Many people will be sad to hear that Michael Carroll passed away in the early hours of November 4th. Michael was devoted to Skopelos for nearly sixty years, and during that time, formed many close friendships on the island with people who (in his own words) “made me feel that I belonged.” He was also one of the first foreigners to build a home here. The site he chose was close to sea at Panormos, and, in his acclaimed book, Gates of the wind/An Island in Greece; On the Shores of Skopelos, he describes the time when there were no connecting roads and all the building material had to be brought by boat. His love for the island and its people shines through every chapter of the book.
Author, poet and historian, Michael also worked for UNFAO, the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization, helping to raise financial support for deprived countries. His greatest qualities were his humor, his kindness and his ability to connect with people of all ages, nationalities and backgrounds.
Michael will be greatly missed by all of us, and at time like this, our hearts go out to his wife Anna, his daughters Kimberley and Xante, and his sons, Max and Justin.