So saddened to hear about Mike and the valiant struggle he went through the last year. I am remembering what a handsome guy he was, but more importantly always so kind and friendly to all. I have wonderful memories of mike and so many of his friends driving around town all summer in the gray Bolton air conditioning trucks. Nice of mike and his dad to employ all those guys. So many memories of such a lovely man. Love to Winnie and Mikes entire family. Marian Little Steffner
Mike was a great guy. I first met Mike when Don Kelly and I were taking band camp during the summer at Daniels. Don and I were Fred Olds boys while Mike was a Lacy blueblood(ha!). We were all headed to Martin after band camp. And, we all road the city bus to and from camp. I knew I was going to like Mike when he laughed after Don and I gave out an "Aah" after the air brakes made their sound. From there, Mike invited Don and I to Kerr Lake where the family had the neatest lake house. Over the years Mike taught me how to water ski and sail, with the latter needing some help from Winnie. Mike's Mom, Elsie, introduced me to gouda cheese something us Olds boys hadn't had- at least not this one. BTW, if you every saw Elsie's smile, you would know where Mike got his. It's hard to imagine this world without Mike. He was giving, generous and always wanted you to stop by.
After what's been written already, I can add that Mike's ability to imitate birds by whistling was a source of on-going astonishment to me. He picked it up in about the 6ths grade at Francis Lacy and got better and better over the years. I last ran into him at the NBHS reunion in 1997 and was proud that he remembered me. All the very best to his family and loved ones...
In Mechanical Drafting class Mike worked at the drafting table to my left and forward one row. I recall the air of precision about him as he deftly handled the T-square, thirty-sixty-ninety triangle, and mechanical pencil before drawing the perfect line. At Fayetteville we watched Mike use that deftness combined with real athleticism to down our punt on the Fayetteville one yard line. His athleticism was coupled with a competitive spirit. During preseason tryouts, Coach Walker tested us. With others done, Mike and I continued our situps. One-hundred, one-fifty, two-hundred and something. I glanced to see how Mike was doing. He looked strong. I was done. Mike finished a couple of reps later, just to make the point. But Mike had some humility about him, accepted his limitations, and was a team player. We didn't hear a word of complaint from him when Coach installed a substitute during the championship game against Durham. I think we would not have gotten there without him. I regret that I did not know Mike better and grieve that he is gone.
Timothy H. Howle
Mike was a wonderful person. He was a giver and never a taker.
As a defensive end he could give you such a hit with that forearm of his!
He smiled before and after the hit!!
He was given much in his life, he gave more back.
There should be more Mikes in this world.
Marian L. Little (Steffner)
So saddened to hear about Mike and the valiant struggle he went through the last year. I am remembering what a handsome guy he was, but more importantly always so kind and friendly to all. I have wonderful memories of mike and so many of his friends driving around town all summer in the gray Bolton air conditioning trucks. Nice of mike and his dad to employ all those guys. So many memories of such a lovely man. Love to Winnie and Mikes entire family. Marian Little Steffner
David R. Rowland
Mike was a great guy. I first met Mike when Don Kelly and I were taking band camp during the summer at Daniels. Don and I were Fred Olds boys while Mike was a Lacy blueblood(ha!). We were all headed to Martin after band camp. And, we all road the city bus to and from camp. I knew I was going to like Mike when he laughed after Don and I gave out an "Aah" after the air brakes made their sound. From there, Mike invited Don and I to Kerr Lake where the family had the neatest lake house. Over the years Mike taught me how to water ski and sail, with the latter needing some help from Winnie. Mike's Mom, Elsie, introduced me to gouda cheese something us Olds boys hadn't had- at least not this one. BTW, if you every saw Elsie's smile, you would know where Mike got his. It's hard to imagine this world without Mike. He was giving, generous and always wanted you to stop by.
Keith Valentine
Mike and I played high school track and junior high football together. We were both ends--he was good! A real man's man.
Laura W. Boyd (Wooldridge)
Had a crush on Mike for years! But Carole always had his eye and heart!
Garry J. Vass
After what's been written already, I can add that Mike's ability to imitate birds by whistling was a source of on-going astonishment to me. He picked it up in about the 6ths grade at Francis Lacy and got better and better over the years. I last ran into him at the NBHS reunion in 1997 and was proud that he remembered me. All the very best to his family and loved ones...
Randolph E. Gill
In Mechanical Drafting class Mike worked at the drafting table to my left and forward one row. I recall the air of precision about him as he deftly handled the T-square, thirty-sixty-ninety triangle, and mechanical pencil before drawing the perfect line. At Fayetteville we watched Mike use that deftness combined with real athleticism to down our punt on the Fayetteville one yard line. His athleticism was coupled with a competitive spirit. During preseason tryouts, Coach Walker tested us. With others done, Mike and I continued our situps. One-hundred, one-fifty, two-hundred and something. I glanced to see how Mike was doing. He looked strong. I was done. Mike finished a couple of reps later, just to make the point. But Mike had some humility about him, accepted his limitations, and was a team player. We didn't hear a word of complaint from him when Coach installed a substitute during the championship game against Durham. I think we would not have gotten there without him. I regret that I did not know Mike better and grieve that he is gone.