Tributes paid to former Board member and tenant Mike Copple

Tributes have been paid to a long-standing supporter and tenant of Salix Homes who sadly passed away last week.

Mike Copple, who is a former vice chair of the Salix Homes Board, had been involved with the organisation since the beginning of our journey.

Mike played a key role in the launch of Salix Homes, when we first set up as an ALMO (arms length management organisation) to manage Salford Council’s housing stock in 2007.

He was instrumental in the Audit Commissioner’s Inspection in 2010, which enabled us to secure millions of pounds in Decent Homes funding to invest in homes and communities across Salford.

Mike, who lived at our sheltered housing complex Broomedge, was also a driving force behind the stock transfer in 2015, which again unlocked millions of pounds worth of funding for our housing stock.

Our executive director of operations Sue Sutton, who worked closely with Mike over the years, said: “We’re all deeply saddened at the sad passing of Mike Copple who played a key role in the formation of Salix Homes and in our journey to where we are today.

“Mike was very highly respected and well thought of by all who knew him and was passionate about helping others and making a difference for Salford. Mike helped secure millions of pounds worth of funding for homes and communities in Salford – and his family can be very proud of the legacy he leaves behind.

“Having worked very closely with Mike over the years I know he will be sadly missed by all who knew him. Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this sad time.”

As chair of our former Learning and Development Committee, Mike would often use his wealth of experience to advise Salix Homes on HR matters. He had also served as Chair of the Salford Sheltered Housing Forum.

He retired from his role on our Board in 2015, having successfully seen the stock transfer through from beginning to end.

In his personal life, Mike was a keen historian and was also an avid flyer – running a flying school at Barton Airport.

He passed away last week at his home in Broomedge, aged 79.