Michael HYDE Obituary

I know 7 years has passed but i stumbled across this page by accident today. If this message ever reaches Mike's family I want you to know I met Mike when he came on as the new Manager at NB Riccarton back in the late 90s.
we got on extremely well and I enjoyed working with the NB team lead by Mike. He was full of enthusiasm and nothing was a problem! Mike was instrumental in helping our small mortgage business grow. Mike Pero Mortgages went from one office to dozens of offices across NZL. To this day I still think about Mike and his passion for work and play. I was amazed to see him head off on the journey around Australia. At the time, I thought it was so left field! Good on him. I had to just say that even with the passage of time he will be in the minds of all his friends and family. RIP Mike!

Mike was the most amazing man and gentleman to work with - I still think of him all these years later and appreciated him as a great guy and mentor. It was with great sadness a few years ago I heard of his passing.

Honered to be an aquantance,proud to call him friend, owe that man so much

I am proud to say Mike is my older brother.
He was the leader and organiser of us 4 kids growing up and that never stopped into adult life! He would do anything,anywhere to help and support people with a smile always.
He had a wonderful heart and is sadly missed by all that knew him.He packed so much into his 58 years and leaves a family that will miss him forever.
I expect he'll be up in heaven organising a quiz or games evening for those that want one.
I will love him and think of him always.

Mike , you were always the leader of us kids, whether making up games , organizing dishes rosters or diddling us out of our pocket money.
Our lives have gone down separate paths since then yet the family bond and love never diminished.
Reading and hearing the tributes to you from your work colleagues , friends and even people who never met you but were touched by your kindness has made me realise you are without doubt "one of the good guys".
I am so proud of you for what you have achieved , you certainly left no stone unturned.
Thankfully we had the opportunity to say farewell to each other , I'll never forget our last goodbye , a special moment between us.

I am Mike's mother and would like to record how very, very proud I am of my eldest son. From a confident and happy boy he evolved into a fine, talented man. He achieved so much with his wide range of abilities and touched the lives of many people with his easy, friendly manner. Michael will dwell in my heart forever - his "Mum"

I have just heard of the sad news about mike,his book was the inspiration to do the lap of oz in 2014 with myself and two friends ,he followed us around on our trip via spot tracker and kept in touch via email the whole trip, I organised a book signing at ashburton fire brigade where he entertained us all night with his pictures and great stories.reading his books inspired me to get out on my bike more and explore,you will be sadly missed mike.my condolences to all the family.ride on mr tt.

Although unheard I thank you
For always being there
Even when you were busy
You always seemed to care

You meant so much to all of us
you were special and that's no lie
you brightened up the darkest day
and even the greyest sky

Many tears I have seen and cried
They have all poured out like rain
I know that you are happy now
Cause you're no longer in pain.

I remember you
And what you used to say
You made each of us smile
And live to the fullest each day

They say in time it gets easier
I believe this is true
But even after time
I still don't have a clue why it happened to you

I was not ready to say goodbye
Your disease just over took.

A friend who is not forgotten is never gone
they are just in the other room

Our friendship is forever
Until death, did we part
Although you're away physically
You're always in my heart.

Ride on Mike we will catch up you later.

I had the privilege to work with Mike twice; firstly in the National Bank where he was a highly popular Branch Manager and years later we met again at Christchurch Airport. The signature moustache, droll manner, energy and intelligence still evident. Mike had special qualities that made him a natural leader, his humour always nearby and given free reign in the TT series. As a fellow motorcyclist I can only begin to imagine what went on inside that helmet on those long road trips. He had a mind that I considered to be bordering on genius, a man far too clever for the constraints of a Corporate world. My sincere condolences to Mikes family.

Working with Mike & the team he lead at the NB Riccarton were the best years of my working life, which now span quite some time. He was an inspirational leader and had a working environment second to none. My sincere sympathies to Sandra, Robert & Sophie for your loss. He crammed a lot in to his life which has ended far too soon.

" Ride beyond the rainbows and drift above the sky"
God speed Mike

Mike blew into our lives like a whirlwind in the late 1970's, bowling over not only my sister, Sandy, but the rest of her family too!

The chances of Mike and Sandy ever meeting had been slim - he being from New Zealand and she from England but a happy quirk of fate brought them together in Scotland and a relationship that was to endure for over 30 years began.

Following their wedding in England in September 1982 Mike and Sandy returned to New Zealand to begin their married lives together.

Their children, Robert and Sophie arrived in 1987 and 1989, respectively and Mike relished his new role as a father, ensuring his children enjoyed lives filled with adventure, imagination and love. As they grew to adulthood, his pride in them was obvious and he would positively sparkle when talking about them.

Mike touched so many lives, as a son, brother, husband, father, friend, mentor, coach, boss....the list goes on and on.

He was taken far too soon and will be greatly missed by all of us but his was a life well lived and a life lived to the max, and that provides solace as we go on without him.

It was a privilege and a pleasure to be a part of that life.

Rest in peace, Mike.

My wonderful big brother - so many precious memories of our childhood together, full of laughter and the games and activities you organised for me and Geoff and Stephen. It was never dull or boring living with you! An amazing son, brother, husband and father. You touched so many lives, Mike, our precious memories of you will never fade, you live on in our hearts forever. "Ride hard Mr TT" I love you so much. xxxx

Dear Sandy,

My name is Geoff Mason and I am a friend of Lance's. I met Mike somewhere in cyber-space several years ago, I cannot remember where though, for as you know he had a presence right around the globe' in more way's than one !

I travelled North America in 2010 where I met Lance in Montana and also another of Mike's many contacts, Scott in Reno Nevada who introduced me to Mike's USA edition. A great book that helped get my head around the American psyche and their country !

How the hell did you meet this guy ! Was he ever at home ? He had too many friends, visited too many countries and obviously stuffed an aweful lot into 58 years. Mike left a legacy to the world and you and your children should be very proud.

Never sit still.

Thoughts with you all at this sad time. Mike was a wonderfully funny, caring, genuine guy, and I know how highly Dad, Mum and others down here thought of him. This has hit us all so hard, though of course this cannot compare to your loss. Be strong, and take care, Kia Kaha
Rest in Peace Mike

To Sandy, Robert, Sophie and all of Mike's extended family. It is of great sadness that we have heard of Mike's passing. Mikes passion, stories, smile and hearty laugh made him a very valued, popular and well liked colleague.
Our thoughts go out to you all at this very sad time.
All the team from Christchurch International Airport

Rest easy Mike. You were a great role model and inspirational leader. You have positively influenced many people in all aspects of their personal and work life. The world needs more people like you. You will be sadly missed by all.

I'm very shocked to hear of Mike's passing away.I loved his books and especially appreciated Mike's reply to my email telling him how much I enjoyed them and his zany sense of humor.
Rest in peace mate.
Ray Malone
Taupo

Uncle Michael made a huge impact on everyone he met, such a hilarious, genuine, energetic and inspiring guy. So proud to tell any motorcycle enthusiast that I've met, about his adventures, rallies and books. So many great memories. Gone way to soon, but wherever you have ended up Uncle Michael I bet it's a hell of a lot interesting now and your already casing the joint for back roads to ride on two wheels! Thoughts and condolences are with Aunty Sandy, Robert and Sophie. I can't wait to give you all a big hug tomorrow. You all have a tonne of support out there.

Mike, our tirelessly enthusiastic and energetic author. We're shocked and saddened by this news. We're sorry we won't get to publish your fourth Twisting Throttle classic now, but you've left a great legacy with your classic TT books. Our thoughts and condolences to Sandy and your ever patient family. Ride on Mike! With love from team at HarperCollins New Zealand.

Mike was an inspiration. He was honest, hard-working, generous all while being the most hilarious person I've ever met. A role-model through and through.

Mike, down south here we very much enjoyed your presentations at Bike Week and to the Wakatipu Motorcycle Club. Your humour was great! The humour and your natural good-will always came through strongly when we met, and in your phone calls and emails. This morning I re-read your encouraging note to me in your TTNZ book, my mission now is to complete all 50 rides in your memory.. Very sad that you have gone so young. Chris Eden

Thank you for all these lovely comments. We have just found this page. It's overwhelming to know how highly everyone thought of my Dad.

Mike, I was proud to be your publisher, and to help bring Twisting Throttle to an unsuspecting world. Your mates at the old HarperCollins are sharing the news right now - and we cannot believe you're gone, you lovely, funny, irrepressible, clever and talented man. Every time I hear the roar of a motorbike pass my gate I think of you - and as your editor, I refuse to think of you in the past tense. My heartfelt sympathy to Sandy and your family, and thank you to them for sharing a part of you. Twist that throttle one more time dear friend, and go roaring off into the sunset...

My love and thoughts are with you, Sandy, Robert and Sophie, as you mourn and celebrate the incomparable Mike. I worked with mike on his TT books, as his editor, and grew enormously fond of this funny, bright, loving guy. I will never look at a nectarine again without thinking of Mike. Love to you all and to the memory of a one-in-a-million man. Heartbroken to hear the news of his passing. Much love, Kate

You have inspired so many to get out and go I was lucky enough to meet and have a beer with you. A great New Zealander for sure

Mike was an absolute gentlemen and a great guy. I shared a day with him riding and had a hoot. His books are are great read and really funny. I am proud to call him a mate. RIP Mike. You will be sadly missed.

Mike my friend I'm at a loss for words, your smile and laugh I'll carry with me forever, ride on Dr Throttle. Sandy, Robert, and Sophie it's just so unfair, our thoughts are with you.

Have loved and enjoyed every one of Mike's books. His writing has always been informative and inspirational mixed with his special blend of humour that brought a smile to every page.

Mike. I will miss trying to stump you with pictures from around the country. Thanks for showing me many new places and tracks. Condolences to Sandy and Family

If it wern't for you Mike, my wife many not have been so accepting of my mid life crisis. We will ride your top 50 NZ rides knowing you will be looking down on us!! A pleasure knowing a great Kiwi Bloke

Mike was such a funny guy...loved his quick wit and funny antics when we worked at National Bank Dunedin. The world is all the emptier for your departure. Peace and love from us to the family.

To Sandy, Sophie, Robert and Mike's family. Really sorry to hear the news. The TT2000's, his books and our riding together were truly inspiring.

Mike you inspired me to ride more and look at the other side of life loved your sense of humour and fantastic books .A big loss my thoughts are with you all at this sad time. Trevor Holland ZRX1200

RIP Mike condolences to the family. You inspired us to ride around Australia in 2010, offering ideas and support. Loved all your books. A big loss.

We only meet once. I am really sorry to hear the news. Thanks for the great rides in TTNZ. RIP

Thanks Mike - for the good reads, the events and for being you. I did not know you for long, but feel I knew you well. Ride on.

Sad news of Mike's death, he was an inspirational person to work with and always willing to help others. A sad loss. Deepest sympathy to the Hyde Family.

RIP Mike Hyde. Bill Bryson on two wheels. I loved your writing, was amazed at your feats of endurance and chortled at your sense of humour.

Mike - you were the neatest,Whittiest trickster I have had the privilege to work with , ride with and to call a friend, I'm going to miss you mate ! ..Dave F

enjoyed your books, you had a fun life.thanks for making me laugh. Was waiting for your book TWISTING THROTTLE ANTARCTICA

To Sandy, Sophie, Robert and loved family of Mike. It is with heart breaking news that we heard of Mike's passing. Sending you all strength, love and support during this very sad and devastating time. Mike could never be forgotten, nor could you forget the immense love he had for his family. With much love Julian and Wendy

Sorry to read of Mike's death, he was well respected and always willing to help others. Deepest sympathy to the Hyde family. Regards Chris O'Dea (ex National Bank)

I never got to meet you Mike however you have influenced myself and others to Twist the Throttle and Ride. Thank you.
Greg Barrett ( Christchurch)

RIP Mike. Very sad to hear this news. Hope you find new territories to ride and explore for ever.

So sorry to read of Mikes death, he was a wonderful colleague and friend during my time at the National Bank. Thinking of you all Rosalind Weaver, Tauranga

Miss you Mike.Rich

It was with sadness that I heard of Mike's passing. He was a fantastic speaker for us at Bike Week in 2014. Ride in Peace Mike.