Mike Mulholland: Community champion for Lossiemouth
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LOSSIEMOUTH is mourning the loss of a real community champion.
Mike Mulholland (70) was chairman of the town's community council for eight years and a member for many more.
He died in Aberdeen Royal Infirmary last Friday after a short illness.
He was involved in a many community projects and campaigns.
Among the most high profile was the campaign to Save RAF Lossiemouth in 2010 when the base was under threat from defence cuts.
Mike was among a delegation who boarded a campaign bus which took a public petition to the steps of 10 Downing Street, which was instumental in ensuring the base remained open.
It is now a key base and is in the process of undergoing a £150 million redevelopment to host the Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft, as well as its regular Typhoon squadrons.
He also enjoyed taking part in the local community litter picks.
He worked tirelessly with organisations, businesses, political leaders and members of the public to improve the lives of those in his community.
Carolle Ralph, a friend and fellow community councillor paid tribute to him: "Mike had a wonderful sense of fun, he loved to laugh and his optimism for life, passion and enthusiasm will be missed terribly.
He loved people and loved to socialise. He liked nothing better in his role as our chair than to sit in Harbour Lights with a bacon roll and a cup of tea pouring over the latest community project and chatting to all who came in.
Mike was passionate about Lossiemouth and also Rangers Football Club.
He was a great family man too.
Carolle added: "Mike we will miss you so very much. You were always there for Lossie, but you were also our very good friend.
"We will carry on doing the best we can for our community albeit our journey will not be the same without you. Lossie has lost a true champion."
Mike was a very likeable and sociable man, who had time for everyone and a very approachable manner.
Moray's SNP MSP Richard Lochhead said: "I’m so sorry to hear the very sad news that we have lost Mike.
"I convey my heartfelt condolences to Mike’s wife, Lily, and his family and all his friends.
"There are few constituents I have spoken to more than Mike these past few years given his involvement with and dedication to community life and helping others. We were also friends and I enjoyed our regular banter and his company.
"Up until just recently we were texting each other and chatting on the phone. I can’t quite believe we won’t be having our regular chats. He was a real stalwart and his passing leaves a huge hole in community life and Lossiemouth and he will be sorely missed by all.
"I know how much Mike’s family meant to him and my thoughts are with them at this difficult time."