In the days following the passing of Michael, one phrase kept popping up – Renaissance Man. With Michael's fascination with innovation and technology, he was interested and involved in a myriad of activities – Orthopedics, Meccano, clock making, sailing, flying, painting and so much more.
He sailed in the 1976 Cape to Rio Yacht Race and if one thinks about it, all the elements of sailing – the wide oceans, the elements of danger, the navigation – this was before the invention of SATNAV - the respect, camaraderie and shared humor between fellow sailors – it is easy to understand what the appeal was to Michael.
In 1973, while still living in Cape Town, Michael volunteered his orthopedic expertise and worked at Tel Hashomer Hospital in the aftermath of the Yom Kippur war. This was followed almost a decade later when he worked at Haifa's Rambam Hospital during the 1982 Lebanon war.
On retirement from his orthopedic practice in Israel, Michael organized a Technology Travel Club, which he ran for several years. This was perhaps the best vehicle he had to demonstrate his enthusiasm for the developing technology sector in Israel – long before anyone used the phrase "Start-up Nation". There were outings to see at first-hand, industries, often on Israel's kibbutzim and high tech facilities, even occasionally visiting closed military sites for which he arranged special entry permits. These tours were combined with visits to beautiful nature reserves and historical sites.
We thank him for his love and for enriching our lives with his encyclopedic knowledge and his many interests. He is greatly missed by me, his wife, and all his loving family.