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MICHAEL THOMAS SPOSITO  Obituary pic

MICHAEL THOMAS SPOSITO

Born: Jan 12, 1957

Date of Passing: Jul 11, 2014

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MICHAEL THOMAS SPOSITO January 12, 1957 - July 11, 2014 Suddenly, on July 11, 2014, Michael passed away in the town of Palestrina, Italy, at the age of 57. Mike leaves to mourn his loving partner of 22 years, Stephania Rocchi, originally from Rome, Italy; his two brothers: Anthony (Landis) and Robert (Florence); and niece and nephews: Rayna, Damon, Chris, and Eric. Michael lived an extraordinary life. He was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba, graduating from West Kildonan Collegiate. While at "WesKay", he starred on the basketball team and was selected for the City's all-star team. He was also an accomplished golfer. After graduating, Mike studied journalism and quickly found employment at a Kenora radio station then as Sports Director for CKX in Brandon, Manitoba. Longing for action on a larger scale Mike decided to leave Canada for London, England where he was employed by Visnews, a London-based international news agency. He rose quickly to become the Bureau Chief for South Africa, quite an accomplishment at 28 years of age. This was the beginning of Mike's exposure to international wars and the extreme hardships that are inflicted. During the four years he spent as Bureau Chief of South Africa, Mike provided coverage of the worst times of Apartheid. He travelled throughout other parts of Africa to cover the fighting in Angola and social unrest in other countries and in the process, made the Visnews bureau very successful. After South Africa, Mike spent three years in Israel as Bureau Chief where he covered the Intifada and once again, built the bureau into a going concern. In Israel he used an innovative approach by hiring Palestinians into the bureau which allowed him access to the hotspots inside Gaza. This unique coverage provided exclusive reports that began to make him and his company famous in news circles. Reuters News Agency bought Visnews and Mike continued, as Bureau Chief, to provide coverage of events in the Middle East and Europe. He reported news from the front line in: Afghanistan during the war with Russia, the first Gulf War, the wars in Kosovo and Bosnia, and events in Kurdistan. While in Kurdistan, Mike was approached by the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) to shoot a documentary. The result was a piece called "Christmas in Kurdistan" which he wrote, filmed, and produced. Mike eventually landed in Rome as Bureau Chief for Reuters and continued to cover the never-ending conflict in the Balkans. But after years of witnessing human tragedy and atrocities, he became disenchanted with popular news coverage and began writing as he felt he had something to say. He continued to freelance for Reuters and Associated Press (AP) in Kosovo and Macedonia. Once again, Mike achieved quick success in writing with the publishing of a story about the death of his close friend and another war correspondent, Miguel Gil, called "What Else Could I Tell Him". The story won a BBC radio award and was published in the Italian magazine Global. Throughout his life, Mike was popular and outgoing. He was loved by all those who knew him and his sense of humour, intellect, and ever-present beaming smile will be sorely missed by all. Michael possessed a relentless intellectual curiosity and pursued knowledge throughout his life amassing a library of thousands of books. He loved history and archeology and in particular, the history of Rome. Mike and Stefania, enjoyed many years exploring Rome and other parts of Italy. He continued to write short stories, screenplays, and novels until his passing. Many of his works are in the process of being published. Cremation has taken place and his ashes have been laid to rest, fittingly, in Palestrina, a town that dates back to the 8th century BC.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 23, 2014

Condolences & Memories (62 entries)

  • Was listening to Matthew Good today and sparked an idea that my husband would like to see him on tour. Didn’t know anything about him but search told me was Canadian. Then my remembered I’d actually met another Canadian years back called Mike Sposito. So here goes. It was back in the late 80s. I was working for BBCNI and a friend said if you want a holiday in Israel Mike's your man. And so it was. He was different and fascinating. He told me not to travel in Jerusalem by bus. Take a taxi. I met loads of folk by mentioning his name and near the end of my 2 week hols we had an hilarious experience with a lady of the night who managing lift our passports from his bag. anyhow, long story and sorry to know just now of his passing. Love to his family. Remember though he did say how he hated Winnipeg weather cause life was frozen half the year. Big heart - Posted by: Fiona (Friend ) on: Sep 10, 2023

  • I met Mike back in 1983 when he arrived in England from Canada. He was staying with a Canadian Air Force Officer he knew from old and he immediately 'clicked' with the military guys (I was a paratrooper in the Army). He was the epitome of the life and soul of the party and the greatest of fun to be around. We did not keep in touch - much to my sadness - but I kept track of his incredible career as he progressed from war zone to conflict area. He was courageous and charming, quick witted and a true professional. He displayed bravery akin to that of a soldier, armed only with a journalist's quest for the truth. Rest in Peace, Mike. - Posted by: Mike Russell (Friend) on: Aug 23, 2015

  • I first met Mike when I arrived at CKX in 1981. I soon discovered that he was the true "life of the party" at that place. We spent many hours talking about politics, music, and of course women. When he left for Europe in 1984 it was like seeing a brother move a long distance away. We reconnected via Skype a few months before he passed a way and had our usual conversations plus new one about God, Jesus, and the meaning of life. Mike-you cared so deeply for the world. We all loved him. He was one of my best friends. - Posted by: Michael J. Ross (Co-worker and friend from CKX) on: May 29, 2015

  • Stefania sono passati molti anni da quando Vi ho conosciuti, all'epoca ero il compagno di Emanuela) e per altrettanti non ci si è più visti ma Vi ho sempre portato nel mio cuore e voglio continuare a ricordare Mike mentre ci prendeva tutti in giro.Ho ancora una foto che mi regalò e conservo con affetto e stima. - Posted by: alessandro broccoletti (conoscente) on: May 18, 2015

  • Cara Stefania, anche se non ci siamo più sentite da 15 anni, siete rimasti nel mio cuore. Grazie per le bellissime giornate che abbiamo passato insieme e ai Vostri cani, è una perdita incolmabile. Abbraccio Romana - Posted by: Romana () on: Mar 27, 2015

  • Cara Stefania. Anche se non ci siamo viste da più di 20 anni, site rimasti per sempre nel mio cuore, abbraccio Romana - Posted by: Romana () on: Mar 27, 2015

  • We once hired Mike to edit a short video in our Rome bureau and instead spent the entire day drinking prosecco and listening to him tell scandalous stories and expound on ancient philosophy. What a friend. What a treasure. - Posted by: Gayle Young (colleague) on: Mar 10, 2015

  • Those who worked with Mike through the years will agree that his energy of presence, humour, and creativity drew others to him like a magnet. It's been 30 years since working with him in the newsroom at CKX, but I remember our time together vividly and fondly. He was filled with confidence and promise, and I'm so glad that in his life he followed his passions and met his partner Stephania. My deepest condolences to her and to the rest of his family. To his many friends around the world, I share your sadness. - Posted by: Craig Campbell (colleague/friend from our early days at CKX News) on: Nov 25, 2014

  • I met Mike around 2003 when he was beginning to write screenplays. He was working on one called "The School of News" at the time. We also sort of corroborated on one titled, "Thorne" "The School of News" is a comedy. He sent me draft after draft and I edited it (or tried to - Mike, as most of you know - was pretty darned good at anything he put his mind to). After I heard about his passing a few days ago I began going through my files and emails and other places where we were both members online -- looking for a way to try not to think about the deep sadness I felt for the loss of a genuinely good person and a dear friend. I found my files on this screenplay and read it again and laughed because it is clever and funny and interesting. Then I realized that you can read it online if you want to because he had entered it a few years ago in the Amazon Screenplay contest. So, I'll post the URL here because it is open to be read online. Mike would want you to. http://studios.amazon.com/projects/1494 In the years I spent talking to Mike on the phone and then on Skype when it came into being, he told me many stories about the people he worked with, the work he and you did, and the experiences you had. He talked about some of the people he came to love, who died too young. Mike died too young. He had things yet to do. That is the hard part. There is no words to express how tough this loss is. Mike told me a few times that we don't grieve for others, we grieve for ourselves. Sometimes Mike was wrong. This time he was, but don't tell him I told you that. It's also true that we can grieve for ourselves while we grieve his loss of life. That means Mike was half right. As I type I think of so many words of wisdom Mike had for me, but I won't try to list them all. Just one: He said try to go a whole day not using the word *I* when you comment or talk. By that he meant, practice talking about ideas and things, without talking about ourselves or others. A very difficult little task he set out for me. But a good thing to practice. *I* am talking about myself too much in this comment, so I will just stop. Thanks, Mike. You live on in the memory of others. That's how it works on this orb full of hurt, as you called it. You will live on as long as we are alive to remember you. - Posted by: Patsy Covington (Writer friend) on: Oct 12, 2014

  • I met mike during his writing years. What a great intellectual he was. I will miss his philosophical rants on the world. He will be sadly missed - Posted by: Aybars ORtan (Friend) on: Oct 11, 2014

  • Mike Sposito can only go down as being one of the true legions in television news. So much is to be said about his wonderful unique character and attitude to life that we loved so much. Mike worked hard and played hard, there was never any mediocrity in anything he did, he always did it so well. I learn so much from Mike, he introduced me into a path in television that became a full time career for me, it was through his inspiration that got me to the point I am today in television news. Thanks buddy!! Mike SPARZITUS (as he always told me, descendant from the Spartans) rest in peace old pal. - Posted by: Rob Celliers (Friend) on: Oct 08, 2014

  • My condolences to family, and all who loved him. Mike was a light in this world, and I will miss our philosophical debates. - Posted by: Sue Miller (friend from scrawl) on: Oct 07, 2014

  • Until we meet again my friend. - Posted by: Saša Schmidtbauer (Former Visnews/Reuters colleagues an friends) on: Sep 27, 2014

  • Mike was a colleague when we covered the dying days of apartheid in South Africa. He was one of the best colleagues I have worked with. He aspired to the highest journalistic standards, never gave up in hunting down the story and was refreshingly forthright in often going against the tide. The best accolade I can think of is that he was 'the journalists' journalist" - and in our profession they don't come better than that. - Posted by: Graham Leach (Former collague) on: Sep 24, 2014

  • The daylight fades on a restless Saturday. I suppose I knew you were gone but I am not prepared for this confirmation. Everything you touched - work, love, life - transcended and defied borders. You created a neighborhood from this vast planet. The world seemed accessible through your eyes. You were so alive, so intrepid, and so wrenchingly vulnerable. All brilliant minds are sown onto trembling hearts. The Artist starves even as he feeds our souls, sheds light on a collection of shadows, and draws down, meteoric, too soon - just like this restless Saturday sun which now yields to autumn's impatient night. - Posted by: Findlaigh Shawe (Friend) on: Sep 06, 2014

  • Shocking...sad...to hear of this most untimely loss. Michael, you always ran against the wind. Your tireless thirst for knowledge and adventure, your unbridled passion for life, people, and politics, your ongoing quest for meaning so often left others breathless or racing to catch up. May God comfort your loved ones at this most difficult time. Prayers...that you have found 'the long way home'. ("...Give a little bit — I’ll give a little bit of my life for you...So find yourself, we're on our way back home..." - Rodger Hodgson - from 'Give a Little Bit-Take the Long Way Home' 1979) - Posted by: Susan Michaels (Friend) on: Sep 01, 2014

  • Ride in peace old friend, ride in peace... - Posted by: Pete Brosnan (Old friend and colleague) on: Sep 01, 2014

  • I remember being on a military p.r. tour with Mike in Croatia when all of a sudden it seemed like a coachload of journalists was going to be obliterated by artillery. Everyone sought what cover they could except Mike who kept filming, he said later, because he thought a lot of reporters could be killed. Next day CNN ran his footage of his dear friend Doug Hamilton of Reuter diving under the coach and we all had a laugh ... hard to believe that someone who seemed indestructible should no longer be around, a gentleman and a wonderful colleague of exceptional courage and professionalism who had a great future as a writer, very sad news John Phillips - Posted by: John Phillips (Friend and colleague in the Balkans) on: Aug 31, 2014

  • My memories of Mike involve his great sense of humour, a great laugh, and his charisma. Although he was younger, we were all basketball jocks in those days. I am saddened to hear of his passing when he made his life such an incredible adventure filled with accomplishments most of us can't even dream of. It seems the good do die too young. My sincerest sympathy to everyone close to Mike as this is a loss of another great human being. - Posted by: Patty Bambrick (A school friend from West Kildonan) on: Aug 29, 2014

  • It is with much sadness that I hear of the passing of Mike. He was a young good looking lad with endless energy for life and the TV business back in 1978 when we met at CKX TV in Brandon,MB. I believe he came from Kenora where he was hired by Joe McDonald. Joe, now at CKX, helped Mike to come to Brandon. As Lorne Wiley said in a previous tribute,, he was eyes wide open to learn all there was to learn in radio and TV. He had an infectious personality and was liked by all. You just knew that with his drive he wouldn't be there very long. At the end of 1978 I was moving on in TV and heading west, and Mike volunteered to organize the going away party. He was full of laugher and his great smile is what I will never forget. I never saw Mike again, but did hear from time to time that he was overseas and following his dream. I will cherish those memories of Mike and CKX forever. Herb Tyler, - Posted by: Herb Tyler (friend/collegue) on: Aug 29, 2014

  • My sister told me about Mike's passing yesterday as she handed me his obit. I was shocked and saddened to hear the news. I knew Mike since elementary school and became good friends, a friendship that lasted through junior high and high school in West Kildonan. I visited him in Brandon when he worked for CKX. Soon after he was off to London to start a career that obviously flourished. I last saw Mike almost 28 years ago in 1986 when he visited Winnipeg to see family. At the time he was working for Viznews, stationed in South Africa and told me some great stories only the way Mike could. I lost touch with Mike after that visit but thought about him throughout the years. Last year I tried searching for Mike but unfortunately was unable to locate him. Although it has been years since we last spoke I feel an emptiness with his passing. My condolences to his family and friends throughout the world. I will cherish the memories I have of Mike forever. - Posted by: Al Schultz (Friend) on: Aug 28, 2014

  • That brilliant smile that melted all of our hearts. Mike's laughter could brighten anyone's day. Weskay chums were blessed to know him so many years ago. Reading about his accomplishments and of all those he touched is a testimony to how very special his soul was....an angel has left this earth. Deepest condolences to Stephania and his family. - Posted by: Debra Marych (School Friend) on: Aug 26, 2014

  • Michael, Michael, Michael...oh my, those dreams, they did come true. I was the first person to meet Mike when he came to his first TV job at CKX, I let him into the station door actually. We became pretty good friends as well as co-workers. To read the honours given him in the previous postings, the long conversations we all had over drinks or just hanging out, about where we would all be in the future? Well he was fairly spot on for a 20 something kid. The word Charismatic is used a lot in peoples thoughts about Mike, and that he was even then. He could get people to do almost anything for him. His drive to learn, to experience everything about the business as fast as he could was a constant. The questions never stopped. He was a real prankster too, one night while we were broadcasting the late news, Mike came into the control room sat down at the Chyron and began typing, we didn't pay much attention as he wasn't one of the production staff, he then get's up walks over to the switcher reached around him and punched up the word "Dummy" right across the chest of one of the Candidates running for Mayor, it was his interview actually, his last as he was leaving the next day. He thought that the only person who would see it was the anchor doing the broadcast and freak him out. He was sure he knew what he was doing, wrong! It went out live to all the viewers watching that evening. I almost lost my job, and Mike well he left Brandon the next day on his way to meet all of you in the Big Wide World. Old Colleagues who still get together from those days, have always asked, "Has anyone heard from or know where "Sposito is these day's or what he's doing." There was never a definitive answer. But, I certainly wasn't expecting the text we got, saying to read the Obit's in that days Free Press, because Mike's was in there. What? Why? When? Where? How? The questions flew and the emails went out. We were Young and Invincible once, we always will be in our memories. "He was Bigger than Big!" - Posted by: Lorne Wiley (CKX-TV) on: Aug 26, 2014

  • One of the greatest, a brother....... - Posted by: Gary Knight () on: Aug 26, 2014

  • Mike has left the planet and the news of his death leaves me depressed and sad. I never met anyone else quite like him. In the best tradition of Hunter S. Thompson, Mike was a gonzo journalist. We kept in touch after Visnews and I treasure the memories of those late night phone calls. I have no idea what happens when we die but, when its my turn, I hope Mike will be there with other deceased friends waiting to welcome me on that great escalator in the sky. Abrazos my friend! - Posted by: Tom Sanders (colleague at Visnews) on: Aug 26, 2014

  • It's hard to believe. Such an extraordinary life. Cannot add much to all the wonderful tributes above, except to say that Mike was something of a genius, with moments of brilliance, dare I say madness? As Assignments Editor, I had the pleasure of working with him during all his postings, Joburg, Jerusalem, Sarajevo, Rome. Reuters should place a plaque in his memory somewhere prominent...May your soul now rest in peace, y friend. Ahmad - Posted by: Ahmad Fawzi (Friend & colleague) on: Aug 26, 2014

  • "He who has gone, so we but cherish his memory, abides with us, more potent, nay, more present than the living man." - Antoine de Saint-Exupéry I love you Mike. - Posted by: Anil Ekmecic (Former Visnews/Reuters colleagues & friend) on: Aug 26, 2014

  • Very sad to hear this news. We covered the breakup of Yugoslavia and crossed paths and swords often. A lot of laughter and a lot of philosophy thrown in too. Mike was always helpful when conditions were dangerous - even though we were competitors (Reuters vs WTN). He ensured no one was in danger and helped out with staying longer on the scene for us to use his lights, etc. RIP, Mike - Posted by: Faridoun Hemani (colleague and competitor) on: Aug 26, 2014

  • When very sad news bring back good memories: Mike's humour and good spirit made Sarajevo almost bearable for us. Most sincere condolences. - Posted by: Loick Berrou (Former Sarajevo TF1 colleague) on: Aug 26, 2014

  • Remembering so many fun times in South Africa, Cyprus and Israel. Every day with Mike was an adventure and Mike you lived life at full throttle. Everyone you met loved your stories and was captivated by your imagination. Mike gave me the Visnews retainer contract to move to Port Elizabeth and encouraged the BBC and NBC to do the same. This helped me buy my first camera and without Mike Sposito, Heather Allan and Francois Marias I would have remained a runner on TV commercials. Mike you were a great leader and an inspiration who touched so many lives. We miss you. RIP my friend. Hamba gashle. - Posted by: Pete Henderson (Friend ) on: Aug 25, 2014

  • What a loss! I've known Mike from Sarajevo in 1993 and he was one of the best in this job but also a great thinker and a very funny guy, certainly one of the most interesting and passionate humans I've ever met! - Posted by: annis Behrakis (Colleague/friend) on: Aug 25, 2014

  • Mike was an extra ordinary individual who not only worked hard but partied hard to, he will be missed by many and I'm speechless, such a good guy taken away so early, my heartfelt condolences to the family. - Posted by: Wim de Vos (Old friend from South Africa) on: Aug 25, 2014

  • Sincere condolences to Mike's family. Will remember him as a great newsman, when our paths crossed during the wars in the Balkans. - Posted by: Jackie Shymanski (Sarajevo Agency Pool, fellow Winnipegger) on: Aug 25, 2014

  • If you didn't get the chance to laugh with Mike, then your life was missing something. Hotel Split should hang a plaque in his honour, just to **** him off. - Posted by: Stuart McAlister (Bosnia) on: Aug 25, 2014

  • I worked with Mike in South Africa in the mid 80s when he ran the Visnews bureau and I was a BBC producer . He and his very talented team -many of whom have written tributes above -were the best in the business when it came to covering the township violence and the wider landscape of the anti-apartheid struggle. He was an inspirational and fearless journalist and and always great company, with unique wit and charm and an infinite capacity for mischief - perfect companty. I am very saddened he has gone so young. rest in peace mike. - Posted by: nick jennings (former colleague .) on: Aug 25, 2014

  • Very sad news. I met Mike many years ago when he worked for Visnews in South Africa. He taught me a lot about life, humanity and journalism. Mike lived life to the fullest and was one of a kind. We spoke earlier this year and he told me that he would have loved to return to South Africa soon. Rest in peace, and hamba kahle my friend, you have made many friends Africa. My sincere condolences to the family. - Posted by: Gerard van Niekerk (Friend) on: Aug 25, 2014

  • Although we worked together many, many years ago in Brandon I still remember Mike well. You could tell that he was destined for great things and it sounds like his life, although too short, was extraordinary. My sincere condolences to his family. May he rest in peace. - Posted by: Donna Harrowen (Past Co-Worker ) on: Aug 25, 2014

  • To Stephania, and all of Mikes family, My late husband was Ray Faulkner, who passed away nearly 4 year ago now. I know that if Ray had a voice he would want me to say the following. Ray had the utmost love and respect for Mike, having known him and worked with him in the most dramatic environments. Although they didn't get to see each other often as the years went by, Ray talked of Mike often, regaling me with stories of their escapades, of Mike's craziness, and his brilliance. I only met Mike once, when Ray and I met him for lunch in Rome. I remember it was a crazy afternoon. I am so very sorry for your loss. Sending you much love and strength at the this very sad time. - Posted by: Fiona Faulkner () on: Aug 25, 2014

  • Mike hey man I worked with and for you. You were a very generous individual, and very talented, exciting and had untold energy human being. You gave a lot of time to many: myself, Willie Quebeka, Dave Copeland, Steve Wende, Rob Cilliers, Geoff Chilton, Victor Antonie and a host of others. Your Spirit now having flown, go in peace my brother for all time in the universe of "Stars". - Posted by: Karl Schultz (Newsreel Cameraman Visnews 1987) on: Aug 25, 2014

  • Miss our nightly chats in TVBIH in Sarajevo. RIP Michael. - Posted by: Fabrizio Mancinello () on: Aug 25, 2014

  • Sorry to hear this. He was the most brilliant thinker I've ever known. - Posted by: Michael Henderson (Friend) on: Aug 25, 2014

  • I am shocked and saddened by the news of Mike's passing. He was a great man, an amazing character, and one of a kind. I'll never forget when he first joined me in Johannesburg for Visnews, and quickly realized that the two of us could not possibly handle the work load. Within months our bureau had increased to around 10 people. Mike was an extraordinary person and an excellent Bureau Chief. We worked hard and long hours, and were extremely competitive, but he also ensured that we also played hard. I will always fondly remember Mike, who was a good friend. My deepest sympathy and condolences to Stephania and his family. Sleep peacefully Mike. - Posted by: Geoff Chilton (Friend and colleague, Johannesburg Cameraman.) on: Aug 25, 2014

  • Mike would say, "we need to run this like a military operation". He was a great man. He showed many of us working in pretty terrible conditions how to enjoy life but also get important news out to the world. He will be missed - Posted by: Chuck (Worked with him in Bosnia) on: Aug 25, 2014

  • I was so very sorry to hear that Mike had passed away. He was such a lively, lovable character who brightened up any day at the office and could come up with the most original solutions to the knottiest problems. You will be missed - Posted by: Sue Roblou (work colleague at Visnews/Reuters) on: Aug 25, 2014

  • Mike was one of the best journalists ever to work at the Visnews (later Reuters Television) agency. I watched him admiringly as the Head of News there between 1988 and 1994. He was courageous, compassionate and a notable leader of hard-pressed staff in the field. He was an intuitive newsman who sometimes seemed to have the capacity to think around corners. The word charisma hardly began to describe his personal qualities. He was serious about everything he did but at the same time a great deal of fun. - Posted by: Stephen Claypole (Work colleague) on: Aug 25, 2014

  • Mike was a legend. Many frontline journalists from South Africa, former Yugoslavia, Afghanistan, Jerusalem and other places will treasure their Sposito Stories. He was charming, charismatic and full of mischief buf he was also a courageous, competitive and driven journalist who went to any length to get the story. He lived life to the fullest. He was such a force of nature it's hard to believe he's gone so soon. However, he will live on in the many good memories he made for so many. RIP - Posted by: Mike O'Driscoll (former colleague) on: Aug 25, 2014

  • We'll miss you all on G+ Joe. Who's going to recommend good books for me now, huh ? Who's going to endlessly argue with me? Bye Joe. I am glad I met you. - Posted by: Sam Kea (Google+ friend) on: Aug 25, 2014

  • Mike was a legendary newsman and a great guy. I'm sad he died so young. - Posted by: Jeremy Bowen (Colleague ) on: Aug 25, 2014

  • Mike always was larger than life. Dashed around in black, worked hard and played even harder. We were young journalists working in Southern Africa, all those years ago, and he was always the one to beat. Halcyon days. So very sad. Condolences to his partner and family. - Posted by: Heather Allan (Old colleague from South Africa) on: Aug 25, 2014

  • It was this great man Sposito that brought me into the foreign media in South Africa in 1986. He taught me everything I know. Having worked with him in Africa and the Balkan wars, and against him when he joined APTN, all I can say about this great man that inspired so many, is that we will miss your compassion, humor, leadership and story telling. Until we meet again my friend. - Posted by: Mark Chisholm (Former Visnews/Reutwers colleagues) on: Aug 24, 2014

  • When a light burns brightly it's hard to imagine the dark until the light goes out. And Mike did burn extremely brightly. Thank you Michael, for the time that I knew you. - Posted by: Andrew Thomson (BBC cameraman South Africa) on: Aug 24, 2014

  • I was lucky enough to have worked alongside with Mike in the Balkans and elsewhere. He was a hard guy to work out, but had a great attitude and was on top of everything. His spirit helped a lot of people to keep going when the days were emotionally draining. Even when he disappeared from all our lives, we tracked him down, and there was always the strong possibility of future contact, which sadly now will never be. I'm very sad to hear of his passing, but I'm sure all will agree that he was a unique guy, and that had an influence on all of us. - Posted by: Shane McDonald (Media Colleague) on: Aug 24, 2014

  • WOW I was shocked to hear of Mike's passing I remember him as a funny guy in school everyone's friend and a great basketball player. I often wondered what he was doing, last time I saw him he was working in Brandon the world has lost an Angel. Rest in peace my friend - Posted by: Ken Peattie (School friend) on: Aug 24, 2014

  • My condolences to family and Stephania and Mike's family. He was an extraordinary man, amazingly witty and intelligent, funny and really nice. We worked together in covering war in Bosnia and Croatia, not for the same agency though so I know him some time and only things I can say is nice and positive. Stephania, I am sending you he biggest hug. My deepest condolences, I am so shocked and sad. He ll be missed and remembered. - Posted by: Sandra (work together) on: Aug 24, 2014

  • RIP Mike and the angels will recieve you with warm hands and it was an honour for me to work under your leadership as the Visnews Soundman and you nutured me to understand the dynamic world of journalism. Thank you!! and u were the one of the Greatest Bureau Chiefs ever worked with. - Posted by: Nkosinath Mthethwa (I was working as Visnews Soundman) on: Aug 24, 2014

  • Still remember when Mike took me for a ride in Kildonan park on his 750 Kawasaki WOW! Super nice guy. Sorry to here he passed. - Posted by: Darrell Kahlian (school chum) on: Aug 24, 2014

  • We only met for a short period working together in Berlin when the wall came down - it was very impressive for me and in a certain way it influenced my life in a positive way. Mike have good journey!!! - Posted by: Wolfgang Schwartz ( coworker) on: Aug 24, 2014

  • Very sorry and shocked to hear this news. Mike was a colleague at Visnews and Reuters, and both his professionalism and his experience in international news were legendary. He was known for coming up with new solutions to get around any problems in the field, and was widely respected. He clearly had a full life, but left it way too early. Best wishes and sincere condolences to all his family. - Posted by: Louise Hart (worked with Mike at Visnews and Reuters. ) on: Aug 24, 2014

  • Mike was the first foreign bureau chief in South Africa to treat Black colleagues with respect. For that I will always cherish our the few years we worked together. - Posted by: Jimi Matthews (former Viznews cameraman) on: Aug 24, 2014

  • Ahhhh the late night parties, regaled by Sposito's stream of conscious humor, embelished tales and guaranteed mischief making. Thank you Mike for brightening the world and embodying an "anything is possible" spirit of adventure - Posted by: Stephanie (Colleague) on: Aug 24, 2014

  • I am saddened by Mike's passing.We were co-workers at CKX TV in Brandon,back in Mike's early days & I recall Mike definately left his mark in broadcasting, even then. My condolences to those who mourn his loss. - Posted by: Ray Smith (Former co-worker in Brandon,Manitoba) on: Aug 24, 2014

  • I was Avery good friend of Mike and we talked one day before he died.please if you know something about how he died or what happen exactly I would thank you very very much - Posted by: Yael Kashani (Mike's friend from Israel Jerusalem) on: Aug 23, 2014

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