A tribute to Eric Milne

Tribute from Jeff Hurst LICM CCE FIML Director Trade Bureaux Australia

We all meet people during our journey that leave an impression both good & sometime sadly bad. Eric Milne was one that has left great impressions!

I was lucky enough to have met Eric far too many years ago to mention. His passion for this Industry was way beyond what you may say was normal.

The many papers he presented were always topical/ easy to understand and so helpful not only to those new to this industry but for those of us who have been involved for many years. So, for that I say “Eric, thanks heaps mate.” Your assistance over the years was truly appreciated.

Each conference I have looked forward to sitting down over a single malt or meeting up for dinner on some of my trips to Sydney and discussing not only Credit related issues but topics that we both had opinions on. To say the AICM Conference will no long be the same without seeing you there is an understatement.

To think that the Oct 2022 conference was the last time is hard to accept but that’s life.

So, will raise a Single Malt in your name Eric –and simply say thanks mate.

From John Field FICM CCE CEO & Founder Reworq Consulting

I am truly saddened by the loss of my good friend and my mentor of over 25 years, Eric Milne. My immediate thoughts are of his wife, Sharon, and their respective families.

Eric was a proud and passionate supporter of the credit industry and in particular, our young credit professionals as they navigated their careers towards a senior credit role. He was only too happy to impart his vast knowledge of credit but especially with understanding your customers business (and situation) over numerous industry sectors.

I was privileged and honoured to be mentored by Eric. I also shared the stage presenting various topics at AICM Networking Meetings, Professional Development Workshops, and National Conferences over many years. He very much enjoyed presenting to an audience, the many hours researching material and the delivery engagement.

Eric provided a significant contribution to the Certified Credit Executive (CCE) program by not only preparing each year’s national exam questions but also undertook many coaching sessions with our Members, via the CCE Trial Exam journey by aspiring Members to sit (and pass) the exam. He always enjoyed researching new questions and topics over many years…I know because he would continually call me to bounce off so many of his ideas or direction!

When I joined Philips Electronics Australia in 2002 as National Credit Manager, Eric was the Chairman of the Consumer Electronics Credit Bureau (CECA) at the time. He welcomed me to the group but advised that I needed to take on another role! What role? Well, I eventually became the Chairman of CECA and Eric took on the new role of Social Secretary…he was so good at his research!

Until the day when we meet again Eric, I look forward to seeing your big smile, hearing your loud jovial laugh, sharing a great meal (with a few wines) and reminiscing on your thoughts for the next CCE Exam paper.

Tribute from Roger Bates

National Credit Manager for 47 years (retired)

AICM Member (45 years)

Ex Chairman and Life Member ACF

My friend Eric Milne left us far too early.

After almost 50 years of friendship; of sharing professional and personal insights, I had developed a sincere appreciation for Eric’s unapologetic authenticity. I recognised a man with an absolute passion for his chosen profession and I respected that his contributions were met with real appreciation from his peers.

There is no doubt that my friend’s passing is a loss to the credit industry but his legacy should not go unnoticed, in his inimitable fashion he established an enviable work ethic which set new benchmarks in professional involvement; an inspiration to those who follow, possibly even raising perception of the industry itself.

Following my retirement to Port Macquarie Eric became a frequent visitor, initially dressed in full leathers, rumbling up my driveway on his “weekend” Harley Davison but later as a well-groomed and fashionable man-abouttown; an evolution brought about by the one person who will suffer his loss more than any other.

When Sharon entered Eric’s world, the changes were significant and entirely positive. Noticeably, his life took on new meaning, he embraced a whole new present and began to chart an exciting future. As a couple, they relocated from Sydney to Port Macquarie and the sun began to shine.

The cruelty of early passing is hard on friends and extended family but devastating for those closest, whose hearts and souls are entwined with a loved one lost. Eric and Sharon shared a relatively short time together but held plans for a lifetime.

I will remember Eric Milne for his passion and friendship and I sincerely hope that Sharon will be able to take solace in the knowledge that she brought so much joy to his final years. RIP my friend.