We have been informed that Mike passed away on Saturday 2nd April.
Mike had spells as Chairman and President of Tonbridge AC, retiring as President in 2011. He was a prolific coach and team manager for the club, Skinners School, Kent Athletics and Kent Schools Athletics.
The tribute in the file below covers some of his achievements and involvement in the club’s history.
He was always ‘sir’ to me and it was hard not to call him that the few times I met him after my short career ended. Whether at the Young Athletes League meets for TAC in the late 70s/ early 80s or driving his school team around the south east to compete or train (Knole Park on a foggy Wednesday winter afternoon anyone?), he was a huge influence on me and how I came to view running as a way of life, not just a sport. I have so many fond memories of those years that it is sad to realise there will be no chance for me to thank him for his efforts and put up with me in his RE lessons. Thank you, Mike (sorry, I mean sir).
Kevin many thanks for posting and good to hear from you. I will email you as would like to pick your brains. Mark
Mike was always around when I was involved in TAC affairs. I really admired his dedication to training youngsters and enjoyed chatting to him about his knowledge and love of running, one of the reasons, I suppose, that I keep going. It was sad that in recent years he was no longer able to attend athletic meeting at Tonbridge School: he really enjoyed being there.
R.I.P. Mike,
Maurice
Mike’s ability and support in coaching and encouraging young athletes is recorded in detail in many tributes elsewhere….I would like to add one other aspect demonstrated in his own life and the influence he had on so many others. He was a Christian from the time I first knew him in the mid 60’s and he became a Leader of the local Crusader Class with as many as 200 plus boys attending a Sunday afternoon session held at the Congregational Church (now a retail unit opposite the Opera House/Weatherspoons) mainly made up of members of Skinners’ boys who were invited to attend by Mike and another teacher at Skinners’, namely Victor Hartree.
I have no idea how Mike found time to be present every Sunday and at the Saturday games evenings, in addition to preparing his Sunday talks to the various groups, but he did and, I am certain, many young men (and middle aged men, for that matter) have Mike to thank for giving them such a worthwhile grounding on which they will have been able to build their lives.
I was very sorry to hear of the death of Mike Rowbottom and apologies for lateness of commenting. I have been dealing with my own family issues over the last few months.
I knew Mike during my time at TAC and always found him helpful and supportive of the Race Walking Group. When able he gave encouragement to some very young athletes who took part in race walking events. He worked tirelessly for the club during its growing years and gave help and assistance to many whatever their standard.
Peter Selby