Michael Forwood Wessel was born in 1937 in Santiago, Chile of English parents and over the course of his life’s amazing journey lived on three continents. He is one of three children of Alice and Peter Wessel of London England, as well as two half siblings. Michael was raised in and around London, England and became an officer in the British Royal Navy, attending the Naval college at Dartmouth. After retiring, he gained a seminary education.
He left the seminary and married his first wife Pat Cunliffe, who was terminally ill at the time, but Michael loved her through her final days and loved her four children Jeremy Dike, Amanda Dike, Frances Franklin, and Yeshe Palmo.
Michael was then married to Sonya Chassell for 22 years, enjoying beautiful experiences in both the U.K. and U.S. They moved to Massachusetts in 1990 and became well-loved hosts of Summerhill Farm Bed and Breakfast.
Sonya passed away in 2002, survived by her three children Cathy Drumm, Kelty Caston, and Ross Caston.
In 2004 Michael married Sheila Barry and they lived in Pittsfield.
Sheila passed away in 2018 and she is survived by two daughters Jennifer Barry and Elizabeth Morgan.
Michael was an avid craftsman, with excellent carpentry and building skills.
He enjoyed art and music, taking full advantage of all the Berkshires have to offer.
Most of all Michael will forever be known as a remarkably kind, generous and charitable man. He has had an impact on so many people around the world because of his stunningly gentle spirit and joyful laugh. Even the doctors and nurses were affected by his true kindness.
Michael’s half-sister Jubi Thompson passed in 2020. He is survived by his brother Christopher Wessel, sister Helen Wessel Moultrup, half-brother Stephen Wessel, and his nine step children.
There will be a memorial service scheduled at a later date at the convenience of Michael’s family. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations in Michael’s memory may be made to the Unitarian Universalist Church in care of the Roche Funeral Home, 120 Main Street, Lenox, MA 01240.
To share memories and stories please visit the website of Roche Funeral Home.
