Tributes paid to two Guernseymen

Monday 09 September 2024

Former deputies Mike Torode and Jack Honeybill died within a few days of each other, with both men receiving warm tributes from those who they worked with and knew them in their private and professional lives.

Mr Honeybill died on 28 August in Southampton General Hospital, where he was receiving treatment.

His family were by his side when he died.

Mr Honeybill had worked in the finance sector before turning to politics. 

He was first elected to the States, representing St Peter Port in 2004. He stood down in 2012 after a term serving as the Deputy Minister to the Treasury and Resources Department.  

Mr Honeybill's work in the third sector kept him busy for many more years with his involvement in fundraising for Les Bourgs Hospice including the organisation of the island's 'million pound lotteries'. He also worked hard to organise the Town Carnival and other events.

Mr Honeybill was awarded an MBE in 2022 for his services to charities in the island. 

The current organisers of the Guernsey Street Festival paid tribute to Mr Honeybill ahead of yesterday's concert brass performance at Candie Gardens.

A previous tribute to Mr Honeybill shared via Facebook described him as "a man who truly embraced community spirit and generosity".

The date of his funeral has not yet been announced. 

Guernsey's second Chief Minister, Mike Torode died on 3 September having been unwell for some time.

His death was announced by his wife and children who will hold his funeral this Thursday, 12 September at St Martin's Parish Church. 

Mr Torode was a long serving politician - first elected to represent St Martins as a Deputy in 1979 before being elected Conseiller.

He stood down from the States in 2008 having served as Chief Minister for just a year.

Current Deputy Rob Prow is among those who have paid tribute to Mr Torode.

“I was truly saddened to hear of the passing of former Deputy Mike Torode, a man whom I knew for the majority of my adult life," he said.

"We first met when I was a Customs Officer and he was working for British Midlands Airways at the airport, and from that point, right up until our most recent interactions, he was respectful, straight-down-the-line, and dedicated to Guernsey.

Pictured: Mike Torode photographed in March 2023 (Chris George).

“Mike had a very long history of service to this island. He was the Minister for Home Affairs for a term, during which I served as his Chief Customs Officer. During that time, Mike was always a gentleman, while also being a straight-talker. He was a huge advocate for the Department’s Professional Services, showing constant support for officers and a genuine interest in their work. He still has an impact on the police to this day, as he formally opened the current police station.

“Mike later became the island’s Chief Minister, where he continued to demonstrate how a deputy should put the interests of Guernsey first.

“I’d like to give my condolences to Mike’s wife, Pauline Torode, and the rest of Mike’s family, many of whom I have been fortunate to get to know throughout my time working with him.

"Guernsey has lost one of its strongest characters with Mike’s passing, and he will undoubtedly be missed by so many.

"He will also be remembered, however, for the way he conducted himself in public service, his tenacity and for the examples he set.”

Pictured top (l-r): Jack Honeybill and Mike Torode (Chris George).