Mr Michael Philip Raines was known as Phil all of his life. He was born in Mansfield Woodhouse to Charles Henry and Joyce Edna Raines. He married Gwen in 1961 and they had 2 daughters. Debbie and Katy.

Phil trained as a teacher and taught children with physical special needs at Thieves Wood School in Nottingham, Whitwick Hall in Wolverhampton and then became the Headmaster of Harold Magnay School in Liverpool where he remained for the rest of his career. Phil was an active member of All Saints Childwall and enjoyed singing as part of the Sing Good News choir.

Being a residential special school, Harold Magnay was both his home and place of work and he put huge energy into making at a wonderfully supportive place. After retirement, he and Gwen moved to Dunnington near York where they spent 30 happy years travelling, walking, hosting, and looking after their 4 much loved grandchildren. Phil became part of the Dunnington community, active in the church, bowls club and Dunnington players. His final year was spent living at Lavender Fields Care Village where he and Gwen made another set of good friends.

The family is hugely grateful to the wonderful folk at St Leonard’s hospice who supported everyone in Phil’s final days.