"Tenacious", "determined" and "charming"

Monday 04 May 2020

Tributes have been paid to former pharmacist, businessman and Deputy, Mike Hadley after his death over the weekend - he's been described as a "terrier" of local politics among other things as his former colleagues remembered his passion for helping his community.

Mr Hadley passed away on Saturday at the age of 77, after suffering from renal cancer.

His family have described him as "a loved brother, husband, father, grandfather, pharmacist, businessman, politician and general enthusiast".

He worked as a pharmacist for many years before turning to politics in 2008, when he was elected as a Deputy for the South East.

He served on the then Health and Social Services, Education and Housing departments. 

He was an often controversial member of the States - acting as a whistleblower when he released a confidential document regarding the Accident and Emergency Department at the Princess Elizabeth Hospital. For that he was reprimanded by the Bailiff after being found guilty of breaching the States Members Code of Conduct.

He found success in other areas of his political career - one highlight being his success with a requete which led to the eventual relaxation of Sunday Trading laws, leaving to the current situation with no restrictions on sales on Sundays at all.

He had attempted to bring about changes with Guernsey's Sunday Trading laws many times before he eventually succeeded.

Former Deputy Mike Hadley has died, one of the most tenacious men I have ever met. Politically we clashed, but outside of politics we got on well, a charming, determined tireless fighter. He will be missed. Thinking of family and friends at this time.

— Barry Brehaut. (@BrehautBarry) May 4, 2020

Deputy Barry Brehaut was one who has remembered his former colleague with fondness, saying he will be missed.

Christine Foster worked alongside Mr Hadley as a civil servant. She said he was "a total handful" but she like many others was "very fond of him".

Sad to read former Deputy Mike Hadley passed away on Saturday. I worked closely with him throughout his 8 years in the States. Part man, part terrier, a total handful but I was very fond of him. I remember his glee at this article so will share it in tribute. pic.twitter.com/HvPvrPnEj3

— Chris Gsy (@Chris_Gsy) May 4, 2020

Deputies Mary Lowe, Gavin St Pier and others have also paid tribute. 

Deputy St Pier, who was first elected the States during Mr Hadley's second term in office said: "I am very sorry to learn today of the death of former Deputy Mike Hadley. He was irascible but unusually also polite and good humoured; tenacious, committed, determined and passionate would also describe his political style. My condolences to his family and friends."

Deputy Lowe said Mr Hadley "faced abuse for fighting the corner mostly on health issues which some of those issues he was proven to be right".

Really sorry Mike Hadley has died a man driven to do what he could for our community during his time in the States. Mike faced abuse for fighting the corner mostly on health issues which some of those issues he was proven to be right. My sympathies to his wife & family. RIPMike

— Deputy Mary Lowe (@DeputyMaryLowe) May 4, 2020

Mr Hadley's family are to hold a private funeral for him. They've asked for any donations in his memory to be made to a charity of the individual's choice. 

Pictured top: Mike Hadley. Picture courtesy of Chris George.