Globally renowned jewellery tycoon dies aged 86
The millionaire entrepreneur and philanthropist was born in New Zealand in 1938, mere months before the outbreak of World War II.
According to a memoriam statement posted by Michael Hill International Limited, Sir Michael's first love was music.
'As a young man, he dreamt of becoming a concert violinist, however – at just 17 – he was told he had started too late to reach the pinnacle of his craft,' a spokesman wrote.
Sir Michael was raised in Whangarei, on New Zealand's North Island, where he attended Whangarei Boys' High School until he was 16, at which point he elected to drop out.
'Forced to reconsider his future, he pivoted into the world of jewellery, joining his uncle's family-owned store in New Zealand.'
Shortly after founding his own business alongside his wife Christine in 1979, Sir Michael decided they should expand into the Australian market.
'What began as a job soon became a passion. Sir Michael had a natural gift for storytelling, a keen eye for visual merchandising and an instinct for attracting customers and a gift for selling,' the spokesman said.
'He won international awards for his window displays and revolutionised the store's advertising with bold, unconventional campaigns.'
Michael Hill Chairman Rob Fyfe said Michael brought a 'deep sense of purpose' and an 'enduring curiosity, open-mindedness and creativity' to everything he did.
Sir Michael is survived by his wife, Lady Christine and their two children.
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