Michael John Baines, active church member

Michael John Baines, 82, of Lewes, passed away Monday, Nov. 18, 2024, surrounded by his family. He was born Aug. 20, 1942, in Luton, Bedfordshire (UK), son of the late Charles Thomas Bruce Baines and Dorothy Jean (Glendenning) Baines.

Mike and his beloved wife, Trish, started their adventure together with a one-way passage on the Queen Elizabeth 2 to the U.S. in 1966. They lived in many places but eventually settled in Lewes in 2003. In retirement, Mike was an active member of St. Peter’s Episcopal Church and gave his time to the Marine Education, Research & Rehabilitation Institute, Cape Henlopen State Park, and officiating high school and age-group swim meets. He had a successful career in manufacturing, made friends wherever he went, was often the instigator of trouble and adventure, traveled the world with Trish, and most importantly, loved his family, especially his grandchildren, with his whole heart.

Mike is survived by his wife of 58 years, Patricia (Trish) Baines of Lewes; two children, Nikki (Deane) Charlson of Annapolis, Md., and Ian (Elise) Baines of Eugene, Ore.; and two grandchildren, Isabelle and Elliott.  

A celebration of life will be held at 1 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 4, 2025, at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, 200 Second St., Lewes.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to Delaware Hospice, delawarehospice.org; MERR Institute, merrinstitute.org; or Friends of Cape Henlopen State Park, friendsofcapehenlopen.org.

Visit Mike’s Life Memorial webpage at parsellfuneralhomes.com.