There must be many who will be saddened to hear of the death of Michael Stoddart who was a great lover of Malta and an enthusiastic supporter of the annual Valletta International Baroque Festival.

He was also a benefactor of the Manoel Theatre by sponsoring a book about the theatre which, sadly, he will not have lived to see as it is yet to be published.

Michael always stayed at the Phoenicia Hotel and, having heard that is going to be refurbished, he expressly came to Malta to stay there and “say goodbye to his beloved old Phoenicia”.

He flew out on September 15 but was taken seriously ill just one day after his arrival and admitted to Mater Dei Hospital. Though his prospects of recovery seemed slim, he remained cheerful and always rewarded his visitors with a broad smile.

He was med-evacuated back to the UK on September 22 and died at the Freeman Hospital, Newcastle on September 26.

This letter is written partly on Michael’s behalf.

He greatly appreciated the wonderful care and attention he received in M1 ward at Mater Dei and said that he intended writing a letter of appreciation when he got better. However, unfortunately, fate didn’t give him a chance to do so.

He also repeatedly expressed his immense gratitude for the kindness of the Phoenicia Hotel staff who rose to the occasion and visited him regularly at the hospital and helped to take care of his final travel arrangements when he returned to the UK.

Michael bore his illness with great courage. He will be missed at coming baroque festivals.