Michael Cross

Michael William Cross, 73 of Thaxton, died Thursday, September 1, 2011.   Born April 7, 1938 in Stoke-On-Trent, Straffordshire, England, he was the only son of the late William Arthur Cross and Nellie Barcroft Cross. He was educated in English private schools and subsequently received a Master\"™s Degree from Oxford University. His love of education led him to teaching and headmaster positions throughout the world including Darjeeling, Uruguay, El Salvador, Colombia and the United Arab Emirates. During school holidays he led hiking and mountain treks including climbing above the 18,000 foot level of Mount Everest with Sir Edmund Hillary\"™s celebrated Sherpa, Tenzing Norgay.Michael served in the British Royal Navy during the Icelandic Cod Wars and achieved the rank of Lt. Commander. He led a full and rich life bolstered by his superb intellect and quick wit. Quite the raconteur, Michael was warm, witty, worldly and wise.After Michael settled in Bedford, he gave unselfishly of his time and talents in supporting his Church, St. John\"™s Episcopal, and programs that enriched the lives of others. He served as Board Member and Chair of the Bedford Free Clinic, Bedford Christian Ministries and the Bedford Christian School. He was Director of Development for the Bedford Community Health Foundation from 2004-2011 and was instrumental in the formation of the Bedford Ride, Bedford Christian Free Clinic and Bedford Hospice House.Even as Michael\"™s health failed, he and Carol continued to host family, friends, and colleagues from around the world, many of whom were former students who had become lifelong friends.He is survived by his loving wife, Carol Ochoa Cross. Michael and Carol had made their church home at St. John\"™s where both have served faithfully. Michael as a member of the Vestry, Senior Warden, Junior Warden, Outreach Committee Chair, Adult Forum Teacher, and delegate of several councils of the Diocese of Southwestern Virginia.A celebration of Michael\"™s life and faith will be held Saturday, September 10, 2011 at 2 p.m. at St. John\"™s Episcopal Church, Bedford, with the Right Rev. F. Neff Powell, Celebrant, the Rev. Wilson Brown officiating and the Rev. G. T. Mustard assisting. The family will receive friends on Friday, September 9, from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. in the Parish Hall of St. John\"™s. Final resting place will be St. John\"™s Episcopal Church Columbarium.Memorial contributions may be made to St. John\"™s Episcopal Church, 314 North Bridge St, Bedford, VA 24523 or the Bedford Community Health Foundation, P.O. Box 1104, Bedford, VA, VA 24523To send condolences online please visit www.obituaries.tharpfuneralhome.com. Arrangements by Tharp Funeral Home and Crematory, Bedford, 586-3443.