By Neville Idour

In remembrance: Sir Michael Hill jeweller and golfer

Hello. Michael Hill, Jeweller.

If you are old enough you will surely remember some decades ago, his distinctive voice livening up our television screens with those succinct words of Michael Hill, jeweller, to introduce his marketing segments.

Michael would become a visionary, entrepreneur extraordinary, philanthropist and a devoted husband and father and the much loved founder of The Hills Golf Club at Arrowtown, near Queenstown, and its community. Not to forget the prestigious annual Michael Hill International Violin Competition which launched many a career.

Born in Whangarei in 1938, it is with much sadness that we learned of his death on Tuesday, July 29, after battling cancer since February.

For myself it is especially sad as my wife and I enjoyed the privilege of friendship with Sir Michael and his dear wife Christine. We enjoyed so many fun times on the course with Michael when we played at The Hills. He was no mean player even well into his 80s. Always striving to find golf’s holy grail he was delightful company. I will always remember his fondness for an early “mulligan” for any of our group after a bad tee shot. Then on occasion we would later enjoy a good meal together.

His positivity on the golf course was infectious as he would praise his partners good shots at every opportunity.

His life story is inspirational. It is well worth reading his books Toughen Up and Think Bigger. Then in later years he became an unquenchable cartoonist. His unique style of pencil sketching was quite brilliant. Several times I watched him draw a cartoon in a minute or two. It was breathtaking. His book of cartoons “Catch and Release” is the perfect coffee table book. He told me he would draw them whenever there was a dull moment at a board meeting or when he was on a flight on his many travels.

His vision transformed the 500-acre deer farm on the outskirts of Arrowtown into the premier club it is today as a sanctuary for its members. From the beginning, Michael was dedicated to creating an experience that reflected his love for people, the game of golf and the surroundings of Arrowtown's natural beauty. I well remember us sneaking in as the 200th and last members at the time, much to his amusement.

His unwavering commitment to excellence shaped The Hills into a highly sought after golfing destination. His appreciation for creativity and design, evident in the architecture and many amazing sculptures displayed around the course, make The Hills truly unique. His vision and passion for The Hills will continue, and his dedication to the protection and enhancement of the land, and the community spirit he fostered, will be his legacy.

Michael was much admired for his many wonderful qualities. For myself his humility was a standout.

He never carried himself with an air of “I’m somebody.” His mantra when speaking about his life was always “If I could do it, anyone with the right attitude can do it.”

As far as The Hills Golf Club was concerned his generosity, infectious enthusiasm and spontaneity garnered him love and admiration. His prescence around the clubhouse was always warm and encouraging. The members were like family.

One of his greatest golfing achievements was being very much involved in the 2007 rejuvenation of the New Zealand Open Championship which was tarnished by the Tiger Woods fiasco early in 2002. The Hills proved to be an inspirational choice and attracted large crowds to one of the world’s best courses for viewing a tournament.

Michael Glading, the New Zealand Open tournament director, said: “He left his mark on this world. His love of golf and his investment in the New Zealand Open was a game changer. I will always be grateful for the confidence he had in me and his ongoing friendship.''

Michael Hill International chairperson Rob Fyfe said: “He’s been a student his whole life. (At age) 86 sitting round the board table six months ago, he was still the most curious, most open minded, the one who was always looking for new ideas. He never had that air of I know it all, I’m always right. He always had the courage to follow his dreams. I’ve never met a person like him.”

Michael married Christine in 1965 and enjoyed and treasured a love affair and business partnership that lasted more than 60 years. He is survived by Christine and their two children Mark and Emma, and four adored grandchildren. An annual event in his name is to be introduced to the club’s calendar later this year to give members the opportunity to pay tribute to Michael Hill, jeweller.