Michael's Service to be held at the Parish Church Paignton 10/04/2019 at 6.15pm. Burial at Conqueror Wood on 4/05/2019 at 11.30am . Please complete the attendance survey. https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/XJKJ8G2

Michael passed away suddenly at the weekend and hasn't anyone who is financially in a position to arrange a funeral. I have been told by the coroners office that Michael has been referred to the council for a public Health Funeral and it is very unlikely we would be able to fundraise quick enough to pay for alternative funeral arrangements. I have however been informed that they will release Michael's ashes following the Public Health Funeral. We may not be able to give Michael the funeral he deserves, but we can give him a respectful burial and memorial tree. Michael loved his gardens and I feel there is nothing more fitting for him than to be in peace in Cockington surrounded by greenery. If we can raise our target of £2000 we will have enough to buy a burial plot in Cockington, with a granite Plaque and tree. We would also like to hold a gathering/ service for all those who knew Michael or anyone who wants to pay their respects.

Michael Rowe was a Paignton Man all his life. He originally lived in the foxhole area with his mum and when she died he moved into Littlegate Road in Paignton. I know he has very fond memories of all the people he got to know whilst living in Foxhole and he was very loved by his neighbours in Littlegate Road Flats, where he displayed a wonderful garden for everyone to enjoy. I want to help Michael as he has devoted the past 20 years of his life to helping in Paignton Hospital. Michael was a big man but never complained of any aches and pains; he was always so cheerful. Many of you in Paignton will recognise Michael from the physiotherapy department. He was always so polite and friendly whilst welcoming patients; he called it his department!

Michael became a volunteer as he just wanted to help others; he just loved people. He came in almost every day over many years to help me on reception and as time went on he took it upon himself to start up a Christmas raffle to raise funds for the department; not only did he buy all the prizes from his own pocket, he also bought many of the tickets to share with staff. This was our Michael, just so kind and generous. Michael continued with the raffle over many years to raise funds for the Hospital. Now we just want to do something for him.

I really hope the people of Paignton will come together to help us achieve this for Michael.

https://www.countryside-trust.org.uk/tcct-what-we-do/burials-memorials/woodland-burials

Plot for burial of ashes (including tree) - FROM £1061 (includes granite memorial tablet and tree) Weekend burials incur an additional cost of £ 125

GRANITE MEMORIAL TABLET INFORMATION - Up to 50 letters inscription

Additional letters £3.00 per letter

Burial of Ashes tablet 12 x 12 ins

ATTENDANCE FEE (to lay tablet on day of burial) £72.00

If we raise over the amount needed for the Burial we would be looking to have a service of remembrance/Drinks & cakes after in Church

service - price and date to be confirmed.

We feel it would be fitting to have a Memorial for Michael in the Physiotherapy Department.

As it is difficult to know exact costings we would look at any remaining funds to be donated to Michael's favourite charity, which is Rowcroft Hospice.

I will update this page with the service Venue and date.

Thank you for reading, any contribution big or small will be really appreciated