Having just realised I had not heard from Mick at Christmas I googled and came across this very sad news. My late mother Patricia Johnson nee Summers had a close bond with Mick's late mother Nina and continued the connection with Mick until her death. I carried on this connection corresponding with Mick each Christmas. Mick used to update us on his heritage work and the changes to Invercargill. I am very sad to learn of Mick's passing. Rest in Peace Mick.

Your knowledge and insight to Southland ' s built heritage is irreplaceable and we shall feel your presence around our table for a long time. It wasn't just what you knew, it was how you shared it that made you precious to us.

RIP Mick and thanks for all your input for proposed works, additions, and alterations, at the Rest Home in Roxburgh, the ideas, plans and time we spent sorting stuff on site together, you have been a great friend and time with you was always a "blast" with lots of laughs as well as the serious stuff. Jack Sheehan

Mick was a neighbour of our family in Hardy Street over 45 years ago. I remember him as a lovelyy man with an immaculate home and garden which was the pride of our neighbourhood. RIP Mick

Mick has been a wonderful Uncle & Friend to me , my husband and our Family. We have many special memories of him in our lives over the years. He gave us great advice, always kind & caring and helpful to others. It is a privilege to have had him in our lives. We miss him but are richer for knowing him RIP Mick Mairi

The Greenhills Historic Church was very grateful for the input, advice and guidance given by Mr Hesselin over many years. It was much appreciated.

I had a chance meeting with Mick several years ago during which he connected me to my birthplace history and opened a door of curiosity that helped to bring me back to my roots. A lovely, engaging man who kindly introduced himself to me when he could have anonymously melted into the crowd and left me none the wiser. Thank you Mick. Rest in Peace.

Mick a real man's man ,please accept and convey my condolences . Paul mckay

Such a real gentleman and lovely friend to Uncle Tom. Will miss our chats at the coffee shop. RIP Mick

RIP Mick - always enjoyed our chats at supermarket - such a gentleman and font of knowledge.

Thank you Mick for your kind thoughtfulness to us over the years. We already miss you such a unique character. I could have done with more time to share your family history knowledge.

We are so sorry to learn of Mick’s death this morning. We have many fond memories of him especially our friendship which began in Wellington Street.