Michael Jenkins Brown

Michael, you were always amazing at expressing how I felt in any given situation with a well timed facial expression. I shall miss your humour, hilarity, wit and passion. Your compassion will continue through the work your started in PRISM, we'll do you proud. It's with a heavy heart that we have to say goodbye too early, Sashay away my friend.

I've sat and contemplated what to write here for some time now, it's still not too clear what I want to say as I still can't quite believe you're gone. All I can say is that it was a privilege to have worked with you but more so, to call you a friend. Whilst our roles took us in different directions, when we saw each other or messaged, that wit, sarcasm and general loveliness always outshone everyone. You gave me some very wise words once, which are really comforting now. Smiling at our mutual love of beards, cats and random z-list celebs along with endless whatsapp conversations (which must never be published!) and all the laughs we had. Sleep tight my darling x

MJB, I was so glad when you joined us as a designer - you were creative and committed to doing a great job for our store colleagues; the perfect combination. You could be relied on in a crisis (last minute Seminar stand hosting springs to mind) and could make me dissolve in laughter just by rolling your eyes. Our team will never be the same, but will always be the better for you having been part of it. Rest in peace. x

I wish I could have just one last chat and a giggle with you Michael! What a great loss to so many as you've left us too early. I remember when you joined the RDM team all those years ago and it's been a pleasure to work with you and know you for those years. The times that I've been recounting over the last couple of weeks are all filled with humour, sarcasm, giggles and gossip! My deepest condolences to Neil, your friends and family, I know you will have some super memories to help ease the sadness in your hearts. Stay strong. Helen x

It’s taken me a while to be able to put anything into words. It was so lovely to see you at our team meeting, a warm hug as always, and an eye roll at something or other! Even that morning you were dropping your usual, perfectly delivered, double entendre that had the room in stitches - yet you carried on like you’d not said anything! Your dry humour was simply infectious and I’ll miss it terribly. I’ve looked back at messages we’ve shared... many Facebook messages at some stupid hour when both of us were struggling with insomnia, planning our opening to the One Team meeting the night before, at 1am, also via Facebook messenger. Even at that hour your wit shone through - I’m sure Paul will always thank you for his ‘boomerang’ nickname! Your murder mystery themed night - that wasn’t your thing, and so expensive you didn’t think it would ever get chosen but submitted it so you’d done something... which backfired when it was chosen! And a great night it was too. You even thanked me for being pregnant, which gave us a good giggle, as my maternity leave gave you the opportunity to step into the role you absolutely loved and you were bloody great at (but you knew that, obviously!) I’m not even sure when we first met, it must be a good 5 or 6 years ago now but I do remember you being warm, welcoming and friendly. Exactly how I’ll remember you. Sleep well, Michael. Thank you for being you. My condolences to Neil and those closest to you xxx

Where do I start... I am lost for words and I am still not sure if it has sunk in. You to many were always professional & polite. Though most of all you were always there at hand if needed. I look around the (Birmingham RTC) where we first met and worked closely while I write/type this message to you... It brings back so many memories and I can image the many times you looking a round and me looking at you to say "just say it". you looking back and saying "what?" (pretending to not be caught out with your real thoughts and us both laughing as you never really had to say anything; your face always said it all. Now I'm laughing! I remember our first road trip and our very first conversation when our relationship changed from colleagues to friends. This makes me feel happy to have met someone so geniune. Now, I feel sad... As I know you would never have believed the impact you had on those you met. I feel overwhelmed with emotion on the gap you have left within the company. I feel guilty for not reaching out recently to tell you your friendship still matters! Sleep well my friend x

Michael JB, I can not believe I am writing this. I still remember your interview and making a little heart image with my hands and telling Guy that I loved you! Rest in peace, I have raised a glass of Sauvignon to you x

Michael, words just can't even express how everyone is feeling at the moment. I remember the first day we met, about 9 years ago now, at the RDM assessment centre and how you showed me your passport photo and I didn't even believe it was you! Since then we've pretty much followed each other around the business and I'm honoured that I became your work wife! We quickly shared our love of wine, sarcastic comments, grammar, stationary and moaning! We've shared so many funny moments together and I can't quite believe that we won't share any more. I'll miss your ever perfect Instagram selfies, sharp tongue and amazing sense of humour. I'm so glad that we managed to share several eye rolls the last time we saw each other and we had a massive hug and said how good it was to catch up. You reminded me, only that week, of the time we were asked not to sit with each other at team meetings as we literally couldn't stop talking and so I really hope, that wherever you are, you're saving me a seat. I miss you so much already, it's ridiculous. You were a wonderful friend and a fantastic person. I love how you spoke about your life with Neil and how lucky you felt. You will be sadly missed by so many people, rest in peace my friend xxxxx