Friday, 24-06-11 15:19

Hi Melissa & Sarah - I am so sorry to learn so late about your Dear Dad and our hearts go out to you and family. He was a very special person and Brother to all of us, and we know that He is in a safe place. You are not alone as our warmest thoughts are with you. I hope you do remember us Liz Tony & Roland, we met when you visited our home with Roland & Richard Rogers in Sutton-Sy, and we went to Heysbridge for a meeting. We would love to hear from you please contat us asap.
LOTS OF LOVE
PACE FAMILY 

Thursday, 26-05-11 05:08

Sorry and rather shocked to hear this news. I last met Michael at Hannover in 2008 when all the global Control Engineering editors got together. Definitely one of the brand names in our little industry. 

Thursday, 05-05-11 10:20

I first met Michael in the late eighties, when I was a publisher with the IML group, of process and control engineering magazines, and he was editor of Control Engineering Europe.
He had come to England with his family, from the States, to specifically launch and edit  the European edition of the American magazine Control Engineering. The market in Europe was rapidly developing in the field of plant automation, control and instrumentation, and Micheal's knowledge of the field, and his insatiable appetite to question and probe the various technologies offered by the equipment, component and systems providers, created one of the finest information platforms for process and OEM plant operators. Whenever there was a product launch, an exhibition, or any important press function, Michael was there. He was alway first on the list of all the leading automation providers.
When, in the Autumn of 2003, Reed Business Publishing decided to close CEE, as it was seemingly unprofitable, I immediately contacted Michael to see if we could save the magazine. We met for breakfast, and a plan developed where we were able to approach Reed and complete a deal to publish the magazine under licence. More importantly, we were able to bring a first-class editor into the IML Group, and enable him to continue to edit the premier European title he so loved.
Michael truly understood the technologies of automation and control, and earned the highest respect from both providers and users. He enjoyed the business of meeting people, interviewing the movers and shakers, and providing 'a good read' for the whole market place.
Since his passing away, I have discovered the other side of Michael - his family, his friends and his unshakable faith in his God. He rarely shared anything about his life in Swansea, where he lived throughout his time with IML.Talking to his family at his funeral I found out that he was a powerful speaker at religious meetings, particularly in the areas of the Armageddon and the Creation. Whilst he never shared his religious views with his business friends and associates, he never talked with his friends and family at home about what he did "up in the attic with his books and computers."
Whilst he was a consummate professional in his work as editor, he was also fun to be with, and enjoyed the company of all of his colleagues, whether in advertising, editorial or production.
He was always saying how grateful he was that we, at IML, had saved him from redundancy in his twilight years, but I hope that Michael realised that one of our main reasons for acquiring CEE was that we were able to work with one of the finest editors in technical engineering. It was always said in publishing that the magazine is more important than the editor, and Michael may just have pushed that rule to its limits.
Whilst I may have only known the business side of Michael, it was a side that I was truly privileged and honoured to have worked with.
Peter Whitfield, Past publisher of Control Engineering Europe 

Wednesday, 20-04-11 05:47

Michael was one of the best journalists I've ever worked with. But most of all he was a great man. I haven't had the chance to meet with him in person that many times but still keep some very fond memories of him... like the time he wanted me to explain him how Twitter worked. :) it was funny seeing a man with his knowledge asking me about that... but that also made me realize what a cool person he was. I will really miss you, Michael.

Wednesday, 20-04-11 05:47

Michael was one of the most upright and decent people I have come across in my career. He will be missed dearly. I am still in shock.