IN LOVING MEMORY
April 20th 2022 Mike Shelton
Michael John Shelton
‘Mike’
13th July 1949-28th February 2022
On Wednesday 23rd March a ‘celebration of a life well lived’ was held for Mike at the Rainsbrook Crematorium in Rugby and afterwards at the Red Lion in nearby Crick. A large number of family and friends attended including a number from Peak Rail. Mike’s love for Peak Rail was very evident when a photo of him beaming from the footplate of a steam loco was placed on his coffin. At the end of the service Mike departed to the sounds of a steam loco leaving Rowsley. What more fitting and moving departure could a loyal supporter of Peak Rail have? Mike lived his dream, which was to become a steam locomotive driver. Starting as a Cleaner he progressed through practical and written exams to become a Fireman then Driver. To make the most of his volunteering opportunities Mike brought a caravan to Rowsley. This would allow him to spend several days at a time on the Railway and not just on the footplate. Mike also helped out on the P-Way team amongst other activities. When diagnosed with Prostate Cancer Mike remained positive and made visits to give updates on his treatment and to find out the latest news and gossip on the Railway.
Mike will always be remembered for his infectious love of working on the footplate of steam locomotives by all his friends at Peak Rail. Our thoughts and best wishes are with Mike’s wife Ali and his daughters Ellie and Tor.
See the short tribute film produced by Stuart Graves about Mike here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g5OSkHvcChc