UPDATED: Your tributes to athletic club president Mike Bundy

GRANTHAM Athletic Club are mourning the loss of president and chairman Mike Bundy who has died, aged 80.

GRANTHAM Athletic Club are mourning the loss of president and chairman Mike Bundy who has died, aged 80.Club stalwart Mike was admitted to Grantham Hospital, suffering from pneumonia, and was later transferred to Lincoln County Hospital.

He was a well-known figure in athletics, from grass roots to county and national level.

Mike was renowned at Grantham for his enthusiasm and ability to turn out to training and races, regardless of the weather.

He was recently honoured for his long service and dedication to the club since its inception in 1974, and was presented with a commemorative badge and framed photograph.

Club vice-chairman Tony Woollard said: "He will be sadly missed by us all."

Mike's funeral was held at St Wulfram's Church on Wednesday, March 19.

Click here to send your tributes to Mike.

Click here to read the story about the club honouring Mike for his long service and dedication.

Mike's widow Joyce and family thank you for your tributes:

David and I would like to thank you all for the wonderful tributes you have placed on the website about Mike. We have been overwhelmed by all the lovely things that you have all printed. We knew that he was special, and it has been a source of pride and comfort to know that so many of you care, and have your own special memories.

The thing that Adam did not mention when we met in Leeds, was that a rather ineffectual security guard was trying to get the guests at the hotel to move away from the building.

Mike decided that perhaps a louder voice was needed, so his melodic tones rang out and people moved across the road. Adam appeared from out of the crowd and said "I'd recognise that voice anywhere!"

He lived his life to the full and had just celebrated his 80th. birthday in January on a cruise through the Panama Canal. Two days before setting off he was doing his usual twice weekly coaching session and organising a Sportshall Athletics for 120 very noisy primary school children.

He would have been very humbled to see all these tributes. He just thought that the interest that he took in coaching and encouraging youngsters was just a normal part of everyday life.

We will always treasure the pages of tributes that have been placed in his memory.

Joyce and David Bundy and family

Your tributes::

So sorry to hear of Mike's passing, he was certainly a constant and motivating factor in many young peoples lives particularly in Grantham on the Athletics scene. I remember his chants in his dulcet Welsh tones whilst running all over the country at cross country and track events. He was a founder member of the Grantham Athletics club which opened a whole new world to many people, myself included. I met Mike and Joyce again last year in Leeds whilst staying at a hotel. They were there for the English Schools Cross Country Championships and the fire alarm was sounding, there was confusion, until I heard those same dulcet Welsh tones and realised who it was. It was nice to see that he and Joyce were still involved and providing inspiration and encouragement to a new generation. He will be sorely missed but he could never be forgotten. Best wishes.

Adam Linforth, formerly of Grantham Athletics Club

I was 13 years old in 1970 when Mike Bundy first shouted at me. That voice continued to shout encouragement at me for over 30 years from the football pitch, to cross country, to running track. Your memory will live on and we all know you will continue to watch over your athletes from the higher grandstand. Your contribution to the sporting life of Grantham and to so many individuals is testament to a level of dedication that will be remembered by many and will continue to motivate for years to come.

Jonathan Mitcham, Lincs T&F / X Country 1970 - 2000

Mike was mine and my brothers first proper athletics and swimming teacher back when St Wulframs first opened in 1957ish?. He would march us off to Dysart Park swimming pool for swimming lessons, this of course was in May when the water temp was about 52 / 54 F very cold, but with his strict coaching and encouragement, the schools teams won every event. Thanks Mike, you will be sadly missed. We are thinking of Joyce and your family at this very sad time. Brian & Tony Bradley (twins) and there wives.

Thank you to Joyce, David & the rest of the family for the lovely service today. I went with my mum (Kate). Gone but not forgotten, RIP Mike. I will remember the thought of Mike & Joyce sat on Boxing Day sorting for safety pins for Sportshall athletics. (A story that was told to Grantham AC committee members by Joyce). Lets hope that Cardiff make it to the FA Cup final.

Debbie Ellerby

I am really sad to hear of Mike's death, he was a great coach and inspiration to all at Grantham Athletic Club, I will always remember him yelling "run Debbie run" on the freezing cold Wednesday evenings. He will be sadly missed by all.

Debbie Goodale (nee Baynham)

Mike was the most committed PE teacher and athletics coach this town has ever known. As a pupil at St Wulfram's School many of his weekends during the year were spent taking pupils to compete at meetings across the country. St Wulfram's School was definitely "The Sports Academy" where every year pupils qualified to represent Lincolnshire in their chosen sport. Without you Mike many of us would never had known our true potential, you had a way of bringing out the best in everyone and achieving limits we never thought possible, this was all due to the dedication and the hours you spent coaching us. You were our "champion". Thank you Mike for everything you did for me including buying me my own Javelin, I will never forget you. With fondest memories.

Julie Walker, Women's Intermediate British Isles Javelin Champion 1975

Thank you for making school and sport so enjoyable.You worked us hard but made us smile, and yes keep your steamroller and Maggie Thatcher, Mike was a great ambassador for Grantham and the County. Even 45 years after leaving school Mike would always stop for a chat and remember your name. God bless you Mike, you will be truly missed.

Malc Le-Hair, ex pupil St Wulfram's

You gave individual words of encouragement to everyone, no matter what standard of sportsman they were. Your enthusiasm instilled a lifelong love of sport.

Sue, Rhian and Gareth Thomas

I doubt if there is an area of athletics to which Mike has not contributed. He had a wealth of talent in coaching and officiating and there will be many athletes who have benefitted from his experience and skill. His contribution to the work of the English Schools' Athletic Association through officiating at events and supporting Joyce in her work as a member of the ESAA Management Committee spanned many years. His presence, wisdom and humour will be missed at future ESAA events. It was a privilege to know him and I feel sure that my ESAA colleagues and many teachers and coaches throughout the country will applaud and be thankful for his many years of service to the sport of athletics.

Peter Robinson, English Schools' Athletic Association

Mike, Thank you so much for the many ways you have helped me, and for your training and encouragement. I will miss you lots. Naomi Collier.

It was with great sadness that I heard that Mike Bundy recently passed away - some people you just think will go on for ever and ever, he was one of them. There are but a few people in my life that I can say has made a difference and truly influenced me, Mr Bundy was, and still is, one of them. His commitment to sport, his students and equally important his desire to see fair play rule have lived with me until now. I, like Sarah, remember well the retirement party we held for him at St Wulframs and it has been one of my greatest honours to walk him through the school that day as Head Boy. However, I also remember (with a grimace) the circuit training he used to push us through and the immortal words he used to bellow at me - "Throw it over the tree Darwood!". I'm sure, as we speak, that Mr Bundy has the Saints doing laps of the gym and throwing medicine balls against the wall!

"Legend" is a word used all too often in my opinion, but this man - Mr Mike Bundy - truly deserves that accolade. A great man who will be sorely missed. Mrs Bundy my thoughts are with you - God Bless.

Matt Darwood

Mike, it has been a great privilege knowing you for the last 33 years. It is thanks to you and your encouragement that over the last 12 years I have been able to coach and pass on to our future athletes the knowledge I have gained from you. Your friendship and inspiration will be greatly missed.

Dave Eldridge

I would just like to say how sad I was to hear Mike (Mr) Bundy had died. He and his wife Joyce were a great team. You were pushed hard to achieve the best in the sports world and St Wulframs was the best place to be coached. He was a hard taskmaster but always very fair and he oozed enthusiasm. He was a great inspiration to all who knew him and well respected. We could do with a few more teachers like him today. He will be sadly missed. Thinking of you, Joyce, at this very sad time.

Anne Pakey (McGhee)

I would like to say how very sorry i was to hear of mikes death, and wish to pass my most sincere condolences to his family.

mike aka mr bundy or sir, was a great teacher and had a great infulence over many of us at st wulframs school. Rest in peace. Jeff Ward

i was so sorry to hear of the sad passing of mike bundy, mike bundy was an inspiration to anybody in the sporting world giving up many unpaid hours coaching some of Britain's finest athletes / sports persons, mike was also a brilliant teacher to many of the Grantham peoples family generations at saint wulfrums school , i feel very privileged to have had mike bundy as my teacher and coach, i cannot remember of any other person in grantham whom has coached so many champions, for the time being lets forget the Thatcher statue and the steamroller and fix a plaque somewhere in the town to remember this remarkable man for all the unpaid hours and his devotion to local sports. Dean Fardell, Grantham Amateur Boxing Club.

I would like to thank Mike for everything he did, not only for my husband but my children too. He taught my husband at St. Wulfrums school supporting him in his athletics and football. He even bought him his first pair of spikes.I met Mike 8 years ago when my eldest daughter started athletics.All the children listened to Mike, he had one of those voices that could be heard from one end of the stadium to the other.My youngest daughter still does athletics and Mike would train and encourage her,they respected him greatly.Thanks Mike, you were a great insperation to my husband and children and we will all miss you.The Beck family.

Thank you for all the time you have given to athletics and people you have guided as a coach or athlete. The counties will never be the same without you there, you will be missed by every one. I will miss our chats during comps and checking equipment and most of all your knowledge and passion for the sport.

Simon Achurch, county athlete since 1988

I like many other athletes have had the honour of being coached by Mike. A wonderful man who gave his own time so freely to others. A true inspiration who will be sorely missed by many.

Lynsey Coy

I am very sorry to hear about Mike Bundy and wish to pass on my most sincere condolences to his family and close friends. As a school boy in the fifties and early sixties who was also sport mad I quickly realised that you needed to work hard be persistent and very determined in order to impress and gain the respect of Mike and that other stalwart Dennis Pridmore. This was an entirely different age and Mike was indeed a champion of those times, who throughout his teaching career and since will have had a very positive influence upon the lives of countless young people in the Grantham area. He will be sadly missed.

Tony Balfe

One of those rare people whose influence on his students at St Wulframs extended far beyond sport. Having not seen Mike for some 10 or 12 years after leaving school, we bumped into each other at a local sports council meeting. His friendliness and genuine interest in what I had done during that time was beyond words. The bellowed phrase "keep going Emmy" in a style that was all his, will make me smile as long as I live. Greatly regarded and sadly missed.

Ian Hemstock

Mike has been an inspiration to so many over many years. From young school children to top athletes, and people who just competed for the love of the sport. Even people like myself who came back to athletics after many years. Too past it to compete competively any more he helped me develop different skills to enable me to take an active part in helping others compete. Your coaching effected so many people Mike you will leave a hole that will take a while to fill, but also you leave so many enriched lives. God Bless. Andy Crawford

Never thought you would be leaving us.Always in my thoughts,thanks for your kindness. Duncan Bateson

The comments already registered say it all about Mike. He gave everything to athletics and expected nothing in return. I will certainly miss our little chats at the meetings we both attended and he will be a very tough act to follow. Rob Lewis, Lincoln Wellington AC

Had the pleasure of meeting Mike and his lovely wife Joyce on a cruise to Antartica 2 years ago as our tablemates. They, like us, loved to travel. We had a wonderful time and we will remember his stories ( and there were many) for years to come. Our hearts go to his family. -

Piero Garzaro, M.D., Eric Waldon, Ph.D.

An inspiration to everyone whose lives he touched, Mike's dedication to helping every child he took under his ever-extending wing never ceased to amaze his fellow professionals. I have only seen his enthusiasm for his work with school students and other athletes for the past 36 years - how many thousands of people can begin a remark "if it hadn't been for Mike ... "? Together with the continued support of Joyce, Mike's life revolved around encouraging, supporting and enthusing all willing and hardworking athletes. He has made such an impact on young athletes who, in their turn, have continued to use Mike as a role model and maintain his good works. His life will continue to be remembered for decades to come, such is the impact he made in county, national and international athletics but no more than in this town and especially in Grantham Athletic Club. So many local athletes would never have realised their true potential had it not been for such a committed and larger than life coach who gave his all to help their dreams come true. Mike, simply "thank you so much" for all you gave us, we are so proud to have known you and believe that you will continue to guide and inspire our young athletes. God bless. Gillian Briggs. (SSCo KGGS)

Mike, will be sadly missed by myself and my family, both in Grantham and New Zealand. Mike and Joyce coached me from the age of 11 years until I left St Wulframs in 1979. They coached many young athletes and gave them encouragement to do their best both on and off the field of play. Many of us I am sure, can remember those famous words Mike used to shout at us whilst running hard on the track "Get Going" in his Welsh accent encouraging us to run or play harder!

I have very fond memories of Mike, who used to have to take some of us, to our Athletic meets in his Alfa Romeo! and of the hard circuit training we had to endure on a Wednesday night, his time was given freely. However, it was worth it, we suceeded in our chosen sports and some of us have gone on to greater heights within our careers.

Thank you Mike, you will be missed greatly by many young and old athletes.

I have two children of my own now, who have enrolled into the local athletic club, one day if they are good enough within their chosen sports, I hope they are lucky enough to have a coach as good as you.

Stella Goodlud (nee Brooks) Auckland, New Zealand

We were very saddened to hear of the death of Mike Bundy. My wife & I were both fortunate to have been taught by Mr Bundy at St Wulframs school between 1959 & 1963, & for me personally I am sure that had it not been for the passion shown by Mr Bundy I would not have acheived the standard that I did ,(school champion 1963).It was Mike's fiery welsh temperament that seemed to instill into his pupils to try that bit harder, & I'm sure I speak for a lot of ex pupils when I say He will be sorely missed.

God Bless Mike

Gerald & Pauline Saddington

Mike (Mr Bundy) is truly the only teacher I remember from my school days at St. Wulframs. He had and always had my total respect and admiration. RIP. David Brown

Mr Bundy (My Mentor). Your coaching went behond teaching me football skills, you also taught me life skills and respect, hopefully this i have passed on to my family. Fondest memories. Kev Beck (an ex Pupil)

Inspired generations of sportsmen and women,one of lifes true gents. Mark Cooper

Someone I had the upmost respect for, you will be missed by everyone that had the honour of meeting you. You were truely an inspiration to all, without your help I would never have got to represent my country. Long may your hard work live on. Rest in peace. Gone but I will never forget you.

Wayne Clarke

lincolnshire athlete since 1988.

So sad to hear the news about Mike. He was a true gentleman who has helped so many athletes past and present.Our thoughts are with Joyce and family at this difficult time. He will be sadly missed by all who knew him. Mark & Sandra Wells.

Mike when we needed help to get our Juniors competing in Track and Field you were always there. Ever patient, along with other established members of the Athletic comunity, you made sure we had the right people and paperwork in the right place at the right time. We could not have done what we have without your help. Your enthusiasm for athletics was infectious and your legacy will be seen as people you have encouraged fulfil thier ambitions. We will miss you.

Clive Holden

Sleaford Striders AC

I am so proud to have met you again after so mainy years. You had not changed strong and supportive always.

martin & elaine neal

Mike Bundy - Passionate about sport, passionate about teaching and passionate about people ..... you have had such a profound influence on so many of us. One of the "true" greats who will be missed by so many. RIP. Suzanne Grant (St Wulfram's pupil - from 1975-1980)

taught me all about athletics and competing was a honour to have such a good teacher at st wulframs school sadly missed. David Spicer

Mike: Good-bye, God-bless and thank you for all that you have done for athletes and athletics.

Tony Woollard, Vice-Chairman, Grantham AC

A true gentleman in every sense who will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

His contribution to athletics was immense particularly here in Lincolnshire, an irreplaceable well respected figure whose death is a severe loss to the sport at a time when wise heads are required to steer athletics in the right direction.

I feel very privelidged to have known him.

John Jaines (seceretary Louth Athletic Club)

Never thought you would be leaving us.Always in my thoughts,thanks for your kindness.

Duncan Bateson

Mike has been an inspiration to so many over many years. From young school children to top athletes, and people who just competed for the love of the sport. Even people like myself who came back to athletics after many years. Too past it to compete competively any more he helped me develop different skills to enable me to take an active part in helping others compete. Your coaching effected so many people Mike you will leave a hole that will take a while to fill, but also you leave so many enriched lives. God Bless

Andy Crawford

A sad day for Lincolnshire sport.

Deepest thanks and respect for what you have done for Athletics from all at Sleaford Town Runners.

Mike was a great pe teacher at st wulframs and will be sadly missed by all who knew him. Ingrid Nothdurft ( Smith )

you taught us, you coached us, you inspired us. you are a great loss to athletes past, present and future. goodbye mike. you made a big difference. - bill, glen, steven and michelle ablitt

I didn't like PE much but Mr Bundy was great I can remember the Welsh concert we held for him when he retired 'Men of Harlech' to name one of the songs we sang. A great teacher and Man and will be missed by so many. RIP Sir. - Sarah Harper (nee Sutton)

Mike. We only new you a short time but your passion for the sport and the club was infectious. You were a lovely guy and will be sadly missed by many.(especially my kids who looked forward to seeing you on Wednesday Evenings). My son Joshua will always remember your shouting Drive,Drive. You will be a loss to so many (But heaven as gained a perfect gentleman). Our thoughts are with your family at this sad time.

God bless. - The Limbricks

Thank You For All Your Help Mike, We Could Never Of Wished For A Better Coach Than You, We Have All Learnt So Much!

Your Going To Be Missed Lots!

Words Cant Explain How Much You Meant To The Club And Everyone Individualy!

Lots Of Love

- Cloe Fardell Xxx

It was Mike Bundy's firm leadership that virtually created the Grantham and District Athletic Club out of nothing, when we had next to no money and no facilities. Many athletes have since been grateful over the years for the opportunities he made for them to excel. The town of Grantham, the County of Lincolnshire, and indeed the nation, now record in an enveloping sadness that a great man has handed in his hard-won trophies to his Maker. It was a shock, as pneumonia often is, and we do hope that Joyce and his family will not grieve too hard or long. Let us all in due time trim our lamps thankfully and try to rejoice with a line or two from Charles Mackay's famous poem:-

"There's a good time coming, boys,

"A good time coming:

"We may not live to see the day,

"But earth shall glisten in the ray

"Of the good time coming

"...... ..... ........

Wait a little longer"

As I think Michael would wish.

- Ronald Hindley

Mike was a straight forward honourable man. To say he will be missed by us all is an understatement. He will leave a monumental hole in the lives of all that knew him and especially his wife Joyce. God Bless you Mike. - Paul and Janice

You helped me achieve so much in athletics and I can't thank you enough. I will miss you now you are gone. Things are going to be difficult but I hope they get easier for everyone. You are going to be missed a lot. Thanks for all your help. - Amelia Wood.

To hear the news is so sad he was a top man and i am sure he will be missed by many. He helped me at st wulframs school to push on in my football and i enjoyed bumping into him and his wife for a chat i could have talked for hours with him about football he always gave me and many others support in everything we did.Sadly missed but what an honour to have known him god bless. - Graham Drury.

The dedication and inspiration you gave to the countless number athletes over the years will never be forgotten. Above all you were a true friend, and will be missed by so many people – Daniel Boneham.

Coach, role model, friend and inspiration to all! Mike, you will be sadly missed on those cold winter nights and warm summer afternoons! Gone but never forgotten and always in my heart! Rest in peace. - Ian Charles

• 
• Email to a friend
• Print this page