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.