MICK AITKEN - A TRIBUTE TO A KIND, CARING AND GENTLE SOUL
I was shocked (as I think we all are) to hear the very sad news of Mick Aitken's passing, on Tuesday the 16th June 2009.
We thought we would set up this site to we can all stay connected and in touch with news and thoughts...
Sending lots of love and light to ALL of Mick's family and friends.
He is widely adored and greatly missed.
Friends of Mick Aitken (of the film and tv variety)
MICK'S FUNERAL DETAILS:
The family and friends of the later Mr. Michael (Mick) Aitken are invited to assemble for his Funeral Service on Wednesday, June 24, at 10.30 a.m. in the Heysen Chapel Centennial Park, Goodwood Road, Pasadena.
In lieu of floral tributes, if preferred, you are welcome to make a donation to a trust fund for the welfare of Michael’s children Brett and Georgia, through his brother Robert. Donation envelopes will be available at the Chapel.
Alfred James Funeral Homes Unley: 08 8272 8555
Any donations for Brett and Georgia can now can go to:
Trust Fund for Brett and Georgia Aitken
C/- Robert James Aitken
14 Penang Avenue
Colonel Light Gardens SA 5041
A MESSAGE FROM THE AITKEN FAMILY
The family of Mick Aitken would like to express their sincere and heartfelt thanks to everyone who has written or contacted us over the sudden death of our loving and beautiful son Michael. All your thoughts and memories of him have touched us deeply and have been much appreciated. We have been overwhelmed by your generosity. We know Mick loved his work and the people he worked with, especially the years he spent on McLeod’s Daughters. Thank you all so much.
Jim & Margaret Aitken (Mick’s parents)
I feel so glad that I spent some time with you mickey, you are a gorgeous man and I am feeling very sad today that you are no longer with us. Love Stacia xoxox
ReplyDeleteThese are the people that I have thought of that I don't have easy contacts for that someone should call: Nectaria, Leah, Rachel, Bryan and the Beautiful Kate crew, Daniel, I've asked Mel D to call me or Felice on facebook - she is overseas, Kirsty, left msg for Mel Weeks, Tony Cronin, Gareth, Paige, John Gauci, oh my god Manfred - maybe someone should go see him? and the list will keep growing. keep us posted as you let people know.
ReplyDeleteThese are the people I have told or I know already know: Road Train crew, Julie Byrne (have you told Vik?) Brannie, Brad, Trav & Felice, Reg, Steve Marcus & Phil Pike, Stacia & Matt Byrne.
Micky, you were solid and I wish I had given you a big hug when I last saw you a few weeks ago. I think we talked about portaloos just for something new. Those shitters kept you busy. Someone post the story about the radio down the hole eh?
much love to all.
jes
What a geniunely nice bloke!
ReplyDeleteAlways there to help lend a hand when he had one free (the other holding the famous Ice Coffee) and if it rained he'd pop up a KD. Mick mate I'll miss you, but you're in a better place now; where the Farmers Union flows freely, never a cigarette without a light, happiness all around, and not a Portaloo in sight.
Peace be with you,
Maxx
From the first day I met Mick, he would always keep an eye out for me. His presence on a film set was always positive, and no matter what kind of a day he was having, he would always put everyone else’s wellbeing ahead of his own. It always seemed like whenever I needed it, Mick would be there to help me carry heavy equipment, give me a smile, make me laugh, or give me a chocolate bar from his secret stash to keep me going.
ReplyDeleteI'll always remember Mick with an iced coffee in his hand, wearing his shorts and not feeling the cold, no matter how freezing the rest of us were! However it's his caring nature and the way he would always drop everything to help me out if I needed it that I'll miss the most. It's so hard to imagine a film set without him, because it feels like he's always there.
Rest well, Mick. You deserve it.
Kirsty.
Mick,
ReplyDeleteYou kept me from getting lost that first day and kept me smiling throughout.
You are an amazing guy with a big heart, I feel so lucky that I got to spend some time with you.
Thoughts go out to your family and loved ones.
Em x
Hey Mate, where-ever you are now, thinking about you and remembering all the good times on sets, from the early days on McLeods, to just a couple of months ago on our whirlwind tour across the state for SATC.
ReplyDeleteWe can't imagine going up to the Flinders in September without you, but we'll drink an iced coffee or 22 in your memory.
Will miss you so much, for all the smiles in the cold damp dawn, the generosity of spirit when it seemed like a long hard day would never end, your wonderful work ethic and your enormous warm hearted personality.
Love Jennifer.
It's incredibly hard to believe the man larger than life, so full of spirit and optimism, genorosity unbounded, will no longer be there with that 6am grin...meeting us with the first smile of the day and the cheeriest disposition ever known to man no matter what the day threw his way.
ReplyDeleteYou had a heart of gold Mickey, South Australia will never be the same without you.
You will be SO sadly missed.
Deepest sympathy to all who knew and loved him.
Jules ('the mickettes'!) xxx
Micky has been at Mitcham Football club for over 30 years, non stop, and has been one of the most popular and hard working clubmen we had, filled a variety of positions , was a good A grade premiership player in 1984, and the 25th anniversary reunion of that premiership team on 8th August will be sad, due to our big loss, of Micky.
ReplyDeleteAll past players and committees give sympathy to family and friends at this sad time
Gary Wood, club historian, MFC
That photo of Mick and Bryan made me laugh - he loved his themed T-Shirts. My favourite was 'Read your bloody callsheet' (or something very similar) although sure it still didn't work because everyone knew that Mick was the 'Go To' man.
ReplyDeleteWe've lost one of God's better people today, my heart is heavy and we're all feeling it. I said to Jesse this morning that I can't think of many people out there where you'd be hard pressed to find anyone with a bad word about them - but Mick was one of those people.
Always had a smile, always fixing problems, always making people laugh and ensuring their day was a little more comfortable. The calls requesting the 'poo sucker', the lollies, the stubbies, the nicknames, never recognising him at wrap parties without his hat on and of course the ice coffee is how I will fondly remember him.
I think he would be slightly embarrassed about this site because he wouldn't understand what all the fuss is about as he never really knew just how loved and appreciated he was. I can hear him say 'Enough of all this soppy stuff, Rex!' so I'll leave it at that.
But one final thing Mickey - you always said to me 'There'll be time to rest when I'm pushing up daisies!' Rest well and in peace my friend - I will miss you!
Fi xx (aka Rexona, Maccona, Fiona)
Mick,
ReplyDeleteWhat a terrible loss - I can't believe I saw you Monday and now you're no longer with us. I'll miss you. The crinkle in your smile and the twinkle in your eye. You were such a warm, generous man who was always there with a wry grin, a laugh and some chocolate as the answer to everything. I hope you have found peace now. Love Lachy
We've lost our on-set guardian angel…
ReplyDeleteTwinkling smile, fluro tankies, blue shorts with the black belt swinging down, can-do-anything, ice-coffee addiction, cigarette in hand, I’m with stupid, secret-stash of chocolate that never emptied, the port-a-loos that always needed to be, the unique Mick-speak of coded nicknames for everything and everyone that took some deciphering, the workhorse rough and rugged hands that said it all, the reassuring sun-burnt commodore, his never-ending cheerfulness, selflessness and kindness...
and that he was always there... for me, us and anyone who needed him.
Isn’t it extraordinary that we all loved him as one of the few people who looked out for all of us.
I hope Mick’s wearing his t-shirt, and making sure that the angels responsible are standing to his left…they stole him from us too soon. Too great…too soon.
“Toodles Pet”… right back at ya Gorgeous!
Love Natasha
xoxo
Mick was an absloute legend. Ive never met anyone like him and i feel privileged to have known him. He was always there to have a chat and a laugh and would drop everything to help you out. He will be missed and Im sure he will be looking over us making sure we watch our backs, sides and things that stick out.
ReplyDeleteGoodbye Micky
Darcy
To my best mate Mick.Thanks for the memories over the thirty or more years I had the pleasure of knowing and sharing some great times.You gave so much of yourself and asked for nothing in reply to so many people.So glad I rang and had a chat on Monday night.I will miss you heaps and so will Lauren and Ryan.Cheers old mate Doug Hillman
ReplyDeleteYou were loved by many Mick. You will be remembered for your endless energy, generosity and that cheeky twinkle in your eye. I feel lucky to have seen you these last days around the film corp. and sad to have taken your presence for granted… you seemed as strong and steadfast as ever. Rest in peace beautiful man.
ReplyDeleteBec xx
What an absolute legend you were Mic. Never failed to deliver the goods, be it fixing a door or throwing another kit-kat our way. Always a smile on ya face on those early cold days, which you never seemed to feel. you infected the crew with your good humour and you made it seem like an absolute pleasure to do your job- and you did it so well. Bryan reckons you had the best legs in the business.
ReplyDeleteOne of the unsung heros... How will we ever do a film without you Mic?
Rest in Peace mate.
Love all of the Browns (Bryan, Rachel, Rosie, Matilda and Joe) - Beautiful Kate.
Miss you Bazza,
ReplyDelete♥ Shazza
Mick was The Man.
ReplyDeleteThe best bullshit detector built in to the best of men.
Thanks for always being there Mick.
I can't believe you won't be there again.
Peter Hardy
Thanks for everything Mick, it was a pleasure to know you.....xxxx
ReplyDeleteMick
ReplyDeleteMate, I'm very shocked about the news...
You are sadly missed! A real gentleman, an all round top bloke! Such a short life, but one that was filled with compassion, generosity, and humor! From what I saw, you should be proud of your devoted fatherly role you played day in / day out! Love ya mate - my condolences to the family!
Marcus
Goodbye Mick. Thank you. Rest in Peace xx
ReplyDeleteOur thoughts are with the Aitken family...
ReplyDeleteTo his two children; your dad meant so much to so many.
To Mick. Thank you for being a wonderful part of our lives.
Never to be forgotten....Never to be replaced.
RIP matey
With love and deepest sympathy,
Travis, Felice and Max
Last November I received a phone call late on a Saturday...the lady on the other end of the line told me that the large umbrella I had booked for the following day was unavailable....I was due to have a stall at the Prospect fair, the forecast was for rain...my heart sank....a few minutes later in got on the blower to my mate Mick...after a quick catch up he said 'don't worry about a thing Matress'...'leave it to me'....next morning just a fraction after sun up there's a knock at the door...it's Mick and he's got a trailer on the back of his car....he'd gotten up early and driven across town to my house to drop off one of the larger KD tents from his collection...the tent came complete with a worn edges and an auburn hue that hinted unmistakably of red dust collected on countless days erected at the Lightford property and surrounds....Mick didn't stay too long, just long enough to have a chat and help me fix the the washer in the leaky tap in the kitchen...he declined the offer of a cup a tea...he'd already cracked an ice coffee instead...Mick said he had to 'hit the road Jack', as he was off to help a mate move house.
ReplyDeleteThis defines to me the man Mick was - selfless, kind and humble to the highest degree - a man who never asked for anything in return. At the end of the day he was a man loved his kids more than anything.
If I'd know that day was the last I'd see him, I'd have traded my firm mate-like handshake on his departure with a big manly hug....I'm immensely sad to see you go Mick...I'll miss you.
My sympathy to Mick's family...and to his children...I'm sure you know how much your dad loved you....there are many occassions I can remember your dad saying how proud he was of you both in all that you did...he was a kind and loving man who was loved by many.
Matt
I didn't even know you but I saw the devastation in my Jes's heart when she told Fiona (Rexona, Maccona) that you had died. From what I've heard today and now, what I've read tonight, I so wish that I'd met you. You were great to my girls and for that I thank you. I hope your family can find some joy in the words written by those who worked with him. He is clearly loved and admired by many. Treasure those you love TODAY as we can all be gone in a moment. Rest in peace.
ReplyDeleteIt's hard to find the words to fill the empty places inside. But one thing is certain, St Peter will have the gates opened wide in readiness for you mate... Picture-he-drew will miss you.
ReplyDelete“It is by chance that we met, by choice that we became friends.”
ReplyDeleteManfred
My words will not give justice to how this bloke showed me how to be a good man .
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately waiting a day hasn't made it any easier to know what to write Mick. You are irreplaceable. There will never be anyone as kind, as generous, as fun, and as cheeky as you around these parts. You will be treasured and remembered and bring smiles to many peoples faces for a very long time to come. It was an anbsolute pleasure and an honour to have worked with you for the last 7 years Mick. You brought so much light and spirit and optimism to us all (not to mention chocolate).
ReplyDeleteYou are the only tight shorts wearing man I would ever take sweets from.
My thoughts and love go to your kids Brett and Georgia, who you clearly adored so much. You never looked happier than when you were talking about them. Also to your Dad. ...not to mention all the old ladies in your neighbourhood who will now be without your kind soul spending his weekends mowing their lawns for the love of it, just beacuse that's the kind of thing you do.
Love you to bits Micky. You are loved and will be missed and remembered by so many. Rest up.
Mel (Smelly Melly, Melly Moo, Smells, Squeaks) xxxxx
Mick, you got so many people through a terribly uncomfortable shoot by making them feel cared for and loved. Nothing was ever too difficult for you. Your possitivity set the tone for us all. On freezing mornings I would look at you in your short shorts, at base way before anyone else, shlepping through the mud and I thought "that's filmmaking!". Thank you so much for inspiring us all. You are dearly missed.
ReplyDeletexDeanF
5 full gas bottles…check
ReplyDelete1 pack polystyrene cups…check
8,000 super soft dunny rolls…check
2 600ml ice coffees…check
0 bottles sunscreen…check
2 of the bluest eyes ever seen on earth…check
1 incredibly humble, generous and hard working human being…check
1 man who demonstrated, and taught by example, that it is the person next to you who deserves your kindness and help…making the world a better place one step at a time…check
1 incredibly sad and incomprehensible moment in time…check
Peace Out Ma Brudda
You did make us feel cared for and loved Mick.
ReplyDeleteThank you from the bottom of my heart for every countless ounce of possitive energy that you gave. As Dean said, it got us through the day and made us all stronger.
You made the job look easy, and its not. A true inspiration.
I will always remember your warmth, generosity and selflessness. And the way you could always get a smile out of someone.
Your light will shine on in all our hearts,
Georgina
Hey Mick, thanks for the chocolates and the kd's & the diesel & for putting the bins in the middle of shot(I'll never get sick of that tired old joke) & the roadside fires & for being a breath of sanity in a cyclone of insanity & for lugging those dunnies up & down to remind us how simple life can be ( feed your mind not your ego )
ReplyDeleteThanks, Graeme Shelton
It's hard to believe that someonne so kind of heart has now gone ... Mick you were the perfect unconditional friend such a giver and never judged anyone.... if you were a friend of Mick's you were a friend forever.... so many time you went out of your way to help me where I'm sure you could have been doing other thing for yourself. I only wish I could do or have done more for you... your friendship and great nature will be sadly sadly missed by Cas, Melissa, Chrietie, Sean and Me
ReplyDeleteThey say a person is never gone while they are in your heart.... you will never be gone Mick but you will be missed
Rest in peace mate
Rayman
the only buttons i pushed were the GOOD ones my friend.
ReplyDeletecondolences to the family.
xxx
Mickey Mouse, thank you for making everyday on set brighter. You were often the first there and last to leave and still put others needs before your own. Giving out chocolates and lollies, helping load and unload my car, saving meals for me and entertaining me with your "mick-isms" and nick names for everyone and everything. You will be greatly missed by all. Deepest sympathy to your family.
ReplyDeleteTootle-pip!
Amanda-hug-n-kiss, moo moo ca chew xoxo
Oh, and just one other quick thing...and this one is for the girls...the roses!!! oh my god, remember the roses?!...on our windshields, in the green-rooms or delivered by hand just to make us smile...and he always did...
ReplyDeleteLove Natasha Pasha xoxo
Tricky,
ReplyDeleteyou were one of the few men that was a 'bloke's bloke' and a 'Lady's Gentleman'.
An absolute 'All-Rounder' who served, always helped and never stopped giving your best with grace, skill and topped with a humour that always seemed to provide a sense of assurance.
You personified the meaning of 'someone you would want next to you in a trench'.
You were top shelf material.
The SA Film Industry has been set adrift because with your loss,
we have lost our anchor.
Geoff Tarr
"I sent my soul through the invisible,
ReplyDeletesome letter of that afterlife to spell;
and by and by my soul returned to me,
and answered,"I myself am Heav'n and Hell."
A poem by Omar Khayyam in memory of Mick Aitken, a man who showed capacity for both the heavenly and the hellish in life.... and no doubt will do the same in the afterlife.
"For thus, what we do in life.... echoes... in eternity."
Mojgan Khadem (a film crew member with a sweet tooth, who often benefited from Mick's generous and unending stash)
I will miss you dearly Barry
ReplyDeleteI am so lucky I was able to know you.
Thankyou for all your help, there was so much of it, in so many ways.
You'll make me smile for years.
Bradles
I too feel very fortunate that I had the pleasure of working with Mick, his kindness, generosity, thoughtfulness will never be forgotten...after a late finish I would often find my car, not where I had left it in the morning but parked on higher ground under a subtle light and sometimes to my delight a small sugar fix left surreptitiously on the dash... enough to get me home.
ReplyDeleteSIncerest condolences to your family... very much missed!
Miranda
Mick, you will be so missed by everybody you touched.
ReplyDeleteMy heart goes out to your family and loved ones.
And we will all carry a piece of your smile and kindness with us.
A true wonderful human being who is an inspiration.
Kath Mc
Mick, thanks for your hard-work, generosity and support. Weve lost a great mate and true blue Aussie. RIP. Michael V.
ReplyDeleteHaving known you Mick has made my life richer becaise you restored my faith in human nature. I'm sure that can be said for everyone who ever met you.
ReplyDeleteThe world is a much poorer place without you in it.
Rest peacefully.
Beck Andersen
It is hard to contemplate life on a film set in SA without the mighty Mick. The stocks of Farmers Union must have crashed on Wednesday. Mick, your gentle soul will live on with us forever. I am so honoured to have worked with you on Beautiful Kate. You will be forever loved. Leah xx
ReplyDeleteTo your dear Family, Brett and Georgia - we send our deepest condolences.
ReplyDeleteSchmick –
This makes no sense, you were more than one person could ever be.
This just proves that they only take the best.
You were such a gorgeous man and a very good friend, no one will ever replace you Mickey.
You were one of the boys but to us you will always be one of us girls.
Long live the Wardrobe Bus debriefs.
With Love,
Kristen Davey (Flossy) & Rhett Biglands
P.s
I can’t believe you haven’t taken those shorts off since 1984 (Mitcham Footy Photo)
Acutally … I can
“Some people come into our lives ever so briefly but touch our hearts ever so deeply”, Mick you have been one of those special people. It is a huge loss to the SA film industry. My heart goes out to the Aitken family. Paula
ReplyDeletewhen they rang me i had to ask Mick with the shorts as i couldnt believe it and still dont.
ReplyDeleteThe flowers he gave us on wrap live on in memory and i can still feel how fit he was when i hugged him to say thankyou once again.
My biggest sympathy to his family and friends, I guess you know how much we respected and loved him in our industry.
we will all miss him.
Tracy and Rags Phillpot
Number One Unit Guy Would be the T shirt i would make for you Bazza,So sweet & stocky in ya shorty shorts.Completely cut up am i ,we talked only days ago, made plans.
ReplyDeleteSo @ HOME you made us all feel.
Morning George,you, me ,our ice coffees,my truck each beautiful morning,decorated with chocalates & flowers,what a way to start a girls day.You just got us all of us.we have been touched and we shall never forget.
To Brett& Georgia,He loved you so..What a great man your father was,my hearts goes out to you both he will be dearly missed.
Sonya(cheffie)
Like I said Mick, your a star and are loved by all you shone on. A nicer bloke you could'nt wish to to meet. Keep enjoying. Ian J
ReplyDeleteBe at Peace Mick.
ReplyDeleteThoughts are with your family. Man i will so miss those shorts!
Phil Mac
There is a silence across the land and in our hearts. Mick is eternal, a force of nature, and he can't be dead. He was a man who never felt the cold and whose warmth was river which never ran dry. Thanks for the sunlight Mick, you amazing man.
ReplyDeleteRichard Jasek.
I have been reading all these tributes for a couple of days , and I still can't quite put into words what Mick meant to me .
ReplyDeleteIf I could be half the man he is , Im on my way to being a good bloke .
Chris Pike
Uncle Mick we will always remember the great times we had with "Mip and Moll".Always in our hearts Xx Lauren and Ryan Hillman Mick I am so glad I had the opportunity to know you. I will always think of you when I hear Love Shack. Rest in Peace. The angels are lucky to have you so soon xLindy
ReplyDeleteAh geez Mick, words just don't seem to cut it.
ReplyDeleteYou popped into my head out of the blue the other day - just this feeling that no matter what set I ended up on next you'd be there. Put a big smile on my dial. Maybe it's your way of saying you'll be giving us a hand on all of them from now on. Mick Aitken - patron Saint of film sets, yeah it has a nice ring to it! I know, I know you'd say "are you right?" and call me a whacker.
Reckon I owe not being slabbed for driving into shot to you. You helped me cut my teeth in this industry and get in trouble less. The thing that never ceased to amaze me is that with the 17,000 things you had to do everyday and for everyone, you'd keep me in mind and make sure a plate was set aside so I didn't miss lunch. It's your kindness, consideration and nurturing that made you a Prince amongst the fine bunch I've got to work with.
I'm one of the little people but you made me feel like a star.
I'll miss you Mickey Mouse, and Thanks.
Dangly Del xox
My dear friend Mick,
ReplyDeleteMy heart is feeling so much sadness at the news of your sudden departure. Mick, you were always a fantastic work-mate and i will miss your early morning smile that was always present over the 7 years on McLeods Daughters - rain, hail or shine. You went above the call of duty to make the actor's and filmcrew's daily lives more enjoyable.
I will miss our little chats about our children and life in general.
Rest well my friend with the knowledge you have touched a lot of people with your kindness and your gentle soul.
Your friend in film, Tony Cronin
your iced coffees, choclates, lollies, vests, shorts and smiles where just some of your great characteristics. You are a true legend and will be remebered by all! you worked sooo hard for all of us to make us happy. there is no other guy like you. you are one of a kind. From your mate toby wallace!!!
ReplyDeleteI had little to do and you had a lot ,but you always made time for a friendly word,and a chat.We often talked about your children,and my heart goes out to them.It was a great pleasure to have known you for that short time
ReplyDeleteIngrid
I received one of the saddest calls early Wednesday morning and like everyone else immediately felt shocked and upset. I have tried to write this since .
ReplyDeleteI was blessed to share your first day on set and didnt know I had been there to share your last.You were a God send to us all,I will never forget the tough days that we got thru together ,your comments like Jen check out my 'puckered palm'as a chocolate was thrust into my hand.
The most down to earth and genuine man you could hope to know.
I loved working with, talking with and knowing this gentle man.
He will be remembered and missed
xxJen.B
Farewell my dear Mick
ReplyDeleteWhen I heard the news I could not believe my ears. My dear dear friend and colleague with whom I had shared many an hour on dusty roads counting blades of grass waiting for a car to turn up so we could direct it on or hold it for a take. You gave me your dynamo smile in the morning and made me feel welcome on set even though my work kept me in a state of no-man's land. As a Location Manager you were the dream unit manager, colleague and friend. You always supported me, always told me that shit happens and that it simply was not worth worrying about anything you could not change. When I felt down you made me smile again. When it rained you always turned up with the umbrella and when the sun was beating down on us, you gave us water. You were the gentleman to be reckoned with and shall never be forgotten. I only have wonderful and happy memories of you Mick. You were the gentleman with whom every woman could feel safe and every bloke could rely on. I cannot believe that I will never see your gorgeous face again but I do know that you will never be alone because you will live on in all of us in our wonderful memories of you.
Love always
Nadine
Mick's farewell is this Wednesday 24th June 2009 at 10.30am in the Heysen Chapel at Centennial Park (Goodwood Road, Pasadena), followed by light refreshments at the Chapel until 12.30pm. Following the service, a wake will be held at the Mitcham Football Club (corner Angas Rd & Hawthorn Crst, Hawthorn) from 12noon onwards. In lieu of floral tributes - if preferred - you are welcome to make a donation to a trust fund for the welfare of Mick's children Brett and Georgia, through his brother Robert. Donation envelopes will be available at the Chapel. We hope you will be able to attend to help his family and many friends celebrate Mick's life and the influence he has had on everyone who knew him. Michael Vickers - Mitcham Football Club.
ReplyDeleteI had a dream this weekend.
ReplyDeleteI was standing under a blue shade tarp looking over a grassy valley.
There was lovely old brick house sitting alone at the bottom of this valley. A thought came to me...This is where Mick is living now. I wanted to visit him. As I started walking towards the house, a giant velvet elephant charged me. I jumped out of the way shocked. It charged me again and again stopping me from going to the house, until i woke up startled. The message was clear. This was Micks house. But I was not to bother him there. It was his place of rest.
Enjoy your sanctuary my friend,
Planet Princess.x
Goodbye Mick (Slick),
ReplyDeleteSuch a warm hearted, generous, down to earth bloke. We are all going to miss you so much.
I'll never forget how much you made me laugh on your last trip to 'The Hill'. I wanted that weekend to go on forever, as my memories of you will mate.
Trev. (Mr.) Hall
Mick was an instant friend, to me, and my children. They will never forget him, his kindness, gentle humour and generosity of spirit. He will always be a part of our lives, we send him all our love.
ReplyDeletePip, Nellie and Theo Miller
Mick; Everyone who knew him loved him. A minute with Mick was the best pick me up anyone could have. His beautiful twinkling eyes so full of mischief and laughter, his hands always full of goodies be it a "choccy" or just a helping hand for someone, no matter which they were always giving. You watched our kids grow, and we shared so many kid stories about Brett & Georgia. Your Dad was a HERO to all.That is how we will remember his last phone call a couple of days before he left us. If only the world was made up of all "Mick's" what a wonderful place we would have. May God keep you safe now, bless your family and ease the terrible sorrow that we all feel. Love ya "Mickels". Barb, Bill, Janey & Lach.
ReplyDeleteMicky, You were a legend of a bloke, like everyone has said above everyone who knew you loved you. One of the nicest guys I have ever had the pleasure of knowing & working with. There wasnt anything mick wouldnt do for you, like the time on set at McLeods I dropped my leatherman in the Portaloo!! Mick ran off got a garbage bag chucked it on his arm and fished around til he found it. Then put it in a bucket of bleach . There was nothing mick wouldnt do for a mate. You were a true aussie hard working man who I was honoured to have as my friend. No set will ever be the same without the easter plumber delivering chocolates. You made this place a better place to be in and will really miss you. Now heaven will have no leaky taps. RIP buddy Benny Walsh Kirsty & Sienna Walsh xx
ReplyDeleteMick Brighten up ever ones Day.
ReplyDeleteHe will be cheerfully missed.
A makeup/wardrobe bus will never be the same with out Micks Treats.Mick spoit us so much & we loved it.
Feel so Blessed to have known Mick
Deepest sypathy to Micks loved ones
Jen R
its amazing to see how many ppl cared for mick and the way he has touched ppl in different ways. mick was like a dad to me and i will never forget him. the one great memory i have of him is when i was real young it was new years eve and i was at his house with his kids and best mates brett and gorgie and i was crying cause i wanted my mum and dad and i jst remember mick picking me up and putting me on his lap and talking to me and it felt like everything was better. whenever i saw mick from then on everything was ok no matter what i had going on in my life. he was a great bloke, great dad and would do anything for you.
ReplyDeletei will miss you mick and wont forget how u always called me yo yo.
love ya mate ill see ya oneday in the futre
michael
Mick, you were backbone of the film set, life will not be the same out there. Strong and kind, gentle and tough. One of a wonderful kind. I hope you a getting some rest now. My love and sympathy to Mick's Family.
ReplyDeleteMaz.xo
Slick; what can i say mate, you were just a top notch bloke. Being one of my dad's best mates and growing up with brett. I had a lot of time to sit back and observe how much of a great father and freind you were. From the times brett and i would keep you up, playing footy in the hallway or scheming a way to scare georgia. You somehow managed to put up with us brats. Not to mention how far you would go out of your way to get us in our time of need. It just sums up who you are as a person and it will be truly missed by us all. As the smart ass comment used to go, "GET A HAIRCUT NUMBER 5", always brought a smile to my face everytime i ran out on the footy field.
ReplyDeleteBeen a honor to know you mate.
Snake xo
Hey Michael (Mick)..Our thoughts are with Jim and Margaret, Robert, Steve, Jenny, Paul and their families. Special thoughts for Brett and Georgia. We have great memories of growing up with Michael in Peterborough SA. Love and deepest sympathy from all the Fieldings.
ReplyDeleteMick, I will always remember your great sense of humour! And the iced coffees..... I wish all Dad's could be as loving and devoted as you were. My love and thoughts go to Brett & Georgie.
ReplyDeleteLuv Gaye
Mick goodbye dear friend and mate. We all worked so hard on McLeod's but you had more than anyone else as the Unit Manager.
ReplyDeleteThanks for you kind help always you helped me through the circus daily. You are a legend, as there will never be another Mick, wearing shorts in the middle of winter.
I had hoped we would work again together, but thats not going to happen.
Thanks again Mick for being there for me.
Roger D.
To Mick's family and friends our sincere condolences.
ReplyDeleteMick - It was a privilege to have known and worked with you for the many years at Aztec's and I thank you for your help and cheerful nature which made it so easy.
After reading these postings and knowing you it is not surprising to see how you touched so many people with your warm and giving nature.
You will be deeply missed.
Paul
Many years ago I had the pleasure to work with Mick during his apprenticeship as a plumber.
ReplyDeleteHis work ethic was second to none, a role model as a human being.
Mick forever yours in mateship.
Mike Wilson
True blue professional and a top bloke
ReplyDeleteSunday
I could never quite believe how you did it. Every day you were there; the biggest warmest smile, those ridiculous shorts which made me shiver. Fag in one hand, chock milk in the other; the vast unit base all in place - ready to go. In the short time that I knew you, you often left me speechless!!! How did you do this? When did you sleep?
ReplyDeleteWe never needed to ask for anything, because it was always there. I am not from SA, but I have often recounted to crews over here, about the most amazing unit manager I have had the pleasure of working with. You have set the bar pretty high my friend, and I am sure you're legacy will endure for many years to come. Rest in peace and thanks for making it so easy.
Chris Lynch
Me again, Mickey...
ReplyDeleteI can't make it to SA for your funeral today but I would so dearly love to, if I could have brought my two wee boys over from Melbourne too... my thoughts are with everyone there and instead, I will wear my 'mickettes' singlet and drink iced coffee in your honour!
Peace to you lovely man
xxx Konda (jules)
PS: I had a chat to my old faithful wardobe trolley yesterday (crazy I know but I'm sure you've have many words with it over the time I was on the farm!) and we remembered all the times you would lug that damn heavy thing around dusty paddocks for me, loading it into your ute and whisking it off to the next location without turning a hair...in and out of the wardrobe truck... nothing was too much trouble for you Mick, too much goodness for just one man, i do hope it will rub off like glitter onto the rest of us now... xxx
For those of you who were unable to make it today, I thought I'd share some words that were said..R.I.P Mickey xx
ReplyDeleteThe strength of a man isn't seen in the width of his shoulders
It's seen in the width of his arms that circle you.
The strength of a man isn't in the deep tone of his voice,
It's in the gentle words he whispers.
The strength of a man isn't how many buddies he has,
It's how good a buddy he is with his kids.
The strength of a man isn't in how respected he is at work,
It's in how respected he is at home.
The strength of a man isn't in how hard he hits,
It's in how tender he touches.
The strength of a man isn't in the hair on his chest,
It's in his heart...that lies within his chest.
The strength of a man isn't how many women he's loved,
It's in how he can be true to one woman.
The strength of a man isn't in the weight he can lift,
It's in the burdens he can carry.
"Yeah Rightio, you trippers"
ReplyDeletelove you too mate x
Hey Mick,
ReplyDeleteI cannot understand why the most beautiful man on this earth has been taken away from us all. I can only hope your new life is as beautiful as you are, as you only deserve the best. I will never forget your gorgeous blue eyes, the smile that never left your face and those great legs of yours! "Death is but crossing the world, as friends do the seas, they live in one another still" (William Penn). I look forward to catching up with you again one day Mick...bye for now!
Vanessa the Undresser!
Mick, It was a pleasure working with you for many years at Aztec, and as per previous comments, I too was amazed that during the cold of winter you would still be wearing those short shorts!!! And of course,an iced coffee in one hand. What a great send off today! My thoughs & prayers go out to your family. xxoo Gail and David
ReplyDeleteMick.
ReplyDeleteYou were a star. When I was being a princess complaining how cold it was on set, (even with a heated tarago) there you were with a pair of shorts and the bomb inspector t shirt.
When everyone became scavengers to get the bacon at breakfast first, you always let others in front of you, often missing out yourself.
When we all complained about the long hours, you just gave a smile, knowing you had to stay even longer than the rest of us.
That knowing wink about what it was REALLY like in the office, that bone crushing handshake, the ice coffee's in the truck (i like how people are saying 2 - it was like 8 !!!) and the smile and relaxed manner even when one of your boys would flood the trailer with sewage ...
You will be sadly missed.
Leith
Mick
ReplyDeleteI have just read in the paper about you leaving us, absolutely gob smacked. Guys like you don't die at 49 guys like you end up running a marathon at 90.
Mate often for days on end you were the only person I would see or talk to out at Mcleods i would arrive in the dark have a quick chat about the days events and then in the morning have another quick chat before I raced home before the sun came up.
You were an awesome bloke and the type of caring, helpful bloke that everyone should aspire to be themselves.
I know I do.
Benny Waechter
Mick thankyou for watching out for us all as I'm sure you will continue to do. You were the most hardworking man and the most thoughtful. there were many days you would thinK I would love a chocolate right now and there you were bag full of chocolate for everyone.:-) You did so much for us all and I hope there's plenty of ice coffee for you and hope your having a wonderful rest. Will miss you. Greatest sympathies to the Aitkin family. xxxx Rach
ReplyDeleteMick, i remember waiting every year for when you and the boys would make the long trip to broken hill for saint patties.. it was always one of my funnest weeekends of every year.. thank you for making me smile every second of the day and being a great part of my family's life.. You are truely one of a kind and will be dearly missed by the Brewer family.. I hope there is plenty of ice coffee and beer up there for you.. Thank you for everything Mick, especially being a great mate with my dad, i love to see his smile when all you blokes get together.. Greatest sympathy to the Aitkin family, and all the boys.. Love Bec Brewer xoxoxoxoxo
ReplyDeleteMick......wow....Freddy Dunsmuir just emailed me to tell me of your passing....33 - 34 years whatever.....the all important growing up years for me...Mitcham footy Club...shit thats me in the photo below you bottom left....sneaking me into the TA underage....DJ'ing...winky dink....and then being able to see you a year or stwo back with Simmone at MCD...Mick, a beautiful beautiful mate......I have been away so long now, but one look at your photo, brings your voice booming into my heart and soul.
ReplyDeleteGod bless You mate......
Love
Lynton (AKA: WINKY! HARRY!)
Mick, you and your cheeky grin and big heart will be sadly missed in the Hill each year for st. Pats. i'll have a drink for you each year you and you can have a beer with Butch.RIP. old mate i'll be thinking of you.luv BIDDY xoxo
ReplyDeleteRIP 'Mickey' Aitken as we knew you so many years ago. When we 1st met you at the MFC, you were friendly, funny & the guy that worn the shorts!! You touched both our hearts through those few years & even we we moved on, when we met up on game days, you were still there with the hand shake, smiles & chatter. To us, when anyone mentions the MFC, we always thought of you - you were the Mitcham Footy Club
ReplyDeleteOur sincerest condolences to the entire Aitken Family & Mick's extended families EVERYWHERE.
Too young, too soon, never to be forgotten....
Sharon & Byron xxxx
dad, what can i say, its been a year and i still havnt found the right words to say.. i still dream about you just about every night, when i sing i still sing for you, when i think about you i still cry and its just not the same when mum calls me.. you were the funniest, most kind, genouros most loving person in the world, i cant believe that your really gone, i used to think i couldnt live without you, sometimes i dont want to live but i push through your inspired me you made me laugh you were never mean to me and you always told me sticks and stones which never actually helped i love you so much and cant wait till the day that i come up to heaven and see you again i want everyone to no how great you were i'll never ever forget you rest in peace you champ love you buddy boy
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