[Judas]

I go on hiatus for a few months and come back to an true tragedy. Very sad to hear.

[Bet Winner]

Losing your Dad when you are little would be really hard. I am 54, my Dad 82, and I dread the thought of losing him.

I may have missed it, but who has Mike's kids now? Are they well taken care of? I have been wondering.

thanks

[The Boss]

Tray is with his Mom and so are the Twins.

[robz]

WOW....Haven't been here in a while and just saw this...So sad to hear about Mike...Always positive in everything he said and seemed like such a great guy all around...May he RIP :-(...Anyone know if we can still donate thru Paypal to help his family out?

Tx,

Z

[David Holmberg]

robz, yes the paypal account is still open.

Thank you!

[robz]

OK Tx David...Will make my donation right away...Hope his family is OK...Pass them my regards, pls.

[David Holmberg]

Kids are tougher than most people give them credit for, and Mike's are no exception.
Mike's wife has a long road ahead of her, and needs our prayers.

Thanks again!

[Stuckinda60s]

Originally Posted by The Boss

Tray is with his Mom and so are the Twins.

Are they with their mom or are they with Mike's wife?

[David Holmberg]

They are with their mom, the money will be controlled and administered by Mikes current wife, Per Mikes wishes.

[Rugratman]

Well, this just ruined my day.
So sorry to hear. Mike was one of the main reasons to come here.
God Bless.

[Ron Landis]

Originally Posted by herdswoman

I spoke to Mike earlier this morning and he is being discharged to home today with home care hospice. He is in a very positive frame of mind, quite at ease with his diagnosis (for now at least). He's on Dilaudid and waxing poetic as only Mike can; was telling his doctor how much he "appreciated everything he's done for him, and that he's made this easy for him (Mike)." Then Mike went on to his doctor "Hell, I've had so much fun in this life, no one would ever believe the things I've done and probably still ought to be in jail!" Even though I was on the phone 150 miles away, I felt kinda sorry for the reserved little Indian doctor that has spent his whole life sheltered behind books, manners, and protocols....he's never met a Mike before, let alone a Mike on Dilaudid. A well-practiced professional straight face can only take ya so far.

Afterward, when we finally had a chance to talk seriously..... In Mike's words "I want to go out like a steam engine, not a diesel, and when the Grim Reaper comes for me I'm going to tell him to move over because I want to drive the bus."

Mike's going home, and we didn't discuss chemo or radiation or any such thing. He's living his life on his terms, and seriously, could anyone here picture Mike living - and dying - any other way except 100% on his terms?

I'm making the trip to Portland next Saturday, and anyone who wants to ride along is welcome.

That's the Mike I know...and I will do my part. He's more like me than either of us would care to admit. Had are differences but in a civil and understanding fashion...which you seldom see any more. Would be a boring life otherwise. Very "spirited" man! Couldn't help but love him for face value...jmho. Wishing strength for his family.

[The Boss]

Troy went by for a visit later & took a picture - he gave it to me this weekend at Norwalk.

Originally Posted by Kurt Zimmerman

Here are a few pictures I posted to Facebook from this morning's funeral, along with the comment:


Just got back into Michigan after saying goodbye to a good friend and Pontiac brother. Even under threat of rain, several classics showed up to bid farewell to a real car guy, and in spite of a warning from the local police, rubber was burned on main street Portland Indiana this morning.

Kurt