Mike Oakley: 1942-2024

Following a long and determined fight against cancer, top level Field Official, England Athletics tutor, mentor, outstanding club volunteer for Orwell Panthers, and dedicated committee member for Suffolk County Athletics, Mike Oakley passed away this week peacefully with his family present.

A highly respected official, friend to many within athletics and a mentor to countless fellow officials, Mike was a member of Ipswich Harriers and also heavily involved with Orwell Panthers - as well as numerous committee positions he was their Chair and President.

Para-athletics was his love and he received the England Athletics national volunteer award for Services to Disability Athletics in 2008, and was presented with his award by Darren Campbell at our inaugural Hall of Fame gala evening.

Mike was very proud of being selected to officiate at the London 2012 Olympics and Paralympics – and spiking Jessica Ennis-Hill’s long jump was a highlight for him that he spoke about many times with friends and family. But he also regularly officiated at grass roots, county, region and England events until he retired from officiating recently.

Officials and others involved in our sport from around the UK have penned their memories on Facebook.

A recurring theme was that Mike was a real gentleman, always happy to help and a role model for many. Fellow National List official Bob Hammond said: "He was always helpful and set a great example to others." and for officiating colleague Robin James, he was a "valued mentor and role model."

"An amazing man, who had so much time for everybody."

Matt Witt

Mike was a field official who was kind and caring to all those around him – whether fellow officials, athletes or coaches.

Claire Lacey is now a Level 4 field judge but also competed and coaches: "He was the main official I remembered from my younger competing days."

Mike’s strength lay in always having time for people and he was instrumental in helping and supporting so many newer and less experienced officials develop.

Steve Feely wrote that Mike was a great help for him in the early days, and this was echoed by another top official Sally Delgado: "He was such a pleasure to work with and I remember him guiding me in my early days, with a smile."

Charlotte Bruce commented that Mike was always ready to help and support junior officials. Fraser Watts has been a performance coach for a number of tears but is also now qualified as a Level 3 field official. He notes:

"Mike trained me as an official at 16 and has mentored me ever since. I will continue to aspire to your high standards Mike."

Fraser Watts

Tony Tyndale shows that Mike's support did not stop in the early stages of an official's development: "He wrote my first Level 3 report and was so helpful in helping me progress."

Through his actions, Mike's legacy will live on in the officiating family. Lis Henderson summed this up: “There are a lot of us who can say we wouldn't be where we are now without Mike. “

"His kindness, integrity, and tireless service touched the lives of many and left a lasting legacy."

Deborah Percy

He will be sadly missed within the officiating community and athletics throughout the country.

A job well done, Mike Oakley; you may be gone from our sight but you will live in our memories.

Margaret Nelson