Michael F. Wynne-Willson

Wynne-Willson, Michael F.
Michael died peacefully at home on November 12, 2013 at the age of 94 of congestive hart failure. Michael was born in London, England and grew up in southwest England near Bath. As his Uncle was the Bishop of Bath & Wells and had no children, he and his sister spent much time at the Palace which adjoins Wells cathedral. He attended Radley College, Oxford from 1933 to 1936 and, thereafter, obtained an English Speaking Union Scholarship to St Georges School, Newport, R.I. in1936 for one year, a year that would change his life. For his loyalty to the school, Michael was awarded the Howard B. Dean award in 2011. Upon returning to England he joined J&P Coats Ltd, cotton thread manufacturers until 1939 when he joined the RAF Volunteer Reserve. On his 20th birthday. He obtained his wings at the end of 1940 and, thereafter, flew night fighters and testing new radar through the war until 1945. He was awarded The Air Force Cross by HM King George VI and demobilized in 1946 with the rank of Squadron-Leader. In 1948 he came to live in Hamilton, MA where he and his late wife founded Mendip Cottage ltd, manufacturers of Marmalade and other products from their home, some being sold by SS Pierce in Boston. He became a citizen in 1951. In the early '50's he started radio programs that led him to broadcasting locally on WEEI, WESX, WLYN, and WBBX in Portsmouth, N.H. He was sent to broadcast in the UK by the Mutual Network, and thereafter for NBC and ABC at the International Grand Prix Race in Sebring, FL and the America's Cup Race in Newport R.I. In 1957 he was selected to be the Master of Ceremonies at The Commonwealth Ball given in honor of Queen Elizabeth II on the occasion of her and her husband's visit to New York. In 1964 he became Public Relations Director of the Boston Zoological Society that led him to join the New England Aquarium in 1967 as PR Director with the responsibility of putting the Aquarium before the public nationally. Michael served Director of Development and P.R. at Mt. Auburn Hospital. In 1979 Michael founded Castles, Cottages and Flats, Ltd, representing those accommodations in the UK and in Europe. At the same time he founded the Appraisers' Registry of New England consisting of 25 appraisers who provided the expertise in Fine Arts and many associated fields. He retired at the age of 85. He was an author of two autobiographies, traveled the world with his second wife, Anne, circling the globe three times going to all seven continents and the Galapogos. Michael, who was known for his charm, extraordinary attitude toward life and a unique sense of humor, is survived by his wife Anne (Patterson) of 45 years. He leaves his son Mark of Reno NV and daughter, Wendy, nephew, Robin Collis of Devon, England and his wife Veronica, two great nephews and four great, great nephews. His first wife, Jackie (Chambers), predeceased him in 1967. A sister, Elizabeth Collis predeceased him. A memorial service will be held at Trinity Church Copley Square, Boston, MA at 11 a.m. on Saturday the 23rd of November.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The J. Vaughan Merrick Scholarship Fund, St. George's School, P.O. Box 1910, Newport, R.I. 02840, so that others may have the great benefits and experience that Michael had in 1936/37.

Holden-Dunn-Lawler
www.hdlfuneralhome.net