Michael and I joined the business within a year of each other and worked more or less closely as we moved around different teams over the years.  When we were sat next to each other I’d find us talking about all manner of topics besides investments (politics, wine trading, Eastern Europe, the Berkhamsted Raiders…) and I always looked forward to hearing his thoughts.  He had a quiet yet profound impact on our business, seeing things more clearly, thinking through things more deeply, guiding us without needing to be the face of his work.  It always struck me that when many of us needed a complex mathematical concept explaining it was Michael, the historian, we’d turn to.  He was multi-talented and a patient teacher.  We all miss him a great deal and if ever any of his family wanted to talk about our time with Michael we’re here, and would be honoured to do so.