you so much strength for tomorrow. Sending you a big hug ❤️

Your dad will always be remembered for his joy of singing Danny Boy and the impact he had on so many people. Thinking of you all and sending you so much strength for tomorrow. Sending you a big hug ❤️

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Julie Smith donated in memory of Michael
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Christopher Thomas donated £30 in memory of Michael

RIP uncle michael

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Katherine Stops (Ewin) wrote

Firstly a hard message to write, where to start??

My family and I have so many memories of Taffy over the years, certainly all of my life.

Where ever Dad (Brian) was Taffy was always close by. From family functions, regimental events, guard duty lol… The list is endless. Especially if there was a good meal and a drink. Taffy would always ask is Linda (mum) cooking and a brekkie I’m there.

My fond story of dad in the guard room, and Taffy off for a night out in Dads favourite outfit!!

Then the two muckers became grandads, then the fun really started. Mainly with the stories they shared.

Long may there stories continue on there clouds in the sky.

I will miss the stories, and cherish the memories.

Taffy you are a credit to us all, and glad to have been part of stories.

Lots of love

Katherine, Linda, Ben, Zachary, Imogen and Sebastian xxxx

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Katherine Ewin is attending the funeral
Neil Irwin lit a candle
Neil Irwin donated £50 in memory of Michael

With fondest memories of Micheal
RIP

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Eddie and Lesley Andrews wrote

It is with sadness we send this message. Michael was a great friend both during our military careers and afterwards while living in Cambridge. Michael will be remembered fondly by all who knew him, he was generous, kind and passionate, especially about Wales.

We spent a few nights together with Michael and Jan in Celle having a couple of drinks, while all the girls played, great memories.

Whenever you met Michael you would always have a great and enjoyable time and when you left Michael you always left with a smile.

When we lived in Cambridge Michael knocked on our door on a couple of occasions at 2 in the morning asking if he could come in for a chat. You could not refuse him, he was such a great character.

When we meet Michael again, we will thank him for being part of our lives.

God Bless and Rest in Peace

Lots of Love

Eddie and Lesley
Sam, Mandi and Kirsty
x



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Eddie and Lesley Andrews donated £30 in memory of Michael
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raymond thomas donated £50 in memory of Michael

FOREVER REMEMBERED NEVER FORGOTTEN LOVE RAY X

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Craig, Claire and girls . donated £20 in memory of Michael

You will be forever missed Taffy! You have left many cherished memories behind. The football banter was always great but one memory sticks with me ... you called me up and told me a time and location to meet you. Nothing more. You took me on one of the best and unique experiences I have had and I will never forget. You then introduced me to your Rifle Brigade friends which showed me how respected, loved and highly thought of you really were. As always, the night ended with your famous rendition of Danny Boy!
A true inspiration, a hero and a gentleman!

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Dexter Salmon lit a candle
Jonny & Andrea Crane donated £25 in memory of Michael
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Loraine Thorpe donated £50 in memory of Michael

In memory of our lovely Uncle Michael. Taffy Thomas. Rest in peace love Loraine. John. Samantha. Nicola and Aimee.

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Loraine Thorpe lit a candle
lisa & Dave adkins lit a candle
lisa adkins wrote

Dear uncle Michael, we were also very proud of what you had achieved in your life. we use to love your visits, especially when you popped around and had drinks with mum and dad, sharing your stories. Dad said "his favourite time was when you took him to the pub in your Army vehicle" and let's just say The wall hit your Car! Our Mum, your sister Tina was very proud of you too, you were always chatting on the phone for hours on end, then my mum would say " his singing again" and laugh. we all love you Michael, until we meet again.
Love Roy, Lisa, Pauline, Dave, Les & family xxxx

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Jayne & Daniel Burton donated £20 in memory of Michael

You will live on through the wonderful memories xx

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Jayne Burton wrote

Although I didn’t get to see you as often as I would have liked, every memory I have of you is filled with warmth, laughter and happiness. I will always remember visiting you while you were posted with the Army in Germany. Those moments are treasures that I’ll carry with me forever.

I’ll never forget your unmistakable head of fiery red hair that somehow never seemed to lose its colour, your wonderful Welsh accent, or the endless stories you loved to tell. You had a way of filling a room with your singing, your smile and your love of life. You brought joy so effortlessly to those around you.

It’s hard to accept that I won’t get to hear those stories again, listen to that familiar voice, or see that infectious smile. The world feels a little quieter without you in it.

Thank you for the memories, the laughter and the happiness you brought into our lives. You will be remembered with great affection and sadly missed.

Rest peacefully.

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Loraine Thorpe wrote

My lovely lovely Uncle Michael. But also my cherished God father. I have so many happy memories with you. Most of the ones I seem to remember are based at family parties with lots of drinking. I remember the time you showed me your party trick of swallowing a Live goldfish washed down in a pint of lager. Only to pat your back and the gold fish magically reappears. As a child I thought it was amazing. Most of all I remember your beautiful singing voice. Every occasion I would wait for you to take centre stage. Never disappointed. I would always shed a tear when my Dad (Ray your Brother) would join you in a song. The Welsh voices would ring out. When I married John and I had my 3 daughters you became an important part of their lives. They loved Uncle Michael. The day you arrived so proud of yourself carrying a large cage and a hamster for them. They were so happy. You entertained them with your stories of a made up species. I think it was the Niker Noos. It was hilarious. You dog sat for us one time. When we collected Trixie you informed us that you had to buy him a Turkish delight and a can of Coke every night to settle him. We have shared so many special moments, memories to hold dear for a lifetime. Rest in peace Uncle Micheal. Love you x

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  • The Mick Mocks and the Nickety Nockety Noos. Endless bedtime stories featuring them 🥰

    Posted by Anna on 4/07/2026 Report abuse
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Amanda Randall lit a candle
Heidi Randall lit a candle
David Askew donated £30 in memory of Michael

'One of a kind' is an oft used saying - but you were Taffy.
Who else would have been singing Danny Boy in a bar on Shankill Road in Belfast in 1972 while on patrol - trouble was your radio was stuck on send and the whole Battalion could hear it.
Who else hoicked up a booby trapped manhole on The Falls Road in 1972, a tub full of explosive resting in the hole - the trap failed and you escaped again.
Who else later on picked up a booby trapped touch that also failed to explode...
The stories are legion, could fill a book.
One of the biggest hearts and a friend to be treasured.
You shall be missed my friend, until as Ron said, we all meet again in Valhalla. (By the way it'll be your round 😊) Say Hi to Flapper, Brian, Ray and Milo and the others who went before.
Rest in peace, God Bless.

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Terry Carman donated £30 in memory of Michael

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