by Rebecca West
It is with great sadness that we learned last week of the passing of Michael Wile over the holidays. Michael was our longstanding National Advertising Manager at the Montreal Review of Books, from its early days in 1997.
When I joined the mRb in 2021, Michael patiently filled me in on the ins and outs of advertising sales. Based in Toronto, his preferred means of keeping in touch was by phone. With a background in media and radio, his charm and sense of humour came through on every call. Michael developed a niche in the literary sector over the years, working with publications such as Prairie Books Now and the Literary Review of Canada.
Our collaboration was always smooth — while I managed sales in Quebec, Michael took care of all of our advertisers across the country. During the pandemic, we began live-streaming our launch events, and kept the tradition going when we returned to in-person launches. Michael was a faithful attendee, always tuning in to watch live on YouTube. He never hesitated to share his enthusiasm for the authors we featured, or constructive criticism on how we might improve the launch format for next time.
A celebration of life will take place in Toronto on April 12, 2025. A funeral will take place in Michael’s native Nova Scotia at a later date. Donations in Michael’s honour can be made to the Canadian Mental Health Association, or to your local public library.
Our thoughts go out to Michael’s friends and family. We’ll miss him dearly.
Michael Wile was a pleasure to work with over the years, and he will be sorely missed! My condolences to his family on his passing.
Thank you for the kind words Kendra, I’ll pass them along.
My condolences to Michael’s family, close friends and coworkers. He was a great classmate over the years at Centre Consolidated School. We will miss him and his outstanding personality!!
Thank you for the kind words Donnie.
I’m sad to hear this news. Michael was always such a pleasure to talk to. He was probably the only person who phoned me about ads and it was so nice to chat.
Hi Clare, thank you for the kind words. Michael was a master at the lost art of the telephone call!
Such a pleasure to talk to Michael on the phone. His kind voice remains with me. Sadly missed. So gracious.
Thank you for the kind words Michael.