Very sad news

We were very sorry to hear of the death of our former Chair and friend, Mike Crompton. He led the RAD Board for 9 years with commitment, vigor, enthusiasm and humour.  

Mike was a great believer in people. Whether it was RAD being able to help local Derbyshire people or understanding the difference an individual person can make to a project or in a community. And he led by example, getting involved with a number of organisations and community activities in and around his local area of Hayfield in the High Peak, and further afield throughout the county (and beyond).

Valerie Broom, our current Chair who took over from Mike says, "Mike knew that everybody thinks living in rural Derbyshire is great, which it is, but there is still a lot of poverty, loneliness and problems that are often unseen, and he wanted to help address this. He was learned, witty, caring and lovely. It was great to work with him, even when we went through difficult times, and I will miss him."

Sylvia Green, our former CEO says' "Mike was involved in so many charities and community groups, all of which benefitted from his wisdom, wit and great good humour. He had the ability to find the fun in the dullest of meetings and to find common cause with the most intractable of opponents.

"I was fortunate to have worked very closely with Mike and as Chair of RAD for many years he had the unenviable task of being my line manager when I was CEO. Whatever the issue I knew Mike would understand, have sensible suggestions to make and would be supportive. He was warm, funny and kind. I know he will be missed enormously, not only be everyone at RAD, but by colleagues across the voluntary sector in Derbyshire and further afield. His was a life well lived."

Mike joined the RAD Board in July 2003 and stepped down at our AGM only last month, 14 years of dedication and 9 as Chair. Some members of the staff team have known Mike for many years and are also very sad that he has gone. He often sat on interview panels and was therefore instrumental in recruiting a number of our existing staff, and he was keen to follow their progress.

When RAD had significant triumphs, he was there with words of congratulations. When Sandie Abberley, RAD's Wheels to Work Project Manager was successful with a Big Lottery grant in 2013 he arrived in the office with chocolates, fizz and flowers. He would bring in chocolates for us all to share at Christmas and Easter or just because he wanted to. He was a Trustee and our Chair, but also a friend to the organisation and its staff.

Our thoughts are with his wife Liz, son Peter and his two grandsons of whom he was so very proud. He will be missed so much and by so many.

Mike, bottom right in the main photo above, at Sylvia Green's 'Leaving Do' in April 2017.