Remembering Michael Fuller

One of the reasons we became friends is that we shared many interests and beliefs. One was the importance of public service, though I admit he was much better than me at putting that belief into practice. He was a teacher, a public servant and latterly a magistrate.

I first met him when he worked for Southampton City Council as Arts Officer. subsequently he was the Arts officer at Hampshire County Council. In these he made an immeasurable contribution to our cultural life. He played a big part in saving the theatre then known as The Gaumont, now The Mayflower, and in setting up The Gantry Arts Centre. He was the manager of Southampton Film Festival from its inception. Those are just a few things I worked with him on- I know there is much more that he was involved in that changed people’s lives for the better.

I also admired the enthusiasm with which he threw himself into the activities he enjoyed or thought mattered, from cycling to politics to the arts to naturism.

We shared a belief in the importance of the arts. He matched his enthusiasm with organisational skills and, unlike some council officers, he didn’t just push paper and make the right noises, he got things done. His level headed, methodical manner meant he was always good to have around in a crisis.

The thing I admired about him the most was that he was a man of principle. Although he was an unassuming man, he was never afraid to express his views, which were strong, well thought out, calmly expressed and often right. I certainly valued his opinion and he often reminded me, when I moved into a more commercially minded arts organisation, of the importance of serving the community. I now think I should have listened to him more, since he was clearly a better judge of character than I was.

If this all makes him sound holier-than-thou, I suppose he could be a bit, but anyone who got to know him would say what excellent company he was and what a very good friend. I will always remember lively evenings of conversation and good food, pleasurable visits to the beach and the theatre, and caring friendship in times of trouble.

To die from stomach cancer is a cruel fate but I believe Michael faced up to his impending oblivion with the same combination of matter-of-fact honesty and quiet bravery that saw him live his life so well. He will be missed by the local community and by people whose lives he touched. I am so very glad to have known him.

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