From all Mike’s Dukie Brothers.

In 1985 the fates threw together a misfit collection of seventy odd 11 year olds from round the world. Our only commonality… our age and the fact out fathers had served. All types of personality under one common banner….. ‘Dukies’.

Little did we know then that this would create a unique brotherhood that none of us could have foreseen. In 1987 a few more joined our ranks and the family was complete.

We all remember the personalities and quirks of each other… and the real superpower of this union is our ability to not see someone for years but it always feels like yesterday when we do.

Mike aka Droopy was brainy, kind, hilarious in his views on rugby, a skateboarder and well just Mike. He had his ups and downs at school like we all did. But for hours you would see him on the parade square with his friends try various flips and tricks… not very successfully.

Our brotherhood is unique and hard to explain but each person plays their role and an important part. Mike was our Brother and always will be. His Brothers remember him and mourn him in the only way we know how… remembering the funny times. Mike is and always will be a Son of the brave!

Mike’s Story

It is difficult to believe that he has gone at 51 – way before his time.

His story dates back to 1973, when the family was based in Werl (pronounced Verl), West Germany, where his Dad was serving with 2nd Battalion, The Queen’s Regiment. In the nearby British Military Hospital in Iserlohn, he was born on 26th October – the same day and month his Dad was born, 33 years before.

His entrance was dramatic, as is a fairly normal trait in the Kitson family. He was completely yellow with jaundice. This was solved by changing his blood and lying under an ultraviolet light for 3 days.

From November 1973 until March 1974, Dad was in Northern Ireland based in Creggan Camp, Londonderry. Make was suffering from colic, so life was difficult for Mum Betty and two Sisters, Sandra and Barbara. Mike’s crying was keeping them all awake. Luckily, we had the Lemon family living next door. Dad Jeff was in the regimental band so did not go to Northern Ireland on that tour, except for a few days, when they laid on some concerts. Jeff was Mike’s godfather and with wife Jackie, Mikes godmother and daughters Dawn, Debbie and Nessa, took their turns helping to look after Mike, which was a godsend. The disadvantage was that Jeff claimed he had taught Mike to say his first word which was “Arsenal”.

The garrison in Werl was a joy to live in. Just out battalion and a company of RMP’s. We all enjoyed many camping trips with our trailer tent, with an enclosed section for Mike, to stop him wandering, while we slept. On one trip, Mike went on his first battlefield tour to Arnhem, but was much too young to remember it.

In September 1975 we returned to the UK to “boring” Bulford. Not much to report on that, except that it’s alright to live in the beautiful county, if you own a huge mansion and have loads of horses.

Luckily, as Dad was being promoted, it was off in August 1976 to join the 1st Battalion Royal Regiment of Fusiliers, based in Oakington Barracks in Longstanton, Cambridgeshire. Mike came into his own at this point of his life – firstly attending play school in the camp, which Mum ran, and then his first primary school in the village, transported daily by Mum on the back of her bike, with an extra seat fitted. No doubt he enjoyed the experience of travelling at speed, which he continued in later life in his car. Although not a BMW (he hated BMW and Audi drivers), I think other drivers and his passengers closed their eyes when he was cornering.

Mike, by now, was a very independent chappie. After a minor confrontation with Mum, he appeared at the age of four, with his little blue suitcase and the dog on a lead and announced he had had enough and was leaving home. We found later that all he had in the suitcase were his favourite toys. Mum said “okay Mike, have a good trip but

remember tea is at five”. Mum followed Mike and Mike went shortly down the road to a neighbour, as his best friend lived there. Mum telephoned the neighbour to give an explanation. They sent him home at five and when Mum asked him why he had returned he said, “well you did say that home at five and I didn’t get far as I am not allowed to cross the roads”. The family did not do much in Long Stanton, except a bit more camping in Devon and Cornwall.

Dad went all over the place, Kenya, Northern Ireland yet again, Bermuda and Cyprus. The family could have had a free holiday in Cyprus, where dad had set up a hotel in a disused school, so that the families could visit when the soldiers had their R&R for a week. The Kitson’s family declined and opted for a holiday camp near Dymchurch in Kent, with most of Mum’s large family of aunties, uncles and cousins.

Then came January 1979. More promotion for Dad and the family headed off for Fallingbostel in West Germany with 3rd Battalion The Royal Regiment of Fusiliers. Another new school for Mike in Fallingbostel Middle School with sister Barbara also attending. To start with, we travelled to work and school 28 miles away from Rottenburg, while we waited for a house in the main camp in Fallingbostel. With the temperature down to minus 20 and the car heater not working, Mike was attending his first survival exercise. Not for long though. A local garage failed to find the fault but a petrol station gave us a packet of crystals to put in the radiator which solved the problem.

Mike’s first Star Wars film, at the cinema in 1980 – The Empire Strikes Back. This started his love of all the original Star Wars Films, which he watched regularly at home, for the rest of his life. Just before he died he played them for his niece Lucy, who had never watched any of them and a mutual sci-fi club started between them, exchanging books and recommending movies.

It was worth mentioning that in 1980 Mike was 7 years old. By then Sister Sandra was 15 and Barbara 13. Mum and Dad did not have favourites but Mike was spoilt rotten by his Sisters and other relatives and friends and families we knew. This is because, in his first 7 years, he had developed an exciting and loveable character which delighted everyone he met.

Loads of camping in Fallingbostel and having upgraded to a 14 foot caravan, we would normally go with friends who also camped. We had a massive house which had 4 bedrooms plus a study and Mike had a huge Hornby train set in the cellar. It became a standing joke that people asked who used the train set the most – Mike or his Dad.

Time flew by and in March 1983, 3RRF and families went on a two year tour in Palace Barracks, arriving just in time for the second hunger strike. This was an extremely violent time for the men as the violence increased with every hunger striker who died. There was one death caused by stress and a section commander lost both legs during a

rocket attack on his vehicle. For Mike and all the other children with 3RRF the coverage on local TV was graphic and this must have been terrifying for them. One day, Mike and Mum had been to the NAAFI in camp and could not get back to home due to the bomb scare inside the camp. They therefore took cover in the Officer’s mess and had lunch. Nothing of interest for Mike on the menu so he was asked what he fancied. Bread and gravy said Mike, which was one of his favourites.

Returning to the UK in March 1983 the family borrowed an Army house in Medway while Dad went off to Berlin to finish his time in the Army, which was to be in January 1984. In the Summer of 1983 the family, less Sandra, were flown to Berlin by the Commanding Officer of 3RRF. The Fusiliers did not want Dad to leave them and the CO held a BBQ just for us in his garden to hold a family conference with his own family, to make a final decision to either stay or leave the Army life. The family plan did not change and Dad, on return to UK from Berlin, set about buying our first house in Lordswood. Mum could finally have her garden.

It was during this time in Medway that the primary school in Gillingham had started to make very encouraging remarks about Mike’s academic progress. In addition, he joined the Cubs, which he really enjoyed. In a competition, Mike won first prize for the Cub and Adult Relative Award which consisted of tasks such as putting up a tent and various other sticky problems to solve. Mike and his Dad won first prize, a tent peg embedded in a piece of 4 x 4, which we still have.

Mike sailed through the eleven plus and should have probably gone to Rochester Maths School. That was not to be, as an application to the Duke of York’s Royal Military boarding school had been accepted in Dover. All sorted for next seven years of Mike’s life. Difficult at first being away from home but then a passion for learning, the companionship of several hundred military male boy students and the development of musical prowess on guitar and keyboard and self-taught computer skills. Sons of the Brave they were known by, which in the present world now includes girls as well. An enormous pile of O Levels, a flood of advanced level exams and various other distinctions in other subjects. A close relationship with his pier group at school, who still meet regularly for reunions to celebrate the Grand Day Parade in July and Remembrance Day in November.

And then off to Newcastle University to gain a degree in Genetics and of course, a Newcastle United football shirt was bought, to make it safe if visiting town on a Saturday for a home game. He treasured that shirt but left it in Canada when he stayed with his aunt Jennifer and Uncle Brian for a year off. Sister Barbara found an original shirt for him, in 2025 from Ebay.

Time is fairly limited today so let us go through a list of his adventures.

1. Posh carpet shop in Chelsea. August 1995 to February 1996.

2. A record mail order company in St Mary Cray. Feb to Nov 1996.

3. Hayes School Bromley. Jan 1997 to July 1998.

4. Ravens Wood School Bromley. Sept 1998 to July 2000

5. Hayes School Bromley. Sept 2000 to April 2001

6. Central Newcastle Hight School. Jan 2002 to Aug 2003

7. Bromley College. Nov 2003 to Oct 2012

8. Medway School of Pharmacy in Chatham. Nov 2013 to May 2019

9. St Augustine Academy, Maidstone. Jan 2022 to Jan 2024

10. During 2024 involved in Teacher Training courses at 2 schools in Medway, until illness prevented attendance.

All in all – Mike wanted to work in an environment of having an interesting job, which in the main was science, in schools, universities and colleges, with pleasant colleagues and students who wanted to learn. He was renowned for his patience to help those students who had not understood a lesson or part of a lesson and go over it again.

His compassion was so admirable. Except for his education and a year off in Canada, he was based mainly at the family home. In the main he was happy with most of his career and was planning to make a major change for the future. Regrettably, his illness reached a stage when he was too ill to receive any further treatment. Cancer of the liver is probably the worst cancer to battle with, as it tends to destroy the drugs usually used to treat cancer, until it reaches the point of no return. Being the brilliant scientist he was, he unfortunately knew what was to come and bravely faced the battle, with none of us realising the speed of this dreadful disease.

During March 2025 he was so grateful for the support shown by friends and family, especially those who sent texts and visited him. His eyes would light up with any contacts he received. Many more were to visit, but unfortunately, it wasn’t to be.

Staff at the Maidstone Hospital were absolutely brilliant. Mike had made contact and visited the Heart of Kent Hospice with Sister Barbara, both having the view before they went, that this was probably not an option we would take. Their kindness, their experience and their normality changed both their minds, for Mike to make the decision, when he was ready. Health Care Assistant Doreen told Mike she would be there to look after him and Mike and Barbara joked that we were now calling Dorreen “Mrs Doubtfire”.

On the night of Sunday and Monday 6th and 7th April, Mike asked for the help he needed and paramedics arrived with an ambulance but they then requested a doctor to come, who arrived at about 4am and administered pain killing drugs.

At 10am on Monday 7th April, Mike was very weak and collected from home, by ambulance, to be moved to the Heart of Kent Hospice. They were wonderful and Doreen was waiting for him and as soon as Mike heard Doreen, he became calm. The Hospice was wonderful and made Mike as comfortable as possible. He was no longer in pain and was peaceful and sleepy. Surrounded by his immediate family, he passed away at 4.45pm.

Other tributes from family and friends

Jacqui – Bromley College

We worked together at Bromley College. Mike was a valued colleague and a wonderful friend. Students flocked to him for help with their chemistry assignments and his guidance shone through in their work. Mike was patient, kind, funny and super intelligent. A huge loss to everyone who was lucky enough to know and love him. Rest in peace Mike

Lynn Gallagher, Medway School of Pharmacy

Mike came as a temporary person, and we ended up keeping him. He was one of the old fashion type of techs, if it could be fixed, he fixed it. He was unique lovely guy, helped anybody. We had some great laughs. We spent the last few years passing on our unwanted items that he could use in schools. He might have no longer worked with us but, at heart, we still felt he was still one of the team. He will be sorely missed.

We still have a poster of him modelling lab coats to show the correct fittings.

Ron - Friend

My dear friend, companion and drinking partner you will be missed but always remembered. Sail away, sail away and rest. Ronnie

Lloyd – Duke of Yorks

I will see you in the sky, matey. Rest easy.

Tahmoores Rafizadeh - Friend

We met on a random day, because I started playing a random game and decided to visit a random page broadcasting that game. And it turned out to be the sweetest random encounter I’ve ever had in all my years. I met a wonderful person, with an incredible taste in music and amazing talent as a musician.

Mike was the reason I believed the world still had logical people. He was calm, fun to talk to, understanding, and wise beyond his years. In the short time I knew him, he taught me many lessons in various aspects of life.

The last lesson he taught me was the value of friendship and time—something I had never truly reflected on until the day he told me about his condition. I will miss him—his music, his humour, his companionship. But one thing I’m sure of is that I will never forget him. He will always remain in my memories as the coolest friend I’ve ever had, and I am forever grateful to him for being my friend.

Rest in peace, my friend. You are the best. I love you. Goodbye, Mike.

Sandra – Oldest Sister

My Brother Michael was a very polite person to everyone he knew and had a way of making everyone laugh. He had a good life and was close to his family. Michael made a lot of friends at the Duke of Yorks School in Dover. I really enjoyed listening to him playing his guitar.

I am so glad I was with him when he passed away at the hospice.

I will never forget you and will always miss you Michael. I love you so much and it hurts that you are gone.

Matthew - Nephew

Mike was always there for me growing up. He encouraged me to always try my best and would always show new things, whether that was new games, movies or books. He was a joy to talk with and had patience with me, even if outside of the family, he had little time for fools.

I’ll miss you Uncle Mike and I will try to make you proud.

Babs – Middle Sister

I tried to write something for 3 whole weeks now, and each time I failed, but I then remembered how brave you were to smile until the very end, so I found some strength to write, the words I never thought I would have to say.

To say you are my Brother is an understatement, you were simply the Best thing in this world.

People say to me how kind I was helping you, caring for you, but there was no question, you needed me, I was, of course, by your side.

We were smoking in the studio (the day the fire service came round to inspect the house, due to Dad’s COPD), naughty but hey. We talked and reminisced for ages, laughed and spoke of so many things. When it started to get chilly, we went to go in and you said, why haven’t we ever done this before? Because we never thought we were not going to be together and just assumed we would retire together in our joint home, whether in Kent, Newcastle or even Tunisia. We take so much of life for granted and only when gone, we have regret.

I was also so proud of you, when your friends came to visit. Even though in great pain, you laughed and smiled and emanated to everyone, just how much you enjoyed their company. Mike spoke about the Duke of Yorks often and with such joy, it was the best time of his life, even though the first couple of months, my Mum had quite a few phone calls saying get me out of here. The dearest wish Mike had was to visit the school one more time, and sadly we couldn’t, but for the Dukie’s who visited him, it meant the world to him. People visited from all over the UK and a special thank you for the people from his other schools.

During the last weeks, we managed to watch again (and not for the first time) the Star Wars Trilogy. You explained to Lucy that you had the original films on DVD and this had to be the version she saw. Slight disagreement with the second film, as I thought it was boring. I say slight, it was a bit more than this.

My Mum and Mike’s daily routine was doing the Daily Mail quiz. For a long time, after Mum left us, you never mentioned it. Then one day you asked me to participate. 1 point for an easy question (errrmmm they are not easy) and 2 points for a hard question (hard doesn’t cover it). Of course, most of the time I lost, any science question, I just rolled my eyes. History, not really, geography, I was happy to get the right country, let alone the city. Added pressure when you said the words, Babs you should know this. Of course, I usually lost, but sometimes, just sometimes, I surprised you and won. I was just happy with the honour you bestowed on me, that I was invited to play.

We didn’t cope after Mum left us, we are not coping now. I read somewhere recently that if someone dies, it’s because they are needed elsewhere. I am hoping this is true and I am jealous that you are needed but totally understand why they took you. Not just for your extraordinary intelligence but your ability to get on with everyone you meet. Doesn’t matter who they were, you were loved by all that had the pleasure to meet you. I cannot remember any instance that you had a bad word to say about anyone (except your teacher, Mr Salisbury, but everyone had a bad word for him).

The last thing you said to me was my name. You were frightened and you needed reassurance that I was with you. You knew you were loved so much by your family. Helping you was easy, saying goodbye to you, is and will be, the hardest thing I will ever have to do.

The promise I made a long time ago, Mike, you don’t have to worry, I will look after Dad.

Say hi to Mum and, until I see you again, I love you.

Lucy – Niece

I’ll hear your voice in every book,

Embedded in each page I turn,

Preserve the memories I took,

And seek you out in all I learn,

I’ll look towards the summer sky

To search for you in every cloud

And seize each moment passing by

To promise that I’ll make you proud.

Links to YouTube videos related to Mike

(17) MIKE - 26TH OCTOBER 1973 TO 7TH APRIL 2025 – YouTube

(17) Cavatina (Deer Hunter Theme) (Cover) – YouTube

(17) Magnetic Fields 4 (cover) – YouTube

(17) Breathe Deeply – YouTube

(17) A Little Stroll – YouTube

(17) Race you there and back – YouTube

Written and recorded by Mike Kitson 2017 using M-Audio Keystation, Gibson Les Paul, Westfield SR383 and Boss GT8. Individual videos used under creative commons licence, taken from www.videvo.net. Photo of Earth from wikimedia.

(17) Op. 4 in A – YouTube

(17) El Perdito – YouTube

(17) Equinoxe VII (Cover) – YouTube

1998 Collusion. Written by Andy. Guitars and keyboards Andy. Bass and effects Mike.

(17) Collusion - Coronary – YouTube

(17) Original Recordings – YouTube

(17) Covers - YouTube