Tractorbynet Lost a Member and Many of Us Lost a Good Friend

[Kyle_in_Tex]

I'm not fond of funerals, but I have to say I'm very glad to have attended. Mike has a loving family.

It was good seeing the TBN crew. You guys and gals are great people. Really, really good people.

 

[wroughtn_harv]

I'm posting some photos of the trip from the funeral home to the cemetery.

In one you will see oncoming traffic pulled over for this long line of cars escorting Mike's body to its final resting place. That's common here in Texas, it's like it was when I was a kid in Arizona, something you just did.

Then we got onto a major two lane each way oncoming didn't pull over but those going our way didn't pass us either. The graveyard is right on the highway.

When the services were over we retired to a Mexican restaurant a couple of miles back down the road. The sheriff escort blocked traffic both directions while we moved from the graveyard to the crossover and then headed back the other direction.

It was humbling and very impressive.

 

[wroughtn_harv]

The first photo I would like you to look at is the State of Texas Historical Marker for the cemetery. The next ones are of the graveyard itself, please note all of the simple stone markers, once again very humbling.

Mike was a Veteran and the local honor guard was awesome.

And yes, someone in the family wanted to make sure TBN was included in the ceremony, again humbling and appreciated.

I probably shouldn't have done it but it is something Mike would have appreciated I'm sure. Mike was a New Holland/Ford man.

 

[wroughtn_harv]

I'm 67 years old. I've been to a lot of funerals in those years. Mikes ranks right up there in the top two or three. It was very emotional listening to the kids and grandkids tell stories about their dad/grandpa.

But when we got to the restaurant it was a true celebration of a life lived loud and proud. I know some of you might find it hard to believe, but, Mike, well, Mike put all of the letters in capitals when it came to being a CHARACTER. I'm sitting here with a smile on my face recalling some of those stories. I'm one of those weirdos that believe that when we're gone all that is left is the memories and man oh man, Mike left them some of the best.

 

[MossRoad]

I rotated the historical marker photo. Thanks for posting the pictures.

 

[ultrarunner]

Lots of good people on TBN and this is what makes it a special place...

 

[bindian]

Harv,
Thanks for posting the photos. You caught my RED dually pulling up in the 2nd photo of post #62. I was really taken by the beautiful, large cedars at the cemetery. Mike picked a good place to rest. The hay field, across the highway, with rolled bales ready to get out of the field was impressive also.
hugs, Brandi

 

[ronjhall]

Harv, thanks for posting pictures of the service. Sure wish we could have been there to give our last respects.

 

[Bird]

Yes, I'm also sorry we couldn't be there.

 

[txdon]

At the Dinner, after the funeral, Bernice asked the guest to introduce themselves. Each did telling how they met Mike and a little about Mike. The room had 4 separate groups that were connected to Mike: Family, Neighbors, Work (NOAH), and TBN. Through all the stories everyone could relate "Yep, that's exactly Mike."

When Mike's ex-boss talked I knew exactly what he was talking about when he said "Mike did not need supervision, just tell him what needed to be done and stand back."

Mike's family loving laughed about the life lessons they all learned, about working hard and helping people. Mike made a lasting impression on many people that will be passed on and make the world a better place to live.

We had a close tight group there from TBN: Harvey, Glenda, Kyle, Kathy, Scott, Brandi, Karen and myself. Bernice put Mikes's TBN tractor rock, that Harvey made for our get-together bridge project at the grave site. (see Harvey's pic above).
Here's a pic of the rocks in my FEL before we passed them out many years ago.
http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/files/projects/30770d1102291964-bridge-atv-541617-memston-jpg

Harvey, Bernice's gate is fixed. :thumbsup:

 

[bindian]

Don,
It was great seeing all Y'all yesterday. Truly it was a sad/happy time.
hugs, Brandi

 

[jimmyj]

Please delete if not appropriate, but this is what Mikes son posted on his FB page. It moved me and I wanted to share it with those that new Mike

"Dad, I finished putting new blades on the mower and mowed the front pasture. Thanks for bringing the clouds in. Shade was nice. Jimmy got around the house and the big oaks. Larry helped me change the water filter in the well house. I borrowed your truck for a couple of days. Mines in the shop. I know, I know it's a Chevy...but I like it, so..... I'm struggling Dad. I'm dying inside. I don't know why God called you home so early. I'm guessing he had chores that needed to be done. You always said yall were close and that "hard work is good for the soul". I'm mad at God right now, but he knows I still love him. I'm thankful he sent you to be my Dad. I got your lessons down. Work hard, be thankful, help others but don't be a crutch, and love your family. Bernice told me how you "tested" the electric fence. Said you bent down and zapped your forehead lol! We got a laugh outta that. smile emoticon Bernice misses you. We're loving on her as much as we can. We got people coming to the house next week to see you off. BBQ with Friends and family. You made quite an impression down here. I guess I can see why God took notice. Ill bring the boys by more often to visit with Bernice. I know youll be there too. In the rumble of a tractor, swaying of the trees with the breeze. The wild berries u planted, and the joy the grandkids get riding the buggy around the fields. Give Aunt Paige and Grandma a hug and kiss for me. Tell Daniel and Janet their brother loves and misses them. And watch out for Grandpa! I'm sure he's gonna give you a run for you money now haha!...... I love you SO much....you're my hero.....anyway, I know you've got fields of gold to tend to....I'll see you when my chores are through down here.
feeling heartbroken."

What a true reflection of memory and grief and love. My thoughts and prayers go to them. Sad news, just saw this thread today.

 

[blueriver]

Its been some time since I logged in .... truly sad and Mike will be missed. RIP

 

[Kyle_in_Tex]

Mikim's grandson Trevor, came to church this morning. A family that has a son his age brings him along on a semi-regular basis.

He seems to be doing quite well with Bernice "nana". He said school is going OK. We exchanged fist bumps, hand shakes, and most importantly hugs. I introduced him to our county's district attorney, and later told the attorney some of his story, and that I thought he was an exceptionally good young man. ( He might not want me to tell y'all this but he is also going to a Cotillion type school to practice his gentleman politeness.)

I will text Bernice and thank her for letting him come to church. He is scheduled to go to Camp Eagle with our youth group this summer, which is a great Christian Youth camp located in the Texas Hill Country. The kids hold fundraisers, the parents help, but I believe that our church is sponsoring Trevor to go.

I can tell that Mikim and Bernice's love, and attention to detail, has made a great contribution to this young man's path.

 

[bindian]

Glad to hear that Kyle. I know Mike is looking down on him, smiling.
hugs, Brandi

 

[EddieWalker]

Thanks for the update. I used to keep up with Mike on Facebook, but since his passing, his page no longer exists, so it's nice to hear how his family is doing.