We are sad to announce the passing of a much-loved, man, Mike Westerdale.
At just 59 years old, his sudden loss has left an unimaginable emptiness in the lives of everyone who knew and loved him. For Heidi, Olivia and Will, the heartbreak of losing such a beloved husband and dad is beyond words. A husband and father who should have had so many more years ahead of him, so many more memories to make, and so much more life to share with the people he loved most.

He was an exceptional man whose impact reached far beyond his family.
Through his career as a highly respected CEO in education, he inspired, supported and influenced so many people. To colleagues, professionals and those who had the privilege of working alongside him, he was a leader, a mentor and a person who made a lasting difference.

Mike was invaluable to Hull Ionians RUFC in his role as Assistant Safeguarding Officer. He took on the role of coaching the Under 7s when the coach at the time stayed to coach the Under 6s, and has been a coach and mentor to them ever since, taking them all the way to the Colts.

But to Heidi, Olivia and Will, he was simply husband and Dad — the person at the heart of their family, whose love, presence and laughter made their world what it was. To his wider family, he was a much-loved brother, brother-in-law and uncle, and to so many others, a cherished friend and colleague.

Longley Park Sixth Form said
"We know that this devastating news will be felt deeply amongst everyone across our Trust and within the wider community.
Our immediate priority is to respect the privacy of Mike’s family and support our colleagues and school communities during this time of grief.
Since being appointed CEO of Brigantia Learning Trust in 2018, Mike has made a significant contribution to the development and success of our academies, and to the lives of the pupils, staff and communities we serve. We are united in our commitment to uphold these achievements and build on this legacy.
Mike will be deeply missed as a colleague, leader and friend."

His loss is impossible to put into words, but his love, his laughter, his kindness and the countless lives he touched will live on through the memories we hold of him.
Michael Ian Westerdale - 11.07.1967 – 14.09.2026