Michael devoted over 35 years to the criminal justice system. When he resigned as Chief Probation Officer of Surrey in 2004, he was the UK’s longest serving Chief Officer in the (then) National Probation Service.
A man of compassion, integrity and humour, he was respected for his inspirational and nonconformist leadership and his pioneering work in the charitable sector. He founded two charities, The MayDay Trust and Surrey Springboard, and at the time of his death was a national Trustee of Samaritans and Victim Support.
Eldest of triplet boys, in his twenties Michael was an international athlete, competing for Great Britain and setting new world records for the 4 x 800 metre and 4 x 880 yard relays at Crystal Palace in 1966.
He was a wise counsellor and friend to those who needed him, practical and pragmatic, a man who could fix a broken window or a broken soul. Many have reason to be in his debt, and some owe him their lives.
‘It is a pity successive governments cannot get their act together – they all need to be put on probation and find out that change takes time.’ Michael Varah
