I think it goes without saying that I was in shock when I logged on and found the post below as the first thing I saw.
LC Mike, KotE, the Imperial Tobacconist no longer among us?
I don’t know that many of those still around these parts need much of an introduction to Mike. A long time supporter of and contributor to the Rott, it would have been next to impossible to not have at least some interaction with him over the years and not know his warm wit
, strong beliefs and dedication to this nation of ours.
I, personally, was fortunate enough to meet him in person on numerous occasions and found him to be just as warm and generous in person, if not more, as he was online.
He and is lovely wife, Miss Deb as we fondly know her, graciously and generously hosted the RottFest on numerous occasions, opening their home to hordes of us nuts, keeping the festivities going for days and long into the nights. It is also where I met a large number, if not most, of the Rotties I had the privilege to meet in real life.
He was also my boss at Radio CIA for quite a while, an online radio venture that he founded and ran and, for some reason unbeknownst to His Imperial Majesty, decided to invite me to join. Me, a complete radio newbie.
But thanks to his tireless and persistent efforts to teach me, many of them over the phone ’till long into the wee hours of the night, himself undoubtedly exasperated with yours truly (even though Mike would never have admitted it), I finally managed to at least not flub up my cross-fades, hand-offs and so on to the point of embarrassment.
Most of all, though, we had a lot of fun. Not only through the broadcasting bit, but even more so through the live interaction via the chat with you listeners.
Those were truly some of the best times of my life.
And now all of that is in the past, but it will never be forgotten.
Rest well, my dear friend, for you have truly earned it, and if there were such a thing as Valhalla, you would most assuredly be there right now.
Instead, rest in the light of the Grace of Almighty G-d, as a reward for a life well lived.
You will be missed and never forgotten.
My prayers go out to Miss Deb and Mike’s family in these undoubtedly hard times. May G-d bring you strength and comfort, and let us know if there is something we can do.
Ave Atque Vale.
Misha
Thank you so much Misha. Mike had so much admiration for you. Your wit, your intelligence, your humor, your patriotism, and your ability to drink as much as he could and still be upright. He considered being counted as one of the Rotties a high honor and was always so proud to have each and everyone in our home. I… Read more »
Move over,, this dungeon seems to be getting crowded. I’ve been in the outer orbits for too long too. The passing of our Tobacconist and Brother makes an appearance pretty much mandatory tho’. He and Rurik were virtual history fountains. No end to the stories, never wanted to miss one. When he cooked, the brisket had met it’s master. Mrs.C… Read more »
Indeed I do Cheap. I couldn’t get through all this without everyone’s love, prayers and support.
I will pay penence by locking myself in the Imperial Dungeon and watching one of BC’s Training videos…if I don’t run screaming from the room that is. Now that’s a bit much, isn’t it? I mean… BC’s videos??? Besides, I haven’t exactly been around as much as I should have lately, and the though of watching Beecee’s vids… You and… Read more »
Well in that case I’ll just consign myself to redecorating the Imperial Broom Closet.
I will most certainly make it a point to return to being the lovable pain-in-the-ass I once was. 😀
I only talked to him once, that was on the phone, but it felt like I was talking to an old friend that I had known forever.
I pray that God grants Deb and the rest of the family peace and comfort in the coming days, he lives on in the memories you hold of him.
God bless you all.
Thank you Jay. It’s good to know that so many think so much of him.
So, I’m sitting in a hospital room (the SO had surgery) and my phone rings. Caller ID says it’s Mz Deb and the first thing through my mind is Rotroh, something’s wrong. While we stay in touch, it’s mostly through text and email with the occaisional holiday call thrown in, but not in the middle of the day, in the… Read more »
Dammit. You just had to make me cry didn’t you?
Thank you Deej. That means alot to me.
I remember most his quiet and very calm matter of fact style. He always struck me as someone who understood a great deal…and someone whose insight at times made me sit back and think hard. Never got to speak with him save through here..and I too will miss his counsel. I actually did a CIA broadcast years ago…wish I had… Read more »
Miss Deb, The Imperial Dungeon Game Room™ is reserved for those who have committed transgressions against The Empire, not those who have drifted away into Real Life to take care of, well, getting stuff done. Now, if we had some videos of past Rott Fests to run on the ol’ reel-to-reel or Betamax, we could possibly make an exception. (Seeing… Read more »
BC..it feels like yesterday…Id just signed up to the Rott back during Pres. Bush’s term..where the hell did the time go.