The best manager I ever worked for. Michael ran a business with absolute professionalism. He was successful because he had vision, charisma, and staff who were unquestionably loyal for good reason. I have enjoyed many lunches with Michael and other staff from BE since leaving the company. Michael was someone who had a genuine interest in people and their stories, which always made for plenty of laughter over eggs on toast and a glass of wine. sincere condolences to Michael's family and all his close colleagues at Business Essentials who will miss his presence greatly. Bernadette van Lunenburg

Working for many years as a Producer for Michael Schildberger was a great privilege and blessing. I always found him supportive, optimistic, available, positive, kind and very smart. He was a wonderful man with a fabulous voice and manner. I feel so lucky to have known and worked of Michael. Michael, MYDSRIP. Wishing his family light and strength in this time of loss, sincerely, Amira Kay

It was Michael Schildberger who introduced me to what became my career of the past 40 years - journalism. He was deputy news editor, (Peter Maud was chief), GTV-9 Melbourne, mid-1960s. I was working on a day time show It Could be You, and worked weekends in the newsroom as a copy typist. One day Michael asked if I wanted to learn more and showed me how to edit copy (from a teleprinter then). And so I became a cadet and he was my tutor. This was when Michael created the revolutionary news program Nightwatch, with cameraman Tony Hope and journalist/film maker Bob Kearsely. I had lunch with Michael in Melbourne last October...I told him then my greatest regret was we didn't marry. He talked of his children and how proud he was of them all. Michael was unassuming considering he was once listed in The Bulletin magazine as one of the 40 Australian's of significant influence. He was without question, a journalist in the true tradition of the profession. He also told me last October that friends he had when I knew him, Bob Kearsley, Peter King and Bernard Carp were still in his life. Thank you Michael for priceless memories. Pauline Clayton. Sunshine Coast, Queensland.

Trevor Crouch

15 years ago

Pauline I hope you receive this message. I have lost your telephone number in a phone changeover and I went on the web to try to find it. I did not know that Shildberger had died. I am stunned. My number is 0418 246 382 email trevorjbc@gmail.com Would be grateful if you could make contact regards Trevor Crouch