Mr Michael Gilham.
MICHAEL Gilham, a much respected Ryde greengrocer for 34 years and dedicated community figure, has died, aged 78.
Born in Aldershot, Hampshire, he moved to the Island aged three when his parents opened their greengrocers, Gilhams, on the High Street, Ryde.
After attending Ryde School and then briefly working with the Forestry Commission, planting some of the Island’s woodlands, he joined the family business.
Gilhams became a Ryde landmark on moving to its prominent position in St Thomas’s Square, and Mr Gilham was a familiar smiling face to regulars and returning visitors alike.
Mr Gilham semi-retired in 1984 and worked at the Whitecliff Bay Holiday Park. As the manager of the on-site supermarket, he was well-known for his cheery disposition, joining in with Country and Western-themed weeks by appearing at the shop counter in a stetson, gun holster and chaps.
In 1970, he married Rose and he became a proud father to two children, Andrew and Donna. He was overjoyed when he later became a grandfather to Hollie, Ronan and Cameron.
An active man, Mr Gilham skied, played badminton and loved to swim in the sea at Seagrove Bay. He had a lifelong passion for snooker, playing regularly in his retirement, latterly at the Ryde Club.
A regular both onstage and behind the scenes with the Bellevue Players, he also supported the Ryde Buccaneers, raising funds for charity.
His faith was important to him, worshipping at Garfield Road Methodist Church until his health declined.
A loving and much-loved family man, he leaves his wife, two children and three grand children and will be sadly missed by all whose lives he touched.
His funeral will be held at the IW Crematorium on Monday at 3pm. Family flowers only. Donations to Leukaemia Research via H.V. Taylor, of Ryde.
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