Tribute to Bitterley flood victim

Michael Ellis, who died in flash flooding at Bitterley

Michael Ellis is described as a wonderful, gentle and caring man.

Although he has not yet been formally identified, the man has been named as Michael David Ellis, aged 66.

He was on his way home when he became caught up in the fast flowing stream, which had swollen rapidly following heavy rainfall on Thursday 28 June 2012.

He was found by police and firefighters following an extensive search but they were unable to save him.

His wife Judith, who married Mr Ellis in 1973, said her husband ‘truly was her other half''.

"He was a gentle, caring man, quiet and quite shy, with a quick wit and a wonderful sense of humour. He was the most wonderful husband," she said.

"He was truly my other half and I don't know how I can be without him.

"We married in 1973. At the time we were both teaching in Sandhurst and he was leading Scouts and I was Guide leader, so it was natural for us to work together.

"He set challenging activities for my guides at camp and this continued after we moved to Shropshire.

"He supported me in everything I did, encouraging me to take a bigger part in international guiding and accompanying me on visits to Cyprus, Kenya and Canada."

Originally from Barnsley, South Yorkshire, Mr Ellis attended Bishop Holgate Grammar School and studied Mathematics at The University of Hull, before taking his PGCE at Leicester.

He was deputy headteacher at Ludlow School, where he had previously been head of maths.

During his career he also taught at Sundorne School in Shrewsbury, Wombourne School in Staffordshire and Sandhurst School in Berkshire, where had had introduced Computer Studies to the curriculum in 1972.

He and Mrs Ellis had also accompanied several groups of pupils on activity weekends in the Wyre Forest.

Mrs Ellis added: "He was passionate about maths, with endless patience for those less able but thoroughly enjoying the challenge of brighter pupils, introducing early entry to O Level and GCSE and then teaching those who passed the equivalent of a current AS Level, called Mathematics Applicable."

After he retired, Mr Ellis became county treasurer for Girlguiding Shropshire and acted as webmaster for the group's website.

He also acted as official photographer for many events both within and outside the county and will be deeply missed by those in the group.

He was also a former scout leader in Cleobury Mortimer and before then at Sandhurst.

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