the Viewing was a nice Gathering of friends and family we thank everyone who has been so supportive as well as those who could make it to the funeral... We still need donations badly... any amount will be greatly appreciated please help. to donate contact James Solty or hit the contatc button on this site to get information on where to send donations... James Solty 810-990-9001
On Monday August 23rd Mike went in to have surgery done on a brain tumor that was located behind his eye... the operation was very successful and he was recovering so well that he was removed from the ICU that day. Monday night some friends had even had the chance to talk to him and they said although he was well drugged he was somewhat coherent and pretty conscious they had said he was even displaying humor by cracking jokes. However it is with the greatest of sadness that I have to let you know that sometime Thursday (Aug. 26) Mike took a turn for the worse. And left us behind for a better place. He was a great artist, and a better friend than anyone could ask for. He was there to lend a hand if you needed it and gave selflessly of himself. He will be sorely missed by me and the many lives he has touched with his own, and his art alike. As soon as we have viewing and funeral arrangement information it will be posted here along with any other information we can get to you... He was a great all around guy. We all love and miss you Mike,
Sincerely- Brian Germain
Tom Luffman writes:
I am a journalist/writer. I was covering the
Cleveland Fright Vision Conference for
www.marsdust.com when I met Mike. When I arrived at
Fright Vision I had never heard of Mike before but he
made my story. He was very friendly and I LOVED his
work. I didn't have much money but I liked one of his
originals so much that I dipped into my rent money and
bought it! He was super generous with his time and
allowed me to store the painting at his stand
virtually the whole weekend while I ran around
interviewing Brinke Stevens and speaking with Tom
Savini.
Mike had a very upbeat outlook on his role as an
artist and had a positive vision of the future. We
spoke at some length about him painting a playboy
model whose name now escapes my mind. He was really
happy with the opportunity and smiled widely as he
talked about it.
I only met Mike that one time but the image of Mike is
still crystal clear in my mind. He was a good guy- an
artist with a positive outlook- which is always
refreshing...
Unfortunately, I am not able to attend the funeral but
I hope this letter brings a smile to some of your
faces as you cherish his memory.
My condolences,
Tom Luffman
AfterGlow
I'd like the memory of me
to be a happy one.
I'd like to leave an AfterGlow
of smiles when the day is done.
I'd like to leave an echo...
Whispering softly down the ways,
of happy times and laughing times and bright sunny days.
I'd like the tars of those who grieve,
to dry before the sun
of happy memories that I leave Behind.
When life is done.
By Carol Mirkel
