He helped to make advertising fun to work in and made his mark creatively.
Another advertising great rides into the sunset.

Farewell Robbo. A huge character, great craftsman, and true gentleman.
He loved life and went way too soon.

Patsy P

Ever the wit, he could have coined the phrase ''anything you can do I can do better" and lived up to the challenge.

Although it was a great disappointment to him that his novel 'The Trick Cyclist' was foolishly dismissed by publishers, his many great advertising words and socially amusing one liners will live on forever. How could we ever forget him! Dear Michael...Maggie Polglase

Never met Michael (never met him actually) but it certainly sounds like while he died too soon, he sure lived one hell of a life. Vale.

Advertising must've been heaps of fun back then. Even if only half the stories you hear are true.

I've never heard of him but he seems like a fantastic character who led a full and varied life. RIP.

RIP Michael. I didn't know you at all, but you sound like you were a decent bloke. One that deserves more than three comments on this blog.

When I left Mojo for a life of freelance, I had the pleasure of doing my very first job (Woman's Day) for Michael Robinson. As many would remember, he was a sensational creative, a truly unforgettable character and a hell of a great guy. He had the best polished shoes in town- ALWAYS! Michael, rest in peace and 'thank you' for your industry contributions. 'Reg'

Vale Michael.

Will always remember the nights in the bar at HRA when John Adams, another good man who left too early, Robbo and Jimmy Scaysbrook traded stories, one liners etc. Great times. Robyn, Ghita and family thinking of you. Richard and Annie G.

Since seeing this post and not having heard of Michael Robinson, I decided I should find out more about a man cool enough to wear a Homburg and ride a Hesketh.

Someone here at the agency who knew him regaled me with a couple of stories about his lust for life, and Ieft me wishing we still had characters like him in the industry. Looks like he would have been fascinating company over a few schooners. Condolences to his family and friends.

Robbo gave a great speech at the Caxtons in the late 70's/early 80's.

He told the story of a presentation to a motor-bike client selling ag-bikes to sheep farmers. He presented a print ad with the headline 'Click go the gears.'

The client really liked it, but then added that he'd like a version for dairy farmers, and asked Robbo if the agency could adapt the headline, suggesting a re-write: 'Moo go the gears'.

So you see, there have always been idiot clients in advertising. They didn't just come along last Tuesday.

Michael Robinson was and will alwys be remembered as one of the funniest, nicest and most talented personalities that graced the Australian advertising scene.
Even though he put shit on my poor game of darts ("arrows" in Michael speak), he always made me feel good about being a loser.
He mentored many a future talent in keeping a stiff upper lip at all costs, he was a champion of pride.
Rest in peace Michael, you deserve a good sleep after your big contribution to life.

I did have the pleasure of knowing the adorable Michael Robinson. What a privilege. He was one of my father’s contemporaries and dear friend. The stories are true; he was every bit as amazing as you will read. He was effortlessly funny, he adored women, openly cherished his male friendships and doted on us as kids… We just couldn’t get enough of him. His enthusiasm was intoxicating. And, as if that wasn’t enough, he had the Lego account.

Advertising needs more and more eccentric and inspiring characters. I did not know Michael Robinson, but when I first arrived in Australia as a very junior, nervous and jet-lagged media planner, I wanted to meet agency creatives to find out more about what they did. In trying to make an appointment with Harris Robinson Courtenay, it was Michael who got me a lengthy session with Bryce Courtenay and one of the most enlightening chats and advice for my future that I was ever likely to get! It was just an unheard of opportunity to listen and learn. So I wish I could have thanked Mr Robinson, later in life, just for that. God bless him.

Never will a large fire by the woolshed be the same

I remember a number of things about Michael when dropping into HRC to talk about the next Castrol 6 Hour race with Vincent Tesoriero.
1. His charming and patient wife Robyn, who heard words from Michael I'm sure she'd never otherwise heard. Like his shoes, they were always impreccably polished - which is a great way of getting away with a lot!
2. His love and amazing knowledge of classical music. He would probably have got on well with Paul Keating, partially for his knowledge of slightly obscure composers and works.
3. That it was his thin white bum that enthusiastically followed the rest of his lanky frame as it headed into the surf in the film Stone. So he will live in perpetuity - and, appropriately, notoriety.
4. That he loved motor bikes and life, as well as Robyn - a just about perfect set of priorities. . .

Well done, Michael and bad luck. And best wishes to Robyn

We'll all miss him dearly, so we're sending him off with a few schooners under his belt this Friday arvo (1st August) at the north Sydney Pub, the one opposite NorthSydney Oval at 4pm onwards.
Anyone who knew him and wants to join us is welcome.

I hope the crash&burners attending the booze-up at the North Sydney pub will turn up on their bikes, drink to excess and then wobble off at full pelt like we all did in the good old days before booze buses, speed cameras and commonsense became the norm.

They broke the mould after they made dear Michael. The world was indeed a better place for having him here and I feel very fortunate to have known him many long years ago.

A lovely man with a great heart.
I remember fondly the wonderful discussions that took place in his shed.
Robyn, Ghita - my condolences.

I was shocked and sadden to only just hear of Michael's Death, we shared many good times as friends back in the 70's, his talent and creativity was truly a gift.

I will never forget running into him and Vincent at Stanley Markets in H.K. with his trademark different coloured shoes 8-) He was always there for me in troubled times back then and will long be remembered as a long lost dear friend.