Tributes paid to “local legend” of the arts

Thursday 23 September 2021

Local arts organisations have paid tribute to an actor turned “unforgettable patron of arts” and “local legend” after he passed away.

Michael Saxby Vardon died aged 85 on 12 September 2021.

The team at Jersey Opera House, where Michael sat on the board for several years, described him as “an unforgettable patron of arts”, adding: “He will be missed."

Tom Dingle, Director of ArtHouse Jersey said the charity’s board and team had been “extremely sad” to hear of Michael’s passing.

Pictured: Michael and his stepdaughter, Fiona Weston.

In a lengthy post, he praised Michael for his contribution to the local arts scene, referring to his involvement in various organisations.

“Micky was a staunch supporter of the arts, devoting huge amounts of his time and energy to helping establish the lively artistic scene that we all enjoy in the island today,” he wrote. 

“I never saw Micky tread the boards (he always said that he had lost the ability to learn his lines) but I understand he was a fine actor, before becoming the ‘guardian’ of the Samares Players. 

“I believe that he served on the board of all of the current three funded arts organisations and was a staunch advocate for and ‘defender’ of the Jersey Opera House, which he held particularly dear to his heart.

“He did fabulous work unifying the amateur dramatics scene through his establishment and chairmanship of the Performing Arts Development Group, which is still thriving today.”

“Never one to shy away from controversy, indeed I think he rather revelled in setting the cat amongst the pigeons, but also willing to listen and extremely generous towards those he cared for,” Tom added. 

“He loved nothing more than to have people round for 'dinner and gossip', which always promised to be lively; his sharp wit and wicked sense of humour made for some of the most outrageous conversations I have ever witnessed! I feel blessed to have had the privilege to have known Micky in both a professional capacity but to also have counted him as a treasured friend. 

“There will be many of us who will miss him dearly." 

Ryan Williams, Chairman of the Jersey Green Room Theatre Company, followed in Michael’s footsteps at the head of the Performing Arts Development Group, which he had chaired for more than 20 years until September 2020. 

Ryan said he felt “fortunate” to have known Michael over the past two years.

“His wise words to me were: ‘We are not policy makers, but we can certainly be policy influencers’,” Ryan reflected. 

“Michael was a true ambassador for the Arts in Jersey,” he added. “He was never afraid to speak his mind, and always fought hard for Jersey to have a fantastic arts scene. 

“His leadership, personality and humour will be missed by many. We have lost a local legend within the Arts community, but he will never be forgotten. We will uphold his legacy for Jersey to have an extraordinary arts community.”

One of Michael's stepdaughters, Fiona Weston, said that he had been "a big factor" in her decision to settle back into island life after many years away from Jersey.

"He was such a fun and vivacious character, always a brilliant addition to any dinner party, and a fantastic stable influence in my childhood," she said.

"He will be sorely missed by me and undoubtedly lots of others."

Jersey Arts Centre will be hosting a celebration of his Michael's life between 15:00 and 18:00 on Thursday 30 September.

In lieu of flowers, Michael’s family requested that donations be made to Jersey Arts Centre, in reflection of his dedication to the local arts scene.