It is our sad duty to advise members of the Haileybury Society of the death of Michael John Freegard (BF 47) on 27th October 2022, aged 89.

Michael had a long and happy Haileybury association. He was the Society’s General Secretary from 1997-2001 and was our President in 2002/3. He continued to serve as a trustee, committee member and advisor until 2017 and always kept in touch regularly thereafter, So many of us owe him a great debt of thanks for his friendship, kindness and wise words over many years during which he gave unstinting service and dedication.

Proud Haileyburian

Michael was a member of the Haileybury Council, and a Trustee of the Haileybury Charitable Trust. He was a life member of the OHRFC for which he played in the 1950s and was a B team XV referee in the 1970s. He was a benefactor to both the Society and to Haileybury, including annual Speech Day prizes for music, one of his great passions.

Support of others

His life was given over to the support of others. After National Service in Egypt, and business experience in textiles and commodities, he worked for some years for the Crusader movement, mainly organizing camps and expeditions, before joining The Performing Rights Society for 28 years rising through the ranks until his retirement as Chief Executive in 1993.

Copyright specialist

He then became an international copyright consultant and added to the many articles on copyright issues he had published over the years a book about UK Copyright Tribunal published by Butterworths in 1996.

Michael’s family were central to his world. He is survived by his wife, Chantal, his son Mark (BF 74) two daughters and grandchildren, to whom The Haileybury Society sends its sincere condolences.

Funeral and celebration – a message from the family

Michael’s family have sent this message about Michael and kindly invite members of the OH community to attend his funeral, followed by a celebration of his life.

To our wonderful friends and family,

With deep sadness and heavy hearts, we are writing to inform you of the death of our dear father, Michael John Freegard, who passed away on 27th October, 2022. Michael was the pillar in our family, and we want to honour his legacy by inviting you to the funeral and celebration of his life. While Michael had suffered the prolonged effects of Parkinson’s disease these last years, he passed peacefully from old age and leaves us many wonderful memories while his legacy lives on. We will all miss him more than words can express.

Funeral Details

25th November, 2022

Funeral & Committal

New Southgate Cemetery & Crematorium
Brunswick Park Road
London N11 1JJ

Time: 12:00 midday

Celebration of Michael’s life

Following the funeral, a celebration of life for Michael will be held at:

The West Park Lodge Hotel
Lancaster Room,
Cockfosters Road,
Barnet EN4 OPY

Time: 1:30 pm

In lieu of flowers, our father requests that donations be made to the following charities:

Leonard Cheshire

The Cure Parkinson’s Trust