I sat behind Mike in every class that alphabetized by last name. We got in trouble often laughing and talking. He was a kind hearted, fun loving guy. After he passed, one such high school class's teacher paused at my desk and told me she would me you too. Her class is the one we got in the most trouble and it was not the same without you. I've thought of him so often. Felt like he was ripped from life and the laughter was just never quite as boisterous.

I used to call him "Shrub Head" because of his thick curly hair, and he called me "Strings" because of my thin, fine hair; he was a good friend and I've missed him for 40 years! I remember he died in 1974 and his class ring was delivered just in time to put on his finger in the coffin. See ya soon Shrub Head!