Comments for purelyfrance http://purelyfrance.com A New Zealander with one foot firmly in central France, the other frequently in his mouth writes of life, the beloved French, property transactions and how to run a successful B n B and Gite business Mon, 21 May 2012 08:07:52 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.1 Comment on 80th birthday - but no doubt you still look 40! by Lynne Francis http://purelyfrance.com/2012/03/28/80th-birthday-but-no-doubt-you-still-look-40/#comment-21308 Lynne Francis Fri, 04 May 2012 10:47:58 +0000 http://purelyfrance.com/2012/03/28/80th-birthday-but-no-doubt-you-still-look-40/#comment-21308 “Mike-san I can’t believe you are 80! (For that matter I can’t believe I am the age I am either!) Remember those frantic phone calls from Air New Zealand (in the days before cellphones!) when “we must speak to Mike”, and I would be sitting there thinking ‘would he have gone to work’, ‘where can I get hold of him’, and no matter when or where I found you you would also be so polite, it was never a bother ...and the calls were seldom in the working day. There were so many deals etc that hinged on your guidance and wise counsel. I often wonder whether you really understood how much you were valued at Air New Zealand Mike. You were, and still are as far as I am concerned, “Mr Japan”. Kindest regards and, again, happy birthday! Lynne Francis” “Mike-san

I can’t believe you are 80! (For that matter I can’t believe I am the age I am either!)

Remember those frantic phone calls from Air New Zealand (in the days before cellphones!) when “we must speak to Mike”, and I would be sitting there thinking ‘would he have gone to work’, ‘where can I get hold of him’, and no matter when or where I found you you would also be so polite, it was never a bother …and the calls were seldom in the working day.

There were so many deals etc that hinged on your guidance and wise counsel. I often wonder whether you really understood how much you were valued at Air New Zealand Mike. You were, and still are as far as I am concerned, “Mr Japan”.

Kindest regards and, again, happy birthday!
Lynne Francis”

]]> Comment on 80th birthday - but no doubt you still look 40! by Liz Watson http://purelyfrance.com/2012/03/28/80th-birthday-but-no-doubt-you-still-look-40/#comment-21288 Liz Watson Fri, 04 May 2012 04:13:12 +0000 http://purelyfrance.com/2012/03/28/80th-birthday-but-no-doubt-you-still-look-40/#comment-21288 Congratulations Mike on reaching such a significant milestone. Skip and I often remembered the time we were in Tokyo with two other couples and were about to leave the hotel for the airport to return to New Zealand. You very kindly transported us in your car while you arranged a taxi for the other two couples. When they didn't appear at the international terminal we were all very concerned (and before the days of cellphones of course!) but they eventually appeared, having been taken to the domestic terminal by mistake! I send you my very best wishes and kindest regards Sincerely, Liz Watson Congratulations Mike on reaching such a significant milestone.

Skip and I often remembered the time we were in Tokyo with two other couples and were about to leave the hotel for the airport to return to New Zealand. You very kindly transported us in your car while you arranged a taxi for the other two couples. When they didn’t appear at the international terminal we were all very concerned (and before the days of cellphones of course!) but they eventually appeared, having been taken to the domestic terminal by mistake!

I send you my very best wishes and kindest regards
Sincerely, Liz Watson

]]> Comment on 80th birthday - but no doubt you still look 40! by Allan Jensen http://purelyfrance.com/2012/03/28/80th-birthday-but-no-doubt-you-still-look-40/#comment-21245 Allan Jensen Thu, 03 May 2012 10:20:10 +0000 http://purelyfrance.com/2012/03/28/80th-birthday-but-no-doubt-you-still-look-40/#comment-21245 A Very Happy 80th Sano San. Do you remember :- The time a small group of VIP's, you, Ric Magillicuddy, me, etc went on a Ski Resort Famil to Mt Hutt, Coronet Peak, Cadrona etc. I will always remember, and often quote, that the assembled gathering told me I "would make a better snow plough than a skier". When Sel Rawson, myself and the "Travelling Circus" visited you on your home ground of Tokyo. I still vividly remember you taking Sel and me to your Club where you had your own bottle of Suntory (can't remember what colour) up on the shelf. Mike, I sincerely thank you for being such great company on those occasions and the memories that will always be with me. Have a great day on the 5th and many more to come. Cheers Allan Jensen A Very Happy 80th Sano San.

Do you remember :-

The time a small group of VIP’s, you, Ric Magillicuddy, me, etc went on a Ski Resort Famil to Mt Hutt, Coronet Peak, Cadrona etc.
I will always remember, and often quote, that the assembled gathering told me I “would make a better snow plough than a skier”.

When Sel Rawson, myself and the “Travelling Circus” visited you on your home ground of Tokyo. I still vividly remember you taking Sel and me to your Club where you had your own bottle of Suntory (can’t remember what colour) up on the shelf.
Mike, I sincerely thank you for being such great company on those occasions and the memories that will always be with me.
Have a great day on the 5th and many more to come.
Cheers
Allan Jensen

]]> Comment on 80th birthday - but no doubt you still look 40! by Albert Lovell http://purelyfrance.com/2012/03/28/80th-birthday-but-no-doubt-you-still-look-40/#comment-21116 Albert Lovell Mon, 30 Apr 2012 09:13:51 +0000 http://purelyfrance.com/2012/03/28/80th-birthday-but-no-doubt-you-still-look-40/#comment-21116 Mike-san I was fortunate to have the pleasure and priviledge to work along side you in Japan for 6 years. We had plenty of good times and a few difficult ones, but overall I must admit that Shannon and I enjoyed being with you, the great Japan team you formed and meeting your family during that time. I remember the evening we had with Jim and Pauline at the Imperial Villa in Hakone, meetings with Mayors of small towns in the country side, learning the etiquette of the onsen (of which there were also many laughs not least of all when I went into the same bath house desigated for men in the evening only to find out later it was for women in the morning!!!!), visiting your home which we realise is a great honour in Japan, being introduced to your wide range of contacts in the travel industry, politics, sport and the many New Zealand sister cities and organisations which you were instrumental in forming. On the downside I would have to rue the day you gave me your old golf clubs and introduced me to that frustrating game, the unfortunate insident where you broke your shoulder when we were on the Hauraki Gulf watching the Americas Cup racing and in business; 9/11, the Ansett pilot scandal and of course the collapse of Ansett with the ramifications for us in Osaka. And I hope that my involvement with you during my time in Japan was also enjoyable for you. Our discussions on Japanese culture and history, books such as "A Boy Called H", spring time visits to Mother Farm, bringing VIPs to All Black matches in NZL or for that matter the Japan Rugby finals (sometimes in the snow). Great memories to share Mike but even before my arrival in Japan we had a long association. I continue to wonder if we were both on the same BOAC course in Victoria London about 1968. I know there was a young Japanese gentleman in the very international BA group of representatives but try as I may I cannot find the photo of that group which lay in the draw of my HO desk for many years. There was also the Hotel Du Vin meeting where you demonstrated the art of bowing to superiors in Japan (not that I ever witnessed that when once I did arrive in TYO). And last but not least was my part in getting you and Ryoko to the Tourism Awards in AKL so you could be a surprise recipient of the Jack Newman Award. Mike you have enjoyed a long and succe ssful career in aviation which is a tribute to your perseverence and foresight in developing a great team and always leading from the front. On your 80th birthday (is that in western terms or Japanese birth year counting?) "omedeto gozaimasu Sano-sama" Albert and Shannon Mike-san I was fortunate to have the pleasure and priviledge to work along side you in Japan for 6 years. We had plenty of good times and a few difficult ones, but overall I must admit that Shannon and I enjoyed being with you, the great Japan team you formed and meeting your family during that time.
I remember the evening we had with Jim and Pauline at the Imperial Villa in Hakone, meetings with Mayors of small towns in the country side, learning the etiquette of the onsen (of which there were also many laughs not least of all when I went into the same bath house desigated for men in the evening only to find out later it was for women in the morning!!!!), visiting your home which we realise is a great honour in Japan, being introduced to your wide range of contacts in the travel industry, politics, sport and the many New Zealand sister cities and organisations which you were instrumental in forming.
On the downside I would have to rue the day you gave me your old golf clubs and introduced me to that frustrating game, the unfortunate insident where you broke your shoulder when we were on the Hauraki Gulf watching the Americas Cup racing and in business; 9/11, the Ansett pilot scandal and of course the collapse of Ansett with the ramifications for us in Osaka.
And I hope that my involvement with you during my time in Japan was also enjoyable for you. Our discussions on Japanese culture and history, books such as “A Boy Called H”, spring time visits to Mother Farm, bringing VIPs to All Black matches in NZL or for that matter the Japan Rugby finals (sometimes in the snow).
Great memories to share Mike but even before my arrival in Japan we had a long association. I continue to wonder if we were both on the same BOAC course in Victoria London about 1968. I know there was a young Japanese gentleman in the very international BA group of representatives but try as I may I cannot find the photo of that group which lay in the draw of my HO desk for many years.
There was also the Hotel Du Vin meeting where you demonstrated the art of bowing to superiors in Japan (not that I ever witnessed that when once I did arrive in TYO).
And last but not least was my part in getting you and Ryoko to the Tourism Awards in AKL so you could be a surprise recipient of the Jack Newman Award. Mike you have enjoyed a long and succe
ssful career in aviation which is a tribute to your perseverence and foresight in developing a great team and always leading from the front.
On your 80th birthday (is that in western terms or Japanese birth year counting?) “omedeto gozaimasu Sano-sama”
Albert and Shannon

]]> Comment on Advance notice by Albert & Shannon http://purelyfrance.com/2012/03/28/advance-notice/#comment-21088 Albert & Shannon Sun, 29 Apr 2012 21:13:12 +0000 http://purelyfrance.com/2012/03/28/advance-notice/#comment-21088 Mike-san I was fortunate to have the pleasure and priviledge to work along side you in Japan for 6 years. We had plenty of good times and a few difficult ones, but overall I must admit that Shannon and I enjoyed being with you, the great Japan team you formed and meeting your family during that time. I remember the evening we had with Jim and Pauline at the Imperial Villa in Hakone, meetings with Mayors of small towns in the country side, learning the etiquette of the onsen (of which there were also many laughs not least of all when I went into the same bath house desigated for men in the evening only to find out later it was for women in the morning!!!!), visiting your home which we realise is a great honour in Japan, being introduced to your wide range of contacts in the travel industry, politics, sport and the many New Zealand sister cities and organisations which you were instrumental in forming. On the downside I would have to rue the day you gave me your old golf clubs and introduced me to that frustrating game, the unfortunate insident where you broke your shoulder when we were on the Hauraki Gulf watching the Americas Cup racing and in business; 9/11, the Ansett pilot scandal and of course the collapse of Ansett with the ramifications for us in Osaka. And I hope that my involvement with you during my time in Japan was also enjoyable for you. Our discussions on Japanese culture and history, books such as "A Boy Called H", spring time visits to Mother Farm, bringing VIPs to All Black matches in NZL or for that matter the Japan Rugby finals (sometimes in the snow). Great memories to share Mike but even before my arrival in Japan we had a long association. I continue to wonder if we were both on the same BOAC course in Victoria London about 1968. I know there was a young Japanese gentleman in the very international BA group of representatives but try as I may I cannot find the photo of that group which lay in the draw of my HO desk for many years. There was also the Hotel Du Vin meeting where you demonstrated the art of bowing to superiors in Japan (not that I ever witnessed that when once I did arrive in TYO). And last but not least was my part in getting you and Ryoko to the Tourism Awards in AKL so you could be a surprise recipient of the Jack Newman Award. Mike you have enjoyed a long and successful career in aviation which is a tribute to your perseverence and foresight in developing a great team and always leading from the front. On your 80th birthday (is that in western terms or Japanese birth year counting?) "omedeto gozaimasu Sano-sama" Albert and Shannon Mike-san I was fortunate to have the pleasure and priviledge to work along side you in Japan for 6 years. We had plenty of good times and a few difficult ones, but overall I must admit that Shannon and I enjoyed being with you, the great Japan team you formed and meeting your family during that time.
I remember the evening we had with Jim and Pauline at the Imperial Villa in Hakone, meetings with Mayors of small towns in the country side, learning the etiquette of the onsen (of which there were also many laughs not least of all when I went into the same bath house desigated for men in the evening only to find out later it was for women in the morning!!!!), visiting your home which we realise is a great honour in Japan, being introduced to your wide range of contacts in the travel industry, politics, sport and the many New Zealand sister cities and organisations which you were instrumental in forming. On the downside I would have to rue the day you gave me your old golf clubs and introduced me to that frustrating game, the unfortunate insident where you broke your shoulder when we were on the Hauraki Gulf watching the Americas Cup racing and in business; 9/11, the Ansett pilot scandal and of course the collapse of Ansett with the ramifications for us in Osaka. And I hope that my involvement with you during my time in Japan was also enjoyable for you. Our discussions on Japanese culture and history, books such as “A Boy Called H”, spring time visits to Mother Farm, bringing VIPs to All Black matches in NZL or for that matter the Japan Rugby finals (sometimes in the snow). Great memories to share Mike but even before my arrival in Japan we had a long association. I continue to wonder if we were both on the same BOAC course in Victoria London about 1968. I know there was a young Japanese gentleman in the very international BA group of representatives but try as I may I cannot find the photo of that group which lay in the draw of my HO desk for many years. There was also the Hotel Du Vin meeting where you demonstrated the art of bowing to superiors in Japan (not that I ever witnessed that when once I did arrive in TYO). And last but not least was my part in getting you and Ryoko to the Tourism Awards in AKL so you could be a surprise recipient of the Jack Newman Award. Mike you have enjoyed a long and successful career in aviation which is a tribute to your perseverence and foresight in developing a great team and always leading from the front.
On your 80th birthday (is that in western terms or Japanese birth year counting?) “omedeto gozaimasu Sano-sama”
Albert and Shannon

]]> Comment on 80th birthday - but no doubt you still look 40! by Rendell McIntosh http://purelyfrance.com/2012/03/28/80th-birthday-but-no-doubt-you-still-look-40/#comment-21055 Rendell McIntosh Sun, 29 Apr 2012 04:43:23 +0000 http://purelyfrance.com/2012/03/28/80th-birthday-but-no-doubt-you-still-look-40/#comment-21055 Hello Mike With best wishes on your special day. I have many fond memories of dealing with you and the wonderful staff in TE TYO over the years. I enjoyed working with you and others with the numerous wonderful events ranging from skiers to Mt Hutt, Sportfest NZ, S & B athletes including attending Seko San wedding in TYO and the team’s visits to NZ, Inaugural flight AKL-TYO-AKL, TE Runners Club visits to Japan. Plus the sad times surrounding Erebus. Lots to remember and raise a glass and say Campi Rendell McIntosh Hello Mike

With best wishes on your special day.

I have many fond memories of dealing with you and the wonderful staff in TE TYO over the years. I enjoyed working with you and others with the numerous wonderful events ranging from skiers to Mt Hutt, Sportfest NZ, S & B athletes including attending Seko San wedding in TYO and the team’s visits to NZ, Inaugural flight AKL-TYO-AKL, TE Runners Club visits to Japan. Plus the sad times surrounding Erebus.

Lots to remember and raise a glass and say Campi

Rendell McIntosh

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