LC Rurik just called me and it is with an indescribable sadness that I must tell you that our beloved Mike M has left this world and taken his post in Heaven.
Unknown to me he had been diagnosed with an extremely aggressive lung cancer in August. On Friday he was told that it had moved to his brain. He returned home Christmas Eve and passed away this morning.
Mike was a Vietnam Marine, a grunt who fought the NVA on Razorback Ridge and the Rockpile. Over the years he became my good friend and my mentor. Our email chains were dozens, if not hundreds or replies long, and in all those words I got to know a man of immeasurable courage, integrity, and intelligence whose counsel and friendship I cherished greatly. I was humbled that a man like him would call me his friend.
I can’t write anymore now, there are too many thoughts and emotions to allow me to write what Mike deserves.
I’m going to miss you brother. I’m sorry that we never had the chance to have that beer together.
Semper Fidelis Marine, now take your post at the Pearly Gates.
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BuA-KTH9IG8[/youtube]
May you find Fair winds and Following Seas Mike M.
Semper Fi…
Horrible news!
I’ll never forget his certain… way of saying things. His undeniable patriotism, great sense of humor and absolute refusal to back down in the face of wrongdoing.
Heaven has another proud warrior guarding it tonight.
Mike, Semper Fi. God be with ya, brother. See you soon enough, in the meantime I salute you. You shall indeed be missed!
My Liege, Heaven has enough proud warriors, we need all we can get here and especially now…
God Speed Mike….
Requiescat in pace et Semper Fidelis.
Sending prayers for Mikes family.
The world is a lesser place each time a citizen warrior such as Mike M passes. May God grant peace and healing for his family and friends who knew him, as Mike M now has everything he needs, including freedom from pain.
Another Marine reporting for duty. Godspeed Wardog
Requiem: UNDER the wide and starry sky Dig the grave and let me lie: Glad did I live and gladly die, And I laid me down with a will. This be the verse you ‘grave for me: Here he lies where he long’d to be; Home is the sailor, home from the sea, And the hunter home from the hill.… Read more »
Prayers going up for Mike’s family, and may God give them peace and comfort. Mike is home now, where the pain and sickness that he suffered aren’t remembered. Rest well, Mike … and know that you are missed.
I am so, so sorry, Crunchie…even to the end he spoke to no one, his Christmas present to God…himself. Some things cut through you like a knife…….but you know what, Crunch? He’s got one hell of a resume to present God. And he doesn’t hurt any more, keeping a terrible secret. He wanted to spare everyone he could pain….until he… Read more »
Requiescat in pace et Semper Fidelis X2
Sending prayers of strength and comfort to Mike’s family.
Godspeed, kind sir.
i will say a prayer for you mike as one viet nam grunt to another.
Fair seas, and fair wind, clear sailing to beyond the horizon.
Deepest condolences to the family in their loss.
Semper Fi, Mike. And prayers for the family.
Awwwww, man. That SUCKS!!!
I always liked Mike’s posts here. I will miss them.
God speed, Mike. Semper fi, Marine.
Welcome home, bro.
Godspeed, Mike M…you were always an inspiration to keep fighting the good fight! Prayers of peace and comfort to Mike’s family. Semper Fidelis, Marine!
The Marine Prayer Almighty Father, whose command is over all and whose love never fails, make me aware of Thy presence and obedient to Thy will. Keep me true to my best self, guarding me against dishonesty in purpose and deed and helping me to live so that I can face my fellow Marines, my loved ones, and Thee without… Read more »
Semper Fi !
I get sick and drop off the grid for a few days… Fuck.
Welcome to the Einherjar, Mike – save us a bench, yah?
– MD
I was planning on dropping by here to do this, but our family has been preoccupied as of late. Thank you Sir Crunchie for the post and everyone for your wishes. It means a lot. My dad was a wonderful guy who did so much for so many without ever asking for anything in return but friendship and respect. I… Read more »
I was saving this set of acoustic strings for my next run through Texas.
‘Reckon’ he’s got that covered now.
‘Gonna’ be some fat angels with the new cook in town.
‘Never knew he was even sick.
He wouldn’t worry the Cadre.
Ain’t that just like a Marine.
Our most heartfelt condolences to Mrs. M.
PromptCritical says: It was his way to keep his burdens to himself. Even life-long friends he knew off-line had no idea if he didn’t see them on a regular basis. It has indeed been hard telling so many dear friends such shocking news. Indeed it was. Your dad and I, at least inasmuch as this site can be said to… Read more »
Fair Winds and Following Seas, Marine.
Rest easy. No more duty for you.
And now Stormin’ Norman too. Rest in peace, great warriors. St. Michael and King David are waiting at check-in.
Thank you Lord for Mike M, I am forever indebted for your service.
G_d bless him and keep him. May Your continence shine upon him and grant Mike M peace.
I am so very grateful and glad he left us at peace, with his loved ones, and comfortable. After watching my wife departing in the same fashion…that means the world to me. I can’t type any more.
Thank you for your service and thoughts, Mike M.. God be with you and your family.
I’ve been a little late to the discussion. Sorry. I was rather busy with some other matters the last couple days. But I want to thank PromptCritical and The Lord Himself for sharing Mike M with the rest of us for a while. And I should also take a momemt to thank Mike M for having improved my old neighborhood… Read more »
A busy life has made me cut way back on the time I spend online. I am saddened to read that Mike M has passed. Prayers to his family and to all of those who have befriended him through this blog. 🙁
I was deeply saddened to hear of Mikes passing…the world is a lesser place without him. The fact that he chose not to inform us of his condition so as to not make us share his burden is a testament to his character. Semper Fidelis Marine…we’ll take it from here. “And when he gets to heaven to Saint Peter he… Read more »
And Dad, when we all link up on that final liberty call…Ill buy the first round.
Thanks for the prayer Vulcanrider. We’re going to use it in the funeral booklet.