I think it was 2003 when I was first introduced to Mike at a climbing venue. In time, I realized that everyone at the crag climbed better and harder whenever Mike was around. His abundant energy, enthusiasm, and encouraging nature spilled over to everyone around him making them believe they could be better; and then they were.
Mike visited my wife Kathy and I at our home many times on his travels. He would spend the night and enjoy a meal with us. We never tired of his humor and stories of yesteryear and he never tired of laughing and telling them. The late night light that leaked from beneath his bedroom door was testimony to his love of books, reading, learning, and I guess a bit of insomnia.
The man was unstoppable. When Mike needed to make it up a long steep hill on a mountain bike, he would slap his chest repeatedly to make his pacemaker speed the beating of his heart so that he could charge up the hill. Of course this was against doctor’s orders, but Mike’s immediate goal lay before him, and that trumped all. Once on top, he would laugh and relish the moment, happy to be alive.
It didn’t matter if it was hills, or physical ailments, or personal obstacles, Mike always took them head on and never went around them. As time went by, if you called him by his old nickname, “Iron Mike”, he would say “I’m not ‘Iron Mike’ anymore”. Then, to the amazement of all, he would perform another Ironman-like feat and prove himself wrong.
Goodbye Mike. I enjoyed every conversation I ever had with you, all the laughs we shared, and your inspirational approach to people and life. I will think of you often.
- Jim Martin, Jeffersonville, IN
