The Age journalist Michael Gordon dies at 62 after suspected heart attack
Michael Gordon – a long-serving Fairfax journalist who in November took home the Outstanding Contribution to Journalism Award at the 62nd Annual Walkley Awards – has passed away at the age of 62.
Gordon’s 1973 press pass. Source: The Walkley Foundation
According to The Age he was participating in an ocean swim at Phillip Island and pulled from the water just prior to 10:30am.
The Age reports emergency services personnel spent more than an hour trying to resuscitate him.
Gordon joined Fairfax Media’s The Age in 1973 at the age of 17.
He became political editor at the paper in 2013.
In June last year, Gordon announced he was stepping down from the role, with Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull paying tribute to his contributions to journalism.
“Michael, you’ve always struck me as a writer with an elegant pen and a big heart; someone who saw journalism as a means for making a difference, not merely a living. We will miss you – and I say that even after reacquainting myself with some of your most recent columns,” Turnbull said at the time, according to Fairfax reports.
In November, Gordon won the Outstanding Contribution to Journalism Award in Brisbane at the 62nd Annual Walkley Awards.
At the ceremony Gordon said he was “overwhelmed”, “humbled” and “delighted” to receive the honour.
“45 years ago, I walked into The Age building as a 17 year old, naive and shy, and I want to thank everyone who has been part of a wondrous journey ever since.
“My biggest debt is to those whose stories I’ve told, whose courage and honesty and integrity in the face of great hardship and discrimination has been an inspiration.”
Gordon was still contributing to Fairfax publications as recently as last week.
CEO of Fairfax Media Greg Hywood issued a statement on behalf of the media company:
“Michael Gordon was not merely one of the great journalists of his generation he was one of the most loved.
“His passing is a tragedy for all who knew him and respected his enormous contribution to the national debate.
“His 40-plus year body of work on politics, indigenous affairs and refugees reflected his basic values of care, fairness and scrupulous honesty.
“But beyond that… he was a wonderful man.
“Our deepest sympathy goes to his wife Robyn and children, Scott and Sarah, and his broader family.”
Tributes from politicians, competitors and co-workers have been flooding in on Twitter.
Farewell Michael Gordon. One of the most wise and calm of journalists. A good friend and great mentor to so many. He left us far too soon. Love and sympathy to Robyn and his family at this tough time.
— Malcolm Turnbull (@TurnbullMalcolm) February 3, 2018
We are heartbroken by the death this morning of our beautiful friend and colleague Michael Gordon https://t.co/fSHoP7VyQh
— Bevan Shields (@BevanShields) February 3, 2018
A beautiful man and a great journalist. This will come as a great shock to many readers who loved him. Celebrated and beloved Age journalist Michael Gordon dies aged 62. https://t.co/HQ0i9i8vMZ
— Samantha Maiden (@samanthamaiden) February 3, 2018
Started in journalism the same day, on rival papers. Ran The Sunday Age together in the nineties. Friends for 40 years plus. Never met a finer journalist or a finer man than Michael. Devastated. https://t.co/vLJnlv4QVA via @theage
— Bruce Guthrie (@brucerguthrie) February 3, 2018
This is terrible, shocking news. Such a gentleman of journalism. His speech on accepting the Walkley for Most Outstanding Contribution to Journalism just a few months ago brought tears to many of us there. Vale Michael Gordon, one of the true greats. https://t.co/kXfVIWKjWD
— Gaven Morris (@gavmorris) February 3, 2018
Vale Michael
Great journalist and commentator
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