The long-time chauffeur of Eric Morecambe - who moved to Eric's home town because he loved it so much - has passed away aged 79.
Mike Fountain worked as the legendary comedian's driver from 1969 until Eric's death in 1984.
Mike drove the comedian's legendary Rolls Royce, with the recognisable number plate of EM 100, taking the Morecambe-born TV star and his family to shows, rehearsals and trips all over the UK.
The two men were very close and Mike became a trusted family friend and confidant, as well as employee.
Mike was devoted to Eric, staying with him until the very end.
He was with him at his final show in May 1984, when the Morecambe and Wise star collapsed at a theatre after walking off stage. Eric died a few hours later in hospital aged just 58.
Mike grew to love Morecambe so much, he ended up moving there after his friend's death, saying he enjoyed feeling close to Eric.
Michael Fountain was born in Harpenden, Hertfordshire, on July 24 1942.
A former postman, he began working for Eric when he ran a private hire driving business in the town. The star, who also lived in Harpenden, would often pop into Mike's office to hire the company for driving jobs.
Mike first visited Morecambe when he drove Eric and his family up for the wedding anniversary of the comedians' parents, George and Sadie, in February 1969.
Later that year, Eric recommended Mike to the BBC when they were looking for a regular chauffeur for the comic after he'd suffered his first heart attack.
Mike was recruited on an initial 12-month contract, but Eric was so impressed that he later asked Mike to work for him full-time.
The two men spent hours together driving around the UK, during the height of Morecambe and Wise's television fame.
Eric's Rolls Royces were his pride and joy and it was Mike's job not only to drive them, but to keep them in top condition.
He also became responsible for looking after Eric and his comedy partner Ernie Wise's various stage props, including Charlie, the ventriloquist's dummy they used in their stage shows, and the comedy duo's bongo drums!
Mike also worked as the Morecambe family's chauffeur and would often take Eric, his wife Joan and children Gary, Gail and Steven out for trips, as well as on school runs, and was also their gardener and handyman.
Mike also got the chance to meet some of Eric's famous celebrity friends, like Harry Secombe and the cricketer Freddie Trueman, whenever Eric would sneak him into luncheons and other events!
He said he also had fond memories of meeting stars such as Sir Bruce Forsyth, Dame Judi Dench, Michael Crawford and Ronnie Barker.
Mike drove Eric and Joan to the comedian's final show, at The Roses theatre in Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire, on May 27 1984.
In his autobiography 'Driving Mr Morecambe: A Chauffeur's Story', Mike described the terrible moment when he gently cradled his old friend's head in his hands, looking after him until medical attention arrived, after he collapsed of a heart attack backstage after the show. He died the following morning.
Mike had grown to love Morecambe and knew one day that he would like to live in Eric's hometown.
He and his wife Lesley, and children Steven and Sara first moved to Morecambe in 1990.
Mike was often in-demand for interviews by the media whenever they were doing a story or TV documentary about Eric, including at the unveiling of the Eric Morecambe Statue in 1999, and participated in many local events connected to his friend over the years.
He launched his book about working for Eric, co-written by Paul Jenkinson, at an event at Morecambe Library in 2013.
"I remember with pride, love and respect the times I spent with Eric," he said in 'Driving Mr Morecambe'.
"It was a privilege and honour to have known him.
"The lovely thing is, I can still look out of my window any time and see him, still giving pleasure to so many visitors and fans."
A kind, friendly and gentle man, Mike will be very much missed by everyone who knew him.
Gail Stuart, Eric's daughter, writing in 'Driving Mr Morecambe', said that Mike "had a great sense of humour and a twinkle in his eye".
She said: "I am sure Dad would say that he was a very lucky man to have Mike as his driver, minder, props man and confidant, with him at the end."
Mike died peacefully in his sleep on Sunday morning after a brave battle with cancer.
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