It is hard to take in that Mike is no longer with us. For almost 40 years I have known him as a dear friend, a scientific ally, and an inspiration. He will be remembered for so many things. In addition to his ingenious scientific accomplishments and his gift for making conceptually difficult things appear almost self-evident, he had an entertaining, kind and caring personality. Since I first met him in person in Canberra in 1983, we have worked together on so many scientific projects in Australia, Sussex, Sweden and at sea. And more was planned with a third edition of our book on Animal Eyes. Then came the devastating news that this was not to be. Mike had a huge impact on vision science and many future generations of scholars will learn his name. His scientific legacy is gigantic and lasting, but the wonderful and warm person behind it is for ever gone.