Mike was a good friend all through our school years. He was bright, up-beat, and caring. While in Junior High School, Mike wanted to start a club that brought together kids of all races - so we did. He was someone you could always count on.
After Vietnam, he continued to dedicate his life to helping people. I understand he died trying to stop someone from stealing his friend's vehicle. He was always one of my heroes.
Mike always floats through my memory every october during the world series.
Mike use to listen to the games on his 'transistor radio' in class, sitting behind me, at Goethe Jr. HS.
Mike was smart, funny and thoughtful.
Phil Goode shared some memories with me about Mike @ the 40th reunion.
What a great guy who left us all too soon!
K--- Beck
Mike and I went WAY back together. Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, Little League and we even ran as candidates for Student Body Vice President at Goethe Jr. High (he won). In an amazing coincidence, I saw Mike in the chow line at Camp Eagle (the main base camp for the 101st Airborne Division - to which we had both been assigned) in Vietnam in January 1971. We only had a few minutes to catch up since I was headed out to the jungle for a patrol, But we both promised each other that if we survived we would see each other back in Sacramento after the war. I was never able to keep that promise as I heard that we was fatally injured when trying to stop a carjacker when he was delivering a hot meal to a home bound senior while volunteering for Meals-on-Wheels in Scaramento. I guess that's a final testament to his outstanding character. God bless you Michael. I'm sure he would have acheived great things if his life hadn't been so tragically shortened.
