Memories of Michael by Jan Paemaa

Hal my late husband and Michael's dad Ken were friends since primary school in Paddington. He was Ken's best man at his weddings to both Camille and to Gay so there were very few family celebrations that the Sainsbury's and the Paemaa's didn't share.

One special memory I have was Hal giving a speech at Michael's 21st birthday with tears in his eyes because he was so proud to be speaking for such a fine young man who had already achieved so much. Of course the friendship only got closer when we also retired to Forster and continued to celebrate Christmases, Easters, birthdays with the Sainsbury's. 

It seemed natural when our daughter Nelly and Michael rekindled their childhood friendship and announced their engagement. However, relationships don't always work out and the ring was returned and they each went their separate ways. I was delighted to hear that Michael had found happiness with Tar and together they had their son Oscar. 

Michael had a quirky sense of humour! On my 70th birthday he presented with with 70 $1 scratches! The newsagent was not happy when I took them to be checked! The result was that I won $70! Michael was a very good cook and his crab dip (his mum's recipe) and his oysters mornay (yum) were so good! 

My deepest condolences go to Michael's wife and son, and to Ken, Brendan, Gavin and their families. 
Jan Paemaa