12.31.2021 In Remembrance of a Dear Friend

 It is with great sadness and a heavy heart that I write this blog about Mikey - a great person and humanitarian.

Mike died on 12/26/2021 following complications of treatment for bile duct cancer.

I have known Mike for over 20 years from the Cottage Park Yacht Club. He was always a silver haired fox!  Mike was kind, generous, and had a very engaging personality. His wife Betsy is also a very special person and I am very fortunate to have known both.

Mike was a great sailor and had a Rhodes 19 named Red Dog. He was so very excited for me when I bought Mimi, my Rhodes 19. He sailed her with me from Crystal Cove to CPYC on her maiden voyage. We quickly realized she had a leak - a leaky "O" ring and he had her hoisted out of the water and helped me replace the part. At the end of the sailing season, he either helped me deliver her back to Crystal Cove, or he grabbed one of his buddies and took her over there for me. I have no idea what I will do without him to bounce a few questions or ask for some advice on sailing techniques. He was always happy to help. What a man.

In addition to being an accomplished sailor, he had many accomplishments. His best was serving as a volunteer "kitchen boy" at Camp Fatima in Gilmarton Ironworks NH. He had done that for 55 years. Amazing.

Today was his funeral Mass and burial. The Church was full, and it was the most beautiful Mass I have attended. It was a high Mass, complete with organ music, a soloist, and lots of incense. I always thought Christmas time would be nice for a wedding, it also is a nice time for a funeral with all of the decorations and lights! I am sure Mike would agree.

The funeral Mass was concelebrated by his brother Father Tim and three other priests. I don't know his brother could do it. It was a really emotional service.

The organ at St. John the Evangelist Church in Winthrop, MA. The soloist had a beautiful voice and fitting for the occasion.

A prayer service at the burial site in Medford. Father Tim is wearing the white cassock.

It would not be an Irish funeral without the bagpipes.

Mike had a great sense of humor. These letters were inserted into the service booklet.

I'll find a few of my pictures with Mike on Red Dog and post later. 

God Bless you Mike and may you rest in eternal peace. You will be sorely missed. I miss you already as I type through my tears. And may God keep a close eye on Betsy, your loving wife, and keep her safe and healthy.

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