Dear Jenni and family, our heartfelt sympathy for your loss. It was an honour to attend today, the tributes to a much cherished husband, father, grandfather and colleague, were both funny and heartwarming. We first got to know Mike when our, then, teenage daughters became inseparable. Thank you for sharing Saskia, trusting us with her safety on her first 4 day tramp and subsequently, being the ‘trusted’ parents, hosting the adolescent overnighters that came later. Mike’s ‘night before pancake prep’ has become legendary. Not long after Mike became involved in the care of our somewhat mercurial Aunty Jean. It took Mike just one home visit to connect-the-dots between her love of birds and interstitial lung disease. A diagnosis that had eluded others. At age 90, getting shot of the birds was never going to fly and Mike knew it. Forever grateful for ‘a care plan’ led by the heart. Jenni we’ve enjoyed watching your family grow and know they will bring happiness and strength in the months and years ahead. With love Julie & Peter

Dear Ball family, I only worked with Mike for one year but in that time I really appreciated his excellent knowledge and pragmatic approach to geriatrics, as well as his warm cheerful, kind personality. It was lovely to hear the tributes to him at his funeral and see all the people his life has impacted. Im praying for God’s comfort for you all as you mourn him.

To Jenni and the Ball Family, our condolences to you all at the passing of Mike to be with Jesus. Our hearts go out to you as you navigate this season together in faith. Our families have connected through school and church over the years. Mike was an amazing blessing and a tower of strength when we had close family members in hospital. He offered guidance and support in a reassuring and positive way in stressful times. Our prayers are with you all. Cheryl & Nick Dalgety and Family.

Jenni, Saskia, Jono, David and family, Thank you for sharing your beloved Mike with us. I have been forever impacted by his generous encouragement, support and wisdom. He had a way of lifting others up, and offering an unassuming, yet powerful respect to all who crossed his path, be it colleague, patient, friend or passer-by. Never too busy to share his computer-like brain (as mentioned below) and experience with a puzzled GP, he helped myself and many colleagues come away feeling we had a solid, medically sound, and compassionate plan to offer our patients. In a world that seems increasingly hostile and divided, he demonstrated how to hold the tensions of science and faith, how to advocate for those who don't have power, and how to offer a listening ear to those who thought differently than him, all with a gracious hospitality and kind humour. Thank you. And much love to you all from myself, Damian and family

Dear Mike, I'm so saddened by your death. You first touched our lives in 2015 when my late partner David had a stroke and was transferred from ICCU to the Medical Unit and then AT&R under your care. What an amazing, supportive, patient and effective physician you were. Then again David was helped by Jono at ED in December 2024. Rest in peace, dear Mike. My deepest condolences to Jenni and the whole family. Stefi Late Patient's partner

Mike was a constant source of profound kindness and warmth throughout my life. I first knew Mike during my intermediate and college years, often having breakfast in my mum's office in ATR. I'll always remember him popping his head around as I was making toast. Even as a troubled teen, I could always feel his genuine kindness, and he always took the time to chat. That steady, thoughtful presence meant the world to me. Years later, I was so comforted when our paths crossed again as we were both working on the wards. Mike was always busy, but he never failed to stop to check in and say hello. His friendly face was always a welcome sight during a hectic workday. It was clear how highly regarded he was by everyone around him, and he also made such a lasting and positive impact on my mum's own work. I'm so glad the last time I saw him, he greeted me with a big hug. He will be dearly missed by many. Sending my love, prayers and deepest condolences to his whānau.

Dear Jenni and family, It was such a privilege to know Mike. He was such an inspiration when I first met him at PMH in 1996 when embarking on my geriatric medicine career. It was always a pleasure catching up with him at meetings. He always had such a common sense approach to things. I bumped into him whilst we were both in the radiation therapy waiting room in 2021 and then and in the times I saw him since he continued to face his challenges with pragmatism and optimism. He was always very proud of his family. He will be missed. Ngā mihi Nui Val Fletcher

Dear Jenni and family. I was so sad to hear of Mike’s passing. I have such fond memories of him both at work and on the football sidelines. He was kind and caring, a wonderful person. With lots of love from our family to yours.

How do you say farewell to such an extroverted, happy, optimistic bundle of fun? I was there in ATR when he arrived, and suddenly, everyone was smiling as this caring fountain of energy bounced onto the ward, full of positivity. He was also very smart in a diagnostic sense, and was able to sort out difficult problems in his patients and he would leave them with a smile or a joke, and the patients were suddenly electrified, sat up in bed, or went for a walk! I was a "stop-gap" MO until Mike arrived to work as full-time Geriatrician with Rob Blackbeard. He got on so well with Rob and all the staff, but his main attribute was the intelligent and caring management of his patients. It was a privilege to work alongside such a magnificent doctor. JIM

So sorry for your loss, we never got to meet Mike but we have heard great things about him. So awesome to know that he is in the presence of the Lord. God bless you all Xx

Mike, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your whanau. You were one of my first heroes in medicine when I started in Nelson as a junior doctor. I wanted to be just like you! Calm compassion, mixed with superb care, always putting the patient first. You always had time, for patients and colleague alike. You touched so many people. Your life was too short, but boy did you make it count. As Hilary says, you "walked the walk". You are an inspiration mate. Thank you. James

Rest in peace Michael - you will always be in our thoughts xx

Mike, you were a fine friend and colleague and a kind and caring physician. Thank you so much for your outstanding contributions in Nelson and Christchurch and other units. Love, comfort and kind wishes to Jenni and the family. God Bless

I am so very sorry for your loss and my thoughts and prayers are with you all. Mike was such a wonderfully talented all rounder with such a positive view of the world. He excelled in all he did. In my contact with Mike at work in Christchurch, he was an excellent physician and passionate about the care of his patients. He was always kind, caring and always went the extra mile. He had a lovely friendly manner and always had a kind word about everyone. Mike was a great colleague and will be greatly missed by all who knew him. John Thwaites Christchurch

Dear Mike became a good friend quickly when we moved to Nelson. He was always interested and interesting. Caring. Enquiring. Loving. A wonderful conversationalist. We respected his deep faith and always loved to hear him pray. We remember well the quiz night we won together. We remember the lovely conversations we shared at Habitat whilst he was volunteering. We are deeply sad at Mike’s passing and will miss him terribly. We have the hope of the resurrection and know that one day we will share eternal fellowship together with the Lord. Our condolences and love to Jenni and all the family. Ken & Carol.

Mike, thanks for sharing your expertise, guidance, interests, and humour on countless themes over the years. A gentleman who truly ‘walked the walk.’ My deepest sympathies to his family

So sorry to hear! What a true gentleman. Kind and caring giving his all to his patients and colleagues. Truly missed. Thoughts and prayers to the family x

I am so sorry that Mike has died. It is rare to meet such a consummate optimist, so kind, so practical a person all rolled into one. I have phoned him for advice from general practice many times and he was always encouraging, cheerful, thoughtful and would come up with the most satisfactory and practical next step. Mike, you will be missed so much. Thank you for sharing that optimism, your smile and your kindness so freely. To Mike's family, thank you for sharing him.

Heartfelt condolences for your loss.Mike was a wonderful communicator and caring person.He spoke fondly of his family and all the things that he loved doing.He always had a smile.Take care of yourselves x

I am saddened to hear of Mike’s passing. He was always approachable and willing to share is immense knowledge. I am very grateful for the support he gave me. My condolences to all his family. Rest in peace Mike.

I'm so sorry for your loss. I admired Mike's natural ability to connect and focus on the things that truly matter to others. A humble and skilled practitioner who was an inspiration to us all.

Mike was a very kind, considerate and thoughtful neighbour. His cheery smile , greeting and then stopping to chat with people on the street as he made his way down the road brightened many a day. Derek was particularly touched by his visits. We were impressed by Mike's acceptance of his illness, how he carried on much as normal and still planned ahead to make his death easier for others. I'm sure you will find comfort in being together as a family recalling all the celebrations and family events you shared.

Mike was so kind. I was lucky enough to work with him as a student nurse many years ago. His gentleness and compassion toward the elderly was inspiring, he was never phased by difficult situations and always kept the people affected at the forefront of his mind. Thank you, Mike, for your generous and selfless contribution to your community, you will be missed greatly.

I’m so sorry that this great man has died. His compassion for the elderly was exemplary. His memory for his patients was computer like. He would easily recall all aspects and details of a patient based on their address. He was my boss when I was a new doctor, and as such I have even more respect for him. I have such admiration for him as a clinician and as a colleague.. Love to you Jono and your family.