Wow. This is always a surprise to me to hear the passing of a friend. Mike and I were buddies in elementary school. I am sadden to hear of his passing. May he rest in peace.
I did not know Mike during our school years, but encountered him once via a random act of kindess he performed that i never forgot.
It happened December Christmas Eve, 1975. Paula, my new wife of 6 months, and I were traveling to my sister-in-laws for Xmas eve. Our beat-up 1963 Chevy Nova with bald tires got a flat on the Nimitz near the Southland exit. it was pouring down rain. When i went to change it with a spare bald tire there was no jack. Also, there were no cell phones, we had no car towing service and we were poor. I was sitting outside thinking of what to do next and this car drives up and this guy gets out and says "need any help?" it was Mike. He had a jack and fixed the tire for us. I thanked him profusely and I never heard about him since then unitl now.
However, I never forgot his random act. When Xmas eve comes around or when passing that part of the freeway I dwell upon his act and always made promises to myself to be a better person by emulating his example. Yet as a risk-averse person I only produced only paralysis and failure. At this point, to preserve his memory, the best i can do is to attempt random acts to teach my grandchildren, then tell them the story of MIke.
To you Mike: I don’t know if you found happiness, peach and blessings in your life, but as time went on beyond that night, I wanted to tell you that you made a difference in one family’s life that night, and for one person to be a better person because of your kindness.
“Kindness is the language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see” Mark Twain
Steve, thanks for sharing such a heart warming story about Mike. I didn't know him beyond a nodding, passing in the halls way, but your story speaks volumes about the man that he was. Thanks for sharing it.
I met Mike in the 6th grade and think it was in the 7th grade when a few guys started a band. I went by Mike's house after school one day when they were there working on a few songs. When I got there they were playing "Time Won't Let Me" He was the lead singer and I was so impressed with not only his singing but his confidence and the band sounded great. Everytime I hear that song I remember that day. Sorry but I don't remember the other membersof the band. Mike, my brother Terry and I were drafted into the Army the same day Feb. 1 1971. While we were in line to go to the airport to fly off to Ft. Lewis Washington a sergeant came over and pulled Mike out of the line right in front of me and told him he was going home for some type of medical issue. I remember him turning to me and saying "sorry man I guess I'll see you around". That was the last time I saw Mike. I always liked him he seemed to have a nice way about him. Barry
Daniel Moirao (1970)
Wow. This is always a surprise to me to hear the passing of a friend. Mike and I were buddies in elementary school. I am sadden to hear of his passing. May he rest in peace.
Steve Bennett (1970)
I did not know Mike during our school years, but encountered him once via a random act of kindess he performed that i never forgot.
It happened December Christmas Eve, 1975. Paula, my new wife of 6 months, and I were traveling to my sister-in-laws for Xmas eve. Our beat-up 1963 Chevy Nova with bald tires got a flat on the Nimitz near the Southland exit. it was pouring down rain. When i went to change it with a spare bald tire there was no jack. Also, there were no cell phones, we had no car towing service and we were poor. I was sitting outside thinking of what to do next and this car drives up and this guy gets out and says "need any help?" it was Mike. He had a jack and fixed the tire for us. I thanked him profusely and I never heard about him since then unitl now.
However, I never forgot his random act. When Xmas eve comes around or when passing that part of the freeway I dwell upon his act and always made promises to myself to be a better person by emulating his example. Yet as a risk-averse person I only produced only paralysis and failure. At this point, to preserve his memory, the best i can do is to attempt random acts to teach my grandchildren, then tell them the story of MIke.
To you Mike: I don’t know if you found happiness, peach and blessings in your life, but as time went on beyond that night, I wanted to tell you that you made a difference in one family’s life that night, and for one person to be a better person because of your kindness.
“Kindness is the language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see” Mark Twain
Roxanne J. Ferguson (Cline) (1970)
Steve, thanks for sharing such a heart warming story about Mike. I didn't know him beyond a nodding, passing in the halls way, but your story speaks volumes about the man that he was. Thanks for sharing it.
Mike, rest in peace.
Barry Branco (1970)
I met Mike in the 6th grade and think it was in the 7th grade when a few guys started a band. I went by Mike's house after school one day when they were there working on a few songs. When I got there they were playing "Time Won't Let Me" He was the lead singer and I was so impressed with not only his singing but his confidence and the band sounded great. Everytime I hear that song I remember that day. Sorry but I don't remember the other membersof the band. Mike, my brother Terry and I were drafted into the Army the same day Feb. 1 1971. While we were in line to go to the airport to fly off to Ft. Lewis Washington a sergeant came over and pulled Mike out of the line right in front of me and told him he was going home for some type of medical issue. I remember him turning to me and saying "sorry man I guess I'll see you around". That was the last time I saw Mike. I always liked him he seemed to have a nice way about him. Barry