Michael Hugh Southern

After twenty years of battling serious illnesses with quiet courage, determination, and humor Michael Hugh Southern passed away on Saturday evening, December 27, 2025 on his 70th birthday.

Born in Bristol, England, Mike was the eldest son of John Southern in Wales, and the late Joan (Forse) Southern. He is survived by his wife of 27 years, Anne Richards, his brothers Tim Southern and Chris Southern in Wales, Dave Southern in England, his niece and nephews. He is mourned and deeply missed by relatives, friends, and colleagues from around the world.

Mike emigrated to the United States in 1998 and became a naturalized citizen in Providence on June 26, 2006. He often spoke of it as the proudest moment of his life. Much as he missed friends and family in Britain he loved America and took every opportunity to explore the four corners of his adopted country.

Mike's career in internet technology began with a floppy disk and desktop computer in 1983 and continued until the time of his death. After he emigrated to the United States he worked for Cox Auto Trader Publications, and currently as a Publications Technical Specialist for the American Mathematical Society in Providence, RI.

Mike was a member of the Freemasons. He was Past Master of Charity Lodge No. 23 in 2016, 2022 and 2023, and was Chancellor of Collegivm Lvminosvm in 2018. Mike was also a member of Unity Chapter, Narragansett Council, Narragansett Commandery, Scottish Rite, Red Cross of Constantine, What Cheer York Rite College, Allied Masonic Degrees, Sword of Bunker Hill, Royal Order of Scotland, Frater and officer of the Rhode Island & Providence Plantations College SRICF.

Mike was a recipient of the Grand Lodge Distinguished Service Medal, the Grand Lodge Exemplary Service Medal with Gold Beehive, and the Grand Lodge Meritorious Service Medal. He was also an Associate Grand Chaplain for the Southern District of Rhode Island.

Of the many health care providers who aided Mike over the years his family would like to especially thank the nurses of The Westerly Hospital's Intensive Care Unit who cared for Mike in his final days with dignity, compassion, and good humor, as well as the visiting staff of Hope Hospice. Deepest thanks, as well, are extended to Mike's friends and colleagues who visited and were immeasurably helpful during his final days.

Mike's family would like to thank friends from around the world for their kind words and tributes. Among them these two seemed most fitting:

"He was a special man and he went out of this world leaving it a better place."

And, "I got to know Mike as the very definition of a man who 'shows up.' He would appear and quietly ask if help was needed and if it was would, again quietly and efficiently and without fanfare, just do it. He made a difference and his passing leaves a gaping hole. My heartfelt condolences to Anne and his family."

Memorial donations may be made in Mike's name to Mercy Chefs (www.MercyChefs.com), Stand Up For Animals (www.standupforanimals.org), Heifer International (www.Heifer.org), or the charity of your choice.

At Mike's request calling hours will be omitted. A graveside service and burial will be at the Phillips Memorial Cemetery in Foster, RI, later in the Spring. Arrangements are by the Buckler-Johnston Funeral home of Westerly, RI.