A Beloved Friend and Mentor Gone Too Soon
We are deeply saddened to share the heartbreaking news that our dear friend and colleague, Mike “Sooty” Barratt, passed away overnight. Known lovingly as “Sooty,” Mike was far more than a colleague — he was a guiding light, a source of wisdom, and a man whose presence brought both strength and comfort to everyone who had the privilege of working alongside him. His sudden departure has left us stunned, grieving, and reflecting on the profound ways he shaped our lives and our work.
Mike’s humility, humor, and heart made him stand out in every room he entered. To our volunteers, he was a tireless supporter; to our teams, a trusted advisor; to his friends, a loyal companion; and to many of us, a mentor who encouraged us to keep going when the work felt impossible. His dedication to serving communities wasn’t just a role — it was his calling, and he fulfilled it with passion, kindness, and a quiet determination that inspired us all.
Honoring a Life of Service and Compassion
Throughout his life, Mike “Sooty” Barratt embodied what it meant to serve with dignity and care. His work with volunteers and communities was never about recognition, never about the spotlight — it was about making a real difference, person by person, need by need, day after day. He had a gift for seeing potential in people, for lifting others up, and for turning challenges into opportunities for growth.
We will remember him not only for what he did, but for how he made us feel — valued, capable, seen. He had a way of encouraging even the quietest voice in the room to speak, of reminding us that every contribution mattered. His legacy lives not only in the projects he supported but in the countless lives he touched, improved, and inspired along the way. His absence leaves a silence that feels impossible to fill, but his influence continues — in our actions, in our choices, and in the communities he loved so deeply.
Carrying Forward His Light
In this time of sorrow, we are reminded of the power of unity — the very thing Mike championed every day. As we grieve, we also carry forward his values: dedication to service, humility in leadership, and unwavering compassion. It is now our turn to continue the work he believed in so deeply, to be the mentors, advisors, and friends that he was to us.
Though we have lost Mike “Sooty” Barratt in body, his spirit remains embedded in all of us. Each act of kindness, each moment of encouragement, each quiet victory for a community in need — these are now tributes to his life, ways to ensure that his impact never fades. We honor him not only with our tears, but with our resolve to keep going, to keep caring, and to keep building the better world he always believed was possible.