In early 1994 I submitted my PhD thesis proposal for admission to Monash Faculty of Arts. My proposal was on the Vietnamese literature. At that time I didn’t know in which department the proposal would end up and was considered. One morning Michael Clyne phoned me. He introduced himself and gave me a very brief on code-switching topic. He gave me an appointment with him to ‘further discuss’ the topic. He convinced me to change my research topic into language contacts through counsel and friendship. That was how I became Michael’s student. We met fortnightly since then until he agreed for me to submit my thesis in late 1996. I learned a lot from the way he commented (orally and written) on my writing. He put questions such as ‘why do you put these words into quotation marks’, ‘why italics’, or ‘this is not academic writing, it’s a phrase often used in short stories’. His humble teaching style is with me whenever I am with my students. I recall at an evening reception at Monash for him to receive the Austrian Cross of Honour, the then Monash VC called him ‘a lion’. We all lost our much loved lion. But the lion will never truly be gone. His passion for a tolerant and multilingual society still echoes.

I had the rare privilege of being a fellow student of Michael’s all the way through secondary school German classes at Caulfield Grammar. I remembered him as an incredibly talented, knowledgeable and enthusiastic student, who was nevertheless modest and self-effacing and with a warm, and engaging interest in everyone with whom he had contact. As often happens, we lost contact over the years, until 2008, when I had the privilege of catching up with him again for a delightfully reminiscent chat at Monash. Even though I was aware of his formidable achievements as a world authority in the study of language and linguistics-guess what? Michael had not changed a bit! With all of those wonderful, disarming and endearing qualities that he possessed, It was a privilege to have known him.

As a secondary school teacher of English to immigrant and refugee people, I was so lucky to have the benefit of Michael's work and wisdom, to hear some of his presentations and to read his publications. His membership and contributions to our Victorian Association of TESOL and Multicultural Education were vital and much appreciated. I was also a student in his fascinating unit on Bilingualism, Language Ecology and Ethnic Groups at Monash in 1975. I will never forget how, when he was suddenly hospitalized for serious emergency surgery, he recorded seminars on audiocassette for us. The tapes not only consisted of his input, but he also conducted discussion and acknowledged our participation. The cassettes were so carefully thought out and set up in what must have been a frightening time for him, it was almost as if he were there in his room with us. A most wonderful, wonderful teacher and colleague in joint endeavours in educational and social advocacy! My sincere condolences to Irene and Joanna.

Unlike other people, I didn't know the "academic" Michael. Michael was a fellow parishioner at St. Stephen and St. Mary Mt Waverley. He was wonderful to share stories with, a great listener (and talker!), and someone whose faith mattered deeply to him. I will miss you Michael. xx

Michael made my days at Monash a joy - not just because he was a brilliant linguist and so obviously passionate about his subject, but he was such a wonderful listener. I remember being particularly thrilled to meet someone who shared my interest in Scandinavian languages! He continues to inspire me today. Australia is a better place thanks to him and poorer for his passing.

His counsel was invaluable but more than that, his capacity to be a human being. He was so kind, so warm and so engaged. Each meeting was memorable. He inspired deep respect but even more so, affection. A great man.

Nearly 40 years ago, a chance meeting between my dad and Michael in the Staff Club at Monash led to my learning German and inspired a lifetime love of the German language and culture. Sixteen years or so later, I was on a train from Berlin to Goettingen and struck up a conversation with another passenger, who was fascinated to hear that I was from Australia. "Tell me," he said, "Where is Clayton?" "That's easy," I replied, "I go to University there." Michael was, of course, our two-degrees-of-separation link. These days, it's *my* children who are learning German.

I first met Michael in 1958. He was all that others have said about him - kind, modest and the rest, also so erudite, so knowlegeable about especially Germanic languages and I have fond memories of his individual birthday poems written in Middle High German! His like will not be seen again. Leb wohl, Michael.

Fond memories of Michael as a fellow student at Caulfield Grammar School in the 1950's, fellow musicians in the school orchestra, visitng Michael at his parents' home in Armadale, where we listened to 78" music sound recordings, being served tea and biscuits by Michael's mother. I remember being astonished at Michael's fluency in spoken German in Dr. Samuel Billigheimer's German classes at CGS. From afar I admired his subsequent illustrious career. A fine man who has made such a great contribution to Australia and to linguistics overall.

I feel indeed privileged to have spoken to Michael at the Golden Guru Awards about my proposed research in Italy. He knows me only slightly as a face from MLTAV but he generously offered his email and any help or advice he could give me. A wonderful mentor for all who were fortunate enough to meet him, read his work and benefit form his passion, tireless commitment, generosity and encouragement.

Michael Clyne is the reason for me to become an australianist and research on Australian Plurilingualism and Multiculturalism. On behalf of Sociolinguists Worldwide (an FB Group), of Sociolinguists on Facebook and in my personal name, let me share your sorry and reassure you that thanks to his immense work, Michael Clyne's name will remain high in the Sociolinguists memory and papers. May he rest in Peace.

I feel honored to have been able to know him, even just for a little while. My memories may be few but they are rich. Vielen Dank xx

Michael was generous, creative, a lateral thinker and deeply committed to his research and to the value of language learning for everyone. He lectured in a German course I took years ago and I met him in so many different language committees and multicultural projects over the years.He has mentored a huge number of people and his ideas live on. I will miss him greatly. He was truly compassionate as Cathy says above, and a great humanitarian.

I have admired Michael for close to 50 years for his kindness, his quiet astuteness and his humility. I remember him for the scribbled notes in every pocket of his grey suits. Ich möchte ein so guter Mensch sein wie er.

A modest, inspirational, compassionate, hardworking, astute, eloquent linguist. His wise counsel appreciated and sadly missed.