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.
skopelosnews 
Sad news. His book ‘An island in Greece’ is a beautiful read .
If you have not read it do give it a try, it is delightful.
I Remembered the first year we Came to Skopelos 28 yrs ago Reading Gates Of The Wind While sitting on Panormos
I read it this year whilst spending time on the island. Very envious of the time Michael got to spend on Skopelos and for all the wonderful people he met. Such an uplifting book, full of love for the culture, countryside and characters on an amazing island. RIP.
Read Gates of the Wind when we first came to Skopelos. Lovely book. Felt honoured when he came to the Private View of my Island Dreams exhibition at the Grey Gallery in 2006.
Hi Andrea, was the subject of your exhibition Skopelos, Greek Islands or islands? Interested to know more about it.
Matthew
A life well lived.
Matthew. The paintings were all depicting Skopelos and the people.
Sorry to hear this sad news. We read his book years ago and each time we come to skopelos we go to panormas and walk to the house. Last time we came it was sad to see it empty and was told it had been sold. Did michael remain on the island or come back to england?
I’m so sorry to hear this. We met Michael years ago, after we wrote a song inspired by our times on Skiathos, which we named Gates of the Wind. I found his book in 1986 in a dusty pile on the floor of a shop in Skiathos — In a spate of restless, cold, rainy days (and lots of Tsipouro) my husband Paul and I just inhaled that book. Michael invited us to his villa for lunch – and we fell deeply in love with this gracious, giving, larger than life man who meant so much to so many on Skopelos. I am so sorry for this deep loss and I know that many on Skopelos are grieving…and yet are better for having known him. RIP Michael Carroll.
I first went to Skopelos in 1981 – I was 27. I can’t believe that is coming up to 40yrs ago ! I’ve been back many times – it’s still so beautiful & I even contemplated buying a little house there in Paleo Klima.
I only read Michael’s book about 5yrs ago, but it was a delight & so interesting to compare that time with how it is now. I got completely drawn in & loved it. This news is truly so sad.
What a kind soul Michael was. I met him on Skopelos in 2002 whilst I was interviewing his (then) elderly neighbour ( a former mayor of Skopelos).
Michael was a very dedicated writer. To me he was a source of great inspiration.
My deepest condolences with his family.
What a kind soul Michael was. I met him on Skopelos in 2002 whilst I was interviewing his (then) elderly neighbour (a former mayor of Skopelos).
Michael was a very dedicated writer. To me he was a source of great inspiration.
My deepest condolences with his family.
Many of you will likely know about Michael’s earlier book From a Persian Tea House. Equally interesting as his other books. Does anyone know more about his early life in India that is frequently referenced or about his life as a sailor that toom him to Greece?
I was just rereading his Gates of the Wind and found this notice. In 1997, I first encountered the book and was deeply moved by his love of Skopelos so I traveled there, stayed in Glossa for several months and have returned over the years. Michael’s words enriched my life and travels with my daughter so now the next generation of my family is experiencing Skopelos.