Obituary: Michael Walter Long Pease, BEM (July 17, 1930 – July 1, 2026)

Michael was born in 1930 in North Yorkshire, England. After attending Stowe School, he followed in his father’s footsteps to the family’s cattle farm in Njoro, Kenya, where his future wife, Jyll, later joined him.

After a stint in the British Army, serving with the 1st Battalion, The Green Howards, he returned to his true passion and embarked on a career in agriculture with Kenya’s Ministry of Agriculture and Land Settlement.

Further work with the Agricultural Development Service of the World Bank took the growing family to Tanzania, Sierra Leone and eventually Washington DC, where he served as Senior Agricultural Planner for countries across Europe, The Middle East and North Africa.

Michael and Jyll’s retirement to the Algarve in 1988 brought a new chapter, where Michael’s incredible work ethic and determination brought numerous projects to fruition, reflecting his passions for archaeology, history, conservation, and walking.

His most enduring contribution to Algarvian history is undoubtedly the creation of a memorial commemorating the heroism of Portuguese fishermen who rescued US airmen after their aircraft crashed off the coast of Faro in the Second World War. His tireless work over 10 years was acknowledged in his receipt of the British Empire Medal (BEM) in the 2024 King’s Birthday Honours List.

Michael died peacefully at home aged 95, and will be remembered by his adoring wife, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Michael’s memorial service will be held for family and friends on Thursday, July 9 at 2pm at Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Luz.

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