24 Sept 2004

I new Michael for the three years that he was at Sault College in the Aviation Program. He was without question an outstanding student and a pleasure to teach in the class. Michael involved himself in many activities at the college and lent his expertise to solving many problems at the airport.

It is always a shock to learn of someone passing, especially someone so young and eager to make the most of life's opportunities. Michael was a tremendous asset to the aviation industry. His character and personality gave a positive image for the college for which are all indebted. He will be greatly missed.

From all of us in the Aviation Department - God Bless

John Portas on behalf of Aviation Faculty
Sault Ste. Marie Ontario
john.portas@saultc.on.ca

23 Sept 2004

Very sorry for your loss-to the friends, family and co-workers

Jenna
Ottawa
midnight_wiccan_angel_808@hotmail.com

23 Sept 2004

Dear Gerry and Sharon,

Our hearts have been heavy since receiving word of the tragic accident and heartbreaking loss of Michael.

Though we had not seen Michael since his early years in Munster, on our visits with you we came to know of his many accomplishments and of is profound love of flying.

As we read each day the many tributes, we feel closer to Michael than ever before. He was a remarkable person and truly seemed to live life to its fullest. He has done you proud, my friends.

Ross and I regretted that we were unable to be in Ottawa for Michael's memorial service. However we were there in spirit and do know that our prayers and thoughts were with you then and are still with you now.

Take heart!

With sympathy and love,
Karen, Ross, Jennifer, Jason and Matthew

Karen & Ross Thompson
Moncton, New Brunswick, Canada
rthompson3130@rogers.com

22 Sept 2004

Heartfelt sympathy to Sharon and Gerry at this time of tragic loss.

We didn't know Mike - but the many memorials to his full and engaging life - and the impressive tributes to his parents - have given us a picture of a vibrant, loving son who lived his dream both within a closely knit loving family and half way around the world - a world full of adoring friends.

May your memories bring comfort - even as your family and friends support you.

Jean Fewster
Toronto
jfewster@sympatico.ca

22 Sept 2004

I guess I've known Michael right from day 1, for as I traipsed around Peru in 1979 with his parents, little Mikey was already starting life, unbeknownst at that time to even his parents! Initially diagnosed as typhoid fever(!), fetus Mike eventually announced himself to the world and the correct diagnosis of pregnancy was made. That perhaps was the first sign that this fellow's life was not to be ordinary, run-of-the-mill.
First know as "Blopsy" (of Mopsy, Popsy, and Blopsy fame), then Michael, then "just Mike". I've watched Mike grow up to be one of the finest young men I've known. I can't add much more to the wonderful tributes that keep pouring in from all over the world - he was a young man true to himself. His character & values developed mostly from his parents and relatives, including his extended family around the world, from his experiences travelling and living in different cultures, but a great deal was just from himself.
And what a pleasure to meet Melissa - thank you so much for so generously sharing some of your personal memories of Mike with all of us at the service. Many of us have not seen much of Mike in the past few years, when he was at college and then busying himself with his dream and his future, so you added much to our picture of Mike - and having you in that pictures makes it more complete, and much more heartwarming.
My own picture of Mike ... his parents laughing, doing something crazy (as they are known to do), and Mike glancing at me and rolling his eyes, but always with that twinkle that others have mentioned.
To Sharon and Gerry - you raised a terrific kid! And despite your sorrow and unimaginable loss, isn't it wonderful to know that Mike, tho only 24 years old, also meant so much to so many other people.
My sympathy and love.

Jane Toyota
Toronto

22 Sept 2004

My love to Sharon and Gerry,
I did not know Michael well; saw him briefly at your home in Sri Lanka and at the Herb Garden, and now I can imagine his love of being at South Lwanga Game Reserve, flying overhead, then walking about to see the animals. I visited the very same place in 1964, 40 years ago when I was working in Malawi. It is a rare place and it was such a wonderful experience to walk around with guides from the Norman Carr camp site at Mfuwe. Now Michael has led me to read about Robin Pope Safaris. My condolences go to Robin Pope and associates as well as to Sharon and Gerry, and all those who knew and loved Michael.
It was privileged to be among those who attended the memorial service at Bells Corner's church and to meet so many friends and members of the family. God be with you now and in the days ahead.

Lila Engberg
Guelph, Ontario
lilaengberg@yahoo.ca

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