Please accept sincere condolences, both personal and on behalf of Manawatu Jazz Club. Mike was a regular performer with City Jazz at our Annual Manawatu International Jazz Festival, and, sadly, not often enough at our Club Days. Mike was an enviable clarinet player, taking Clarinet Marmalade in his stride. He always seemed pleased to be performing, and was a "perfect" guest artist, arriving well before the gig, with all his band, played to the delight of the audience, and always sent through the receipt for payment within days of the gig. Sadly he was one of the last connections to the Old New Orleans style of Jazz, but we sincerely hope the band will play on. He will be missed ..but certainly not forgotten... it was a real pleasure to have known him. David Edge Manawatu Jazz Club

Dear Mike, adventure and music shaped your entire life, as it does mine. We only spent a few weeks together, but these were some of the most important, meaningful, and adventurous weeks of my life. I believe our meeting was fated and you were sent by our lord as some sort of guardian angel. I still remember how it all started (and which you reminded me of on multiple occasions): I was hitchhiking on the highway near Paekākāriki at 11am on Saturday 21st July 2018 when you picked me up, concerned for my safety (as always). You later told me that this meeting gave you a ‘new lease on life’. For me, as you know, it was kind of lifesaving. Your usual conversation-starter “are you a musician?” did its magic, and we instantly bonded over our musical careers. In mere minutes (for the drive didn’t take any longer) the foundation of a great friendship had been built. In your usual kindness and generosity, you invited me to lunch with yourself and Hui, which I accepted, despite only knowing you so shortly. A few days later, after I had failed the southern crossing, you put everything on hold to pick me up in Masterton. You and Anne gladly took me in and nurtured me back to health, for which I am forever grateful. Afterwards we explored the greater Wellington area and conversed about every topic we could think of. The deep talks about faith and philosophy have stayed with me, in particular. After sending me on my way to the southern island and Australia, we only met once more when you travelled with me and my family in a caravan across NZ. An adventure we had always hoped to continue in Germany, where you were supposed to meet us and were I wanted to show you around for a change. Sadly, we ‘never got around to it’ (as you liked to say), but at least we were able to accompany each other virtually through our lives and new adventures. Now our paths together take yet another form. I miss you greatly. May your new adventures be full of music, joy and new companions.

Hello Anna and family. I am deeply saddened to hear of Michael’s passing. Julius told me about it. I have fond memories of the wonderful time I spent with you in New Zealand. Michael and you have both been a fantastic blessing in my life. And, of course, especially for Julius. During our stay, despite my very poor English, I had some wonderful and meaningful conversations with Michael. Thank you for that. And thank you for taking us in for a few days. I was delighted to attend yesterday’s very emotional funeral service with Julius and Belinda, and it has reaffirmed to me just what a wonderful person Michael was. I wish you lots of strength for the future and, above all, God’s blessing. It’s lovely to see that you are in good hands with your family. I have been thinking of you and Michael very often, and will continue to do so. Warmest regards from the Westerwald, Eva

I met Mike through music. I have many good memories of playing in bands with Mike including the earlier days of Orient Express and in the dance band at the Pines in Island Bay , in the band City Jazz and through my connections with the band the Rodrigo Brothers. I moved away from Wellington some years ago and unfortunately was not able to attend his funeral in person. Mike was a big-hearted musician , always positive, warm of spirit and a generous band leader. I was deeply saddened to hear of his sudden passing and send my condolences to his family and friends. Alan Burden

To Anne and Family, My sincere condolences. Michael was a true gentleman, always well groomed, and always caring and supportive of others. He served The Order of St Luke well, over a long period of years, as National Treasurer, and more recently also as membership registrar. He was always particular in keeping our books up to date in a methodical manner. I had the pleasure of serving with Mike on our National Executive and considered him a friend. He was loyal, helpful and trustworthy. A man of prayer. It was my honour some years ago, as the then NZ National Chaplain to nominate Michael as a Life Member of OSL. Something he deeply appreciated. He will be very sadly missed by all in OSL. Now Gone to Higher Service to be with his Lord. RIP. Michael.

Soon after we arrived in Ohakea we attended a conference organised by the Full Gospel Business Men’s Association in Wellington. We took Your Dad and Mum with us. The hall was packed and everybody was heartily worshipping the Lord. Hands were raised toward heaven. Suddenly, your Dad took his hat off and with all his might threw it into the air. Shouting his praise., I have ocassionally recalled that very special occasion. Your parents have been very good friends for all those years. Your Dad was a pall bearer eight years ago when Rosemary passed on. Another vital memory of Dad’s contribution to the Ohakea congregation was the worship group he assembled, trained and encouraged: piano, trumpet, violin, choir. There was Mike’s’ bold faith affirmation when he stood with the young ones for the bishop to lay his hands. It has been a wonderful relationship. Look after your Mum. It is 8 years since Rosemary passed on and I still miss her terribly.🙌

I got to know Michael through being a member of the Soiree that meets once every two months to play music to each other on our various instruments. Michael has been at the centre of this soiree, both organising it and participating magnificently with his beautiful clarinet playing. Michael has always been so encouraging of us all, with his gentle, warm and friendly manner. He was so knowledgeable about music and it was great to learn from him. It is such a shock to know that he has left us and I will always remember him with great fondness and thankfulness that I had a chance to know this wonderful human being. He is a role model for us all. To Anne and his family, please accept my deepest condolences for your huge loss.

IN MEMORY OF MIKE BAIN I first met Mike Bain in the 1990s at a gig in a Johnsonville church at which he was playing clarinet in a classical music trio. He always maintained a wide interest in different music genres and their musicians. He played leading roles as either founder, player, manager or conductor with many bands. The NZ Air Force band and City Jazz are good examples. In the early 2000s he and I were playing Dixieland jazz with the Valley Stompers. I recall gigs at the jazz clubs in New Plymouth, Wanganui, Palmerston North and at both the Wellington Jazz Club and the Wellington Jazz Preservation Society. While driving home together from a club gig in Wanganui we discussed an advert we had both seen in a Wellington newspaper announcing that the Wellington Jazz Club would soon be holding a public meeting as part of a formal process to close the club down. It seemed odd that there could be successful jazz clubs in smaller North Island towns but not in Wellington. I remember Mike saying quietly “You and I could save the club”. I had just retired and knew I would have time to devote to such a worthy cause. The upshot was that we both attended that jazz club public meeting at the Flamingo. I requested and was granted permission to speak. Perhaps by following some of those other jazz club policies the Wellington club could continue. On balance the audience was not in my favour until I mentioned that my friend Mike Bain was a professional accountant and was volunteering to handle the club finances. Mike then spoke. That changed things dramatically and the club has prospered ever since. You can find videos of Mike playing with the Valley Stompers by searching on Youtube for “Wellington Valley Stompers”

Mike, my dear friend. I remember years ago I gave you a book of poems I’d translated — Zheng Danyi’s Wings of Summer. When I visited Anne last Friday I saw it on the shelf by your desk. There was a poem that you particularly liked. I’ve retranslated it for you, as a farewell. Thank you for the music. Thank you for the friendship. Go well. -Hui Harmonica When the last echoes of summer stir my heart again I shall turn and step out to follow my lonely harmonica Certain words, we know, won’t utter themselves and many irrelevant ears won’t come to listen. I’ll say Come and lend one of your ears as my harmonica plays this gentle tune The sobbing notes of the past once filled me with sorrow. But now, listen A blissful cup is singing within Oh, a lovely, lithe body sweet, and calm yet it echoes the sighing of this world It follows me a thousand miles in harmony with my heart’s rhythm, and it pleases my soul like an innocent ghost Oh, my friend, alone and awash in light You, too, had your fill of hardship, like me with nothing but shirtsleeves, playing a solo tune If our fate is sealed before the music ends If God also chooses a tune to accompany our own How shall I raise my hands to receive? If fate suddenly comes to knock on my closed door

I had the privilege of working with Mike when he joined the Valley Stompers in the 2000's. An incredible musician and a true Gentleman. I have many happy memories of all the great concerts and the good times we shared socially. The world has lost a truly inspirational musician with his passing and will be the poorer for it.

We were honoured to Have Michael in the Rodrigo Brothers. A very kind and lovely guy, extremely talented musician and a friend to everyone. He lives on in our thoughts and some of our recorded music. He will always be remembered.

Years ago, during my PhD studies in Wellington, I was blessed to be introduced to Mike by Dr. Hui Luo and Mr. Jia Han. Mike warmly invited me to join the Orient Xpress Jazz band, opening the door to four of the most joyful years of my life. To me, Mike was the epitome of a true Christian gentleman—kind, humble, and radiating a quiet strength. He guided me not with words, but with a gentle, silent grace. There is a Chinese saying that captures his way perfectly: 润物细无声 — "nourishing all things, silently, like a gentle spring rain." That was Mike. Our late-night drives and chats after the gigs, along the Kapiti coast, under the starry sky and to the sound of waves from the Tasman Sea, became my life's most cherished sanctuary, carrying me through many of my own personal storms. It was Mike’s silent influence that leads me a career in higher education and philanthropy, learning to share knowledge and love unconditionally, just as he did. He was, in every sense that matters, a spiritual father and an endlessly faithful friend. Thank you, Mike, for being the beautiful melody in our lives. I know your saxophone is now playing a sweet, new song in the Heavenly kingdom. We miss you deeply, Mike, but we do not grieve without hope. For we know, this is not a permanent goodbye, but a temporary farewell. Until we meet again, my dear friend. May you rest in eternal peace and joy. Gordon Yang GAO — A friend whose life was quietly, permanently made better by knowing you. May 30, 2026 @ Tsinghua University, Beijing

Anne and family, I am deeply saddened to hear of Mike's passing. It was a privilege to work for Mike on numerous occasions producing DVD's And CDs of Mikes brilliant playing with several bands. Rest in Peace my friend.

Mike has been an inspiration to me in many ways, and especially through music - both with City Jazz and the Wellington Jazz Club. His tireless efforts on behalf of WJC has ensured that the club continues to flourish, and I have seen the joy that his playing brings to so many audiences. On behalf of both the Wellington Jazz Club and City Jazz, I send our most sincere condolences to Mike's family. We are deeply saddened by his passing and he will be sorely missed.

Condolences to Anne and family. Mike's kindness and faith will be remembered, and his music will live on in our hearts. Morris Wong Orient Xpress

Mike was a much valued colleague, both as a faithful fellow member of the Military Christian Fellowship and as a point of contact in Air Staff for ministerial services from the Office of CDF at HQNZDF in Wellington. I well remember his account of tramping up to the cross in the Tararuas. Well done, good and faithful servant. Sincere condolences to Anne and family. Blessed are they who mourn. Mike Scrivener, QSM ex Senior Ministerial Coordinator HQNZDF

My deepest condolences to Anne and family in this time of loss. Mike, my dear friend, you will always be in my heart. You invited me along to a band rehearsal 25 years ago, and that started my love of trad jazz and performing with bands. For over 10 years we played together and made wonderful musical memories. I always loved our catch up when I was back visiting Island Bay. Rest in Peace Mike. Alastair former band mate Banjo/Guitar

Rest in Peace Mike, good and faithful servant. Our band leader, friend and Sax soloist. Always kind and generous. God bless Jimmy Drummer OrientXpress

Michael, it still feels unreal that you are gone. You brought me in as the vocalist and my son Shanli as the saxophone player into the OrientXpress Jazz Band, and in doing so, you completely changed our lives, bringing so much colour and richness into them. I have been with the band since 2013, and Shanli joined in 2018 when he was only 14 years old. His very first gig was at Parliament — a moment we will never forget. From then on, we have cherished every single moment, both on stage and off stage, as part of this musical family. You were not only a mentor in music, but also a mentor in life. Your guidance, trust, and support shaped us in ways we will carry with us forever. I often told you that you were like a father to me, and I truly meant it from the bottom of my heart. Your talent, kindness, generosity, selflessness, gentleness, and humility touched everyone around you in ways words can never fully capture. Your passion for music was truly inspiring, and it shone through in everything you did. You gave so much of yourself so freely, asking for nothing in return. These beautiful qualities will stay with us always, living on in our hearts. You are deeply missed, and will be remembered with endless love, gratitude, and respect. Rest in peace, Michael. Until we meet again in heaven. 🙏💔🎵