Forum Topic

Mike Carman

Just read on another thread, thanks Phil, that former Cllr Mike Carman had died. This is very sad news as I always found Mike a pleasure to deal with.

Neil Chippendale ● 6409d11 Comments

Many thanks Steve for the heads up on the webcam at LBH.  I watched it.Many good words said about Mike.  Having also worked with him I can agree with many of the praises said of him.Mike - if you are watching from that juke box in the sky - we did notice your passing.  Rest in peace mate.

Eileen Henderson ● 6385d

Good words said about Mike by all parties at the Council Meeting on Tuesday night. See the webcam http://www.hounslow.ukcouncil.net/site/#pp10352

Steve Taylor ● 6386d

I'm too choked still to say much except I appreciate your post Christine.Mike was a good friend and colleague. I learnt a lot from him when I first became a Cllr in Hounslow when I was on the Brentford Regeneration Board.Mike's sense of humour was of great benefit when he was chairing!My condolences go out to his partner Peter. We will make sure we send Mike off in the manner in which he deserves.Funeral tomorrow 10am Mortlake Crem.

Corinna Smart ● 6402d

I would like to add to the tributes to Mike Carman.Mike gave a great deal to the community.He served several years as a non executive director of Hounslow PCT while I was chair.His knowledge and experience provided a strong contribution to the board workings.He was respected by fellow board members and staff.In all discussions and decisions he took part in, the patients were at the forefront of his thinking.Despite not being in the best of health he worked hard and his sense of humour was much appreciated. He was a good friend and support.He will be missed

Christine Hay ● 6403d

A masterly tribute from Adrian.. a privilege to read.

Jim Lawes ● 6405d

Mike Carman will be greatly missed throughout the London Borough of Hounslow.  In addition to his work as a Councillor he was, of course, for many years a local Magistrate. In his role as a Councillor he will always be remembered as a totally fair, professional and impartial committee chairman. Mike was also one of the funniest and most human people that I have met in politics. Despite the fact that we were in opposite political parties, it was always a pleasure to join Mike's table for lunch in the Civic Centre canteen. His fantastic sense of humour and wry observations of life would make me laugh to the point of indigestion.  Similarly, when there was still a Smoking Room in the Civic Centre's Member's Area, Mike could often be found in there holding court and making us all laugh. One of the first pieces of advice that I was given as a newly elected Conservative Councillor by a vastly experienced colleague was to be careful of talking to Mike Carman as he could get secret information out of you in seconds.  "Oh, dear..." I exclaimed. "Is he a nasty piece of work, then?" I asked my colleague.  My mentor beamed at me and replied "Not at all. He is bloody hilarious! Everybody gets on with him and we all talk to him more than any other Councillor and consequently he knows more gossip, political or otherwise, than anyone else in the Civic Centre!" Not a bad character reference really, when you think about it.Sadly, not long before the last set of local elections in 2006, Mike fell very ill.  For a couple of months he was away getting treatment.  One evening just before the election Mike returned to the Council Chamber and took up his old seat. Instantly, one could see colleagues from all parties in the Chamber nodding and smiling at Mike and asking him if he was OK. Again, that is pretty high praise in thye world of political rough and tumble where most colleagues come and go without recognising each other.Anyway, Mike will be greatly missed and the legacy of his work, good humour and impartial behaviour will live on for a very long time. Congratulations, Mike, on a life well-lived!

Cllr. Adrian Lee ● 6405d

I too was shocked and saddened to read on another thread of Mike's passing. I knew Mike reasonably well and found him to be an absolute Gent. I attended several meetings he chaired superbly, always fairly and professionally and with a remarkable ability to sustain a razor sharp wit and sense of humour. As ever I am indebted to all the guidance, encouragement and tireless assistance he gave me and my fellow committee members in our quest to improve the environment of  Twickenham, St Margarets, Isleworth and Whitton.  RIP Mike.

Steve Taylor ● 6408d

Mike's funeral is at Mortlake Crematorium at 10 am next Wednesday 16th January. If you can attend I am sure it will be appreciated by his family and friends.

John Connelly ● 6409d

what sad news, I knew Mike for over 20 years; always friendly and approachable. I used to bump into him quite often in Brentford and he'd stop to chat. Realise now that I haven't seen him for some time. Sincere condolences to his friends and family.Helen

Helen Martin ● 6409d

That's really sad news. I worked with Mike closely during the days of the SRB when Mike chaired the Brentford Regeneration Partnership. My thoughts are with his family and friends.

Mick Brent ● 6409d

I only met Mr Carman on perhaps ten occasions but he was always polite and had a special quality about him when speaking to people.An excellent Chair at meetings also and his passing is a sad day for both his family and friends but also the residents of Hounslow.

Paul Fisher ● 6409d