It was with great sadness that I came accross Michael;’s obituary on the Internet today. I extend my deepest sympathies to you Marie and to all the family on behalf of your Irish relatives. I am in my 70’s now and my memory of my only meeting with Michael is a bit faded, I think it was in London sometime in the 1970’s. He left me with a very positive impression as I remember thinking that he was a very caring and good man. I do not recall knowing that he had anything to do with the law as I just read the obituary from the Victoria Bar association.
You probably do not remember Marie but we have written to one another way back. In front of me now is a sheet of paper in your handwriting with your address and phone number, giving me some of the details of the Raftis/Houlihan relationship/ since I am a 2nd cousin to Michael. His grandfather Dick was a brother of my grandmother Hannah Raftice.
Also your daughter Francine (i think it was) lived with my sister and her husband in Ashtead, Surrey for a few months caring for their young family. And unless I am mistaken, my niece Elaine McAuley visited your family when she was working and living in Australia some years ago. She is back home now living in Wicklow and the mother of 3 boys.
But for now I just want to extend my sympathies to you all with the promise that I will remember Michael and all the family in my Mass this coming Sunday. I have no doubt but that having lost such a good man, even after all these years your loss is still deeply felt. May he continue to rest in Peace. Eamon, sscc