We have lost someone very special, a close friend to many in the international dive community—and certainly to me and our team. Michael Menduno has died, following a stroke he suffered in early September, leaving behind a huge void that is impossible to fill.
Michael takes a selfie of us when we were enjoying a long walk through Rome's ancient quarters after attending Rebreather Meeting on Ponza. That remains a treasured memory.
To preface this tribute for newcomers to diving and the dive industry: Michael was the one who coined the term “technical diving” and founded AquaCorps Magazine in the 1990s, which was dedicated to what we now know as technical diving. He drove the development of the field, ultimately benefiting the whole dive industry, improving training methods, and driving innovation. He also organised a number of technical conferences, most notably, several Rebreather Forums. He contributed to X-Ray Mag and, in later years, founded and served as editor-in-chief of InDEPTH Magazine. The list goes on.
But Michael was much more than a great agent for change. He was a fine and unique human being who touched and befriended many people, bridging numerous differences in an industry that has often been fractured.
He was uniquely instrumental—but not in the same way as Cousteau, Hass and the like, whom I think of as the old aristocracy. Michael was, in many ways, their polar opposite. He was approachable, remaining at eye level with everyone he met, and he was kind and truly interested in others. He was simply unpretentious and very likeable, which was his strength.
Just look at his Facebook page, which is now flooded with tributes. Take note of the many happy faces and the great, fond memories shared about him. It is a torrent of positivity.
It may not be immediately evident to the casual observer, but he was the yarn that tied much of the community together. He did not care which training organisation or philosophy you adhered to, but remained focused on being an agent for positive change.
He not only swam in the ocean, but in a sea of people who adored and cherished him. In a way, he became the dive community’s own humble rock star.
It was not what he was or what he knew, but who he was as a person. He did not just understand tech—something others can learn too—he understood people, appreciated life, and was sensitive to beauty and wisdom wherever he came across it. He was indeed very sensitive and perceptive, which also made him a great writer, communicator, and entrepreneur. Above all, he was a passionate person, and passion drove him in all his endeavours.
Our common friend Pete Mesley of Lust4Rust described him as “quirky”. That, he was indeed—but in a fun, charming and heart-warming way. One moment, he would be goofy and joking around, and the next, he would be intensely focused and serious when it came to business, projects, or discussing technical or scientific matters.
But that was not all we discussed. We also talked about art, science, music, culture, history and philosophy. He was anything but a one-tracked dive geek—a far more complete and complex human being, whose heartfelt friendship I came to deeply cherish. He was caring and kind in a way that sets an example for the rest of us to follow.
Michael was indeed the one friend of mine who always gave me a bear hug, sang me a birthday song on my birthdays, and called me regularly. We went to so many places and events together, and we shared many adventures, good times and stimulating conversations. All great memories that enriched my life and which I look back upon with fondness and much gratitude.
He was so much more than a colleague to me—he was a close friend and brother-in-arms. May he rest in peace, and may the rest of us honour him by learning from his example and carrying the torch forward.
Thank you, Michael, for everything.
