A PROLIFIC author who spent his early career as a reporter on the Somerset County Gazette has died.

“Gentle, kind and caring” Mike Ford died in his native Taunton on November 15, two months after his mother passed away. He was 68.

Mike joined the County Gazette after completing his journalist training in Cardiff and working briefly on newspapers in Torquay and West Somerset.

At the Gazette, he wrote a column featuring local people in the news, in which his resonance with those who had suffered and triumphed over suffering shone through.

After eight years, he left to read theology at Bristol University and then joined the BBC, working for the Sunday programme on Radio 4 and the BBC World Service.

Among those he trained at the BBC was newsreader Sophie Rayworth, who told him she was “determined to go far”. Years later he bumped into her outside Downing Street, when they recalled old times together.

He earned a doctorate in Christian spirituality from the University of Liverpool and lectured at Liverpool Hope University.

Mike, who was educated locally at St Andrews Primary School, Wellington School and the former Huish’s Grammar School, had a spell as a researcher on Eamonn Andrews’ This is Your Life.

Later he worked as a freelancer and interviewed many famous people, including an Archbishop of Canterbury and novelist Barbara Cartland, and a member of the IRA during The Troubles. He was blindfolded while he was driven to a secret location to conduct the interview.

Mike wrote several books, including the biography of Father Mychal Judge, a fire chaplain killed while adminstering the last rites to September 11 casualties at the World Trade Center.

Mike’s brother, Nigel, said: “Mike was such a gentle, kind and caring man with so much warmth, sincerity and love which we all appreciated. He saw the goodness in everyone.

“His unique personality and ministry were truly a gift. So many people, not just locally but across the globe, gained much comfort by Mike's presence and compassion.

“Although so soon after Mum's passing, I am convinced he is now at peace and reunited with Mum and Dad. I shall miss him immensely.”

A funeral requiem Mass will be held at St George's Catholic Church, Taunton, on Saturday, December 14, at 11am.

Enquires can be made c/o the funeral directors E. White and Son Ltd, 138/9 East Reach, Taunton, on 01823 272183.