We are sad to report that Michael Banks (1973 L) passed away on April 14th 2024.  Michael was a keen cricketer whilst at SVS and was known for his intrepid stays at the crease for the 1st XI on The Upper, wearing his hallmark round-shaped glasses, John Lennon style. He also served as School Librarian and Editor of the Suttonian. 

After earning a BA in English Literature and a PGCE at the University of Reading, Michael developed an adventure playground in London for at-risk Jamaican youth. He then spent 28 years in the USA carving a niche as a sought-after transformational coach to captains of industry, including a tenure as senior partner in the Executive Coaching firm, KRW International.

For ten years, he also captained and managed the Marin Cricket Club's Social team in the San Francisco Bay Area. Sadly, tragedy struck in 2012 when his kidneys failed, and his story from diagnosis, dialysis, transplant, and recovery was authored by him in Gotta A Kidney?! A Journey Through Fear to Hope and Beyond (2017).  “Using the gifts of consciousness and authenticity, Michael brought heart, soul, and spirit to everyone he met.” counsellor Dawn Rishárd noted.

We are grateful to Edwin James (1974 Co) for providing Michael's obituary.