THERE was a time when Marlow Fire Station was known as Price and Co, such was the importance of the family to tackling blazes in Bucks.

But the quartet who were so key to the service during the 1960s and 70s has been broken up after the death of Michael Price.

Aged 70, Mr Price, who was brought up in the town, where he lived most of his life, passed away at his home in France.

He leaves behind wife Kate, three children Robert, Mandy, Nick, step son Danny Phillips, three grandchildren and a great grandson.

The Price family's connection to Marlow is extremely long and deep rooted, dating back to 1740.

And Mike, along with Terry, Peter and Gilbert Price all served Buckinghamshire Fire Service four decades ago.

Speaking about his former fire colleague and cousin on Wednesday, Terry, 77, a veteran campaigner on health issues, paid a glowing tribute to him.

He said he was a genuine 'local character' and added: “Michael was one of those who if you were in a fire and he was behind you he was 110 per cent reliable there was no worry about that he'd disappear or anything.

“He was a very good fireman and he was a very stable and solid sort of bloke.”

He described Mike, nicknamed Colt, as a “very likeable, good person”, who he will remember him fondly.

Terry said he bid him: “Safe journey old comrade to those green fields beyond.”

Terry served 21 years for the fire brigade and Michael 18 years, after joining in 1960 and retired in 1978.

He received a commendation for an incident at Little Marlow in 1967.

Mike's oldest son Robert Price, 47, from Marlow Bottom, said he was a family man.

“He was a very hard working, strong man, very down to earth,” he said.

“He was one of Marlow's characters, there was quite a lot of them several years ago, he was one of the boys.

“He had a heart of gold and could be a bit forthright but he was a character and had a very good sense of humour. He was always having a laugh.”

A rugby fan, Mike would often be spotted on Saturday afternoons at the Cross Keys pub in Spittal Street.

Michael died on November 24 with the funeral service taking place in France, conducted in both languages by the priest, in early December.

.....

The following poem was read in memory of Mr Price.

THE OLD FIREMAN He was old; his white hair thinning; and he’d smile and say ”Hello”

As he strolled round to the station; and told tales of long ago.

Of the fires that he’d fought ; and the deeds that he had done, In his exploits with his watch mates; Ah!: they were heroes, every one.

And sometimes; to his neighbors; his tales became a joke, But the firefighters listened; for they knew whereof he spoke.

Now, they’ll hear his tales no longer; because old Mike has passed away, And the world's a little poorer; for a Fireman died today.

He won’t be mourned by many; some friends, his kids; and his wife; For he lived an ordinary; and quite uneventful life.

He loved his work; he loved his family; and quietly went his way, And the world won't note his passing; but a Fireman died today.

When politicians leave this earth, their bodies lie in state, While thousands note their passing and proclaim; that they were great.

Papers tell their whole life stories, from the time that they were young, But the passing of a Fireman; goes unnoticed and unsung.

Is the greatest contribution to the welfare of our land?

The man who breaks his promises, and cons his fellow man?

Or the Old Mike’s of this country, who, when the Station bells went down Were willing to sacrifice life and limb; for the people of their town.

A politician's stipend and the style in which he lives, Are sometimes disproportionate; to the service that he gives.

While the dedicated Fireman; who offered up his all, Takes his medal, and his pension: then fades beyond recall...

If we cannot do him honour while he's here to hear the praise, Then at least let's give him homage at the ending of his days.

Perhaps a simple heading in a paper that would say, Our Country is in mourning. For Mike: A Fireman died today.