I was 18 when my mom first introduced me to Mike (I'm 49 now…). Mom would later marry Mike.  One of the places they lived in was Fort Smith, Arkansas.  It was around 1990 that they allowed me stay with them in their house apartment for a couple of months until a new job situation arose for me in North Carolina. I remember having a lot of interesting conversations with Mike in those days.  We shared thoughts and remained respectful of each other.

I was especially impressed with Mike's ability to restore that old Victorian house in Fort Smith.  Mike used so many different techniques to create an atmosphere in the home which made it feel as though you were living back "in the old days…".  He had a great talent to envision and recreate something first in his mind, then with his hands – impressive!

I checked in with my mom regularly over the years, especially in her last days until she passed away last October.  Mike was first to have serious health issues, but my mom's cancers dominated the care.  I appreciate Mike taking my mom to the hospital and doctor's offices on so many occasions.

Mike was always kind to me, my wife and my kids.  I invite other family and friends to pay your respects for Mike!