Oh my goodness... This is horrible news... Although we hadn’t spoken in several years, there was a time when he was not only my best friend—but really my only friend. Looking back, I realize how much that meant to me. His friendship helped shape who I was during a time when I really needed someone like him in my life.

We shared so many good memories together. I’ll never forget the snowball fights we had, staying outside way too long even though we were freezing, just because we were having so much fun. We had intense Nerf wars in his back yard. The time I accidentally shot his mom with a nerf gun (Sorry Mrs. Gates!!) We also went to youth group together, where we’d hang out, talk, and feel like we were part of something bigger.

Even though our lives eventually went in different directions, I never forgot the time we shared. He was there for me during a period when I felt alone, and I’ve carried that with me ever since. I wish I had the chance to reconnect, I wish I got the chance to say thank you, I wish I had to chance to become the friends we used to be, but I’m incredibly thankful for the friendship we had.

Micah made a real difference in my life, and I know he did the same for so many others. His memory will always be a reminder to be kind, to stay true to yourself, and to appreciate the people who are there when it matters most.

Rest in peace, Micah. 

A beautiful and gut wrenching tribute. Parting is so very excruciating even knowing God holds and will hold every cleansing tear. Jesus wept. I pray for that Peace that passes all understanding. I also pray for God to show us how to further help this beautiful little family. For now, hold onto Matthew 6:19-21 which  tells us to”lay up for ourselves our treasures in Heaven”. 

Oh man… Tim, this is just heartbreaking.

It really doesn’t seem that long ago that I visited you guys in Phoenixville, and Brianne was very pregnant (swollen feet and all) and you guys were super excited for the birth of your first child. I remember you and I went to get something to eat in town, and like a doofus, I asked point-blank, “What’re you gonna name him?” And you said, “Micah… it’s a biblical name.” And, being as sports-obsessed as I was, I thought, “Micah Gates… that’s cool… he sounds like a wide receiver.”

Flash-forward 15 years, and we get to meet Micah in person in Marina Del Rey. And wouldn’t you know it, he’s a “chip off the old block.”  Maybe he wasn’t a wide receiver like I had predicted, but he was a great kid all the same. Just like his dad, Micah was obviously super-smart, sensitive, and confident. I’m pretty sure you told us the type of music he liked to listen to, and I thought to myself, “That’s awesome. He’s just like Tim!” He was an individual in all the best ways—he was a good egg. You mentioned your trips to the National Parks, to the Oregon coast, and the one to Hawaii you were about to take—I’m not a parent, but I could tell you guys were raising your kids right. The proof was in the pudding.

I’m sure the pain you’re experiencing is unimaginable. Words do not suffice. Just know that you’re not alone in this—you, Brianne, and Evelyn will be in my prayers. Love ya man.

Lake house trip Fall 2016

Micah, Ben and Drew

Gates backyard - kids hanging out

Weird kids

Soccer tournament

Ben's 15th Birthday Breakfast

Boys sharing hammock

St Pete's Village rock hopping

What a joy it has been to know Micah. From the early years of living next door to the Gates family (starting in 2014) to all the fun adventures us, the Irons and the Gates would have. Romping around on trails, that wonderful lake house trip in 2016, multiple dinners at all of our houses, and just doing life together. Our son Ben considers Micah one of his best buds and had reconnected in their teen years. I always looked forward to hearing "Micah's coming over" b/c I never knew what kind of odd parking job he would do (that would always result in me asking him to move the car). It also meant I had to clear the dining room table so they could attach our ping pong table kit and it almost always meant he would clear us out of whatever fruit was in the fruit bowl. We loved that kid mightily. Even just this summer I could guarantee that the boys would be outside playing Kan Jam, Spike Ball, Frisbee or inside making lego  creations (almost always Lord of the Rings). We will miss so much about Micah and his sweet kindness....the way he was just so easy to be around and how he never wanted me to go out of my way to make him something he could eat...how he'd come over and just make himself eggs on our stove. So many wonderful memories of a life well-lived. What an amazing kid he was...I can't wait to make him give me a hug in heaven (I think he might not actually mind either). So much love to you Tim, Brianne and Evie. 

Where do I even start with the memories I have of sweet Micah?!  I loved those early years when Brianne and I could take you and Cassidy to the zoo, Marsh creek, Dunkin, Kimberton park, or wherever.  As you grew up, one thing I always looked forward to was seeing your Halloween costume, like when you were a trash truck!  You had so many good qualities, but my favorite was how good you were with kids.  I always saw you playing tag or kicking the soccer ball around.  The energetic little boys at church gravitated to your energy and enthusiasm.  Chase always loved coming in when I came to pick Haylee up from your house because it often meant playing with Micah!  You are going to be missed by so many.  Even though we are mourning your loss, we know that you have no tears.  You are rejoicing in the presence of our Savior!  And I know you are showing off your dance moves all over those streets of gold!   

Praying for all of yall amen 

Sunday school

Small group

My heart & prayers go out to you all. Though I never had the opportunity to meet him, I can tell from his beautiful obituary that he was an amazing young man.  May God bless and comfort you as you grieve and give you strength to press on! 2 Corinthians 12:9,10

 My condolences and hugs to Micah's immediate and extended family and to his friends and those who came into his presence.  I will be sharing his obituary with others--he truly was a blessing.  I'll include it with gifts of Legos kits  to three wonderful children (ages almost 4, 5 1/2, and 14) who also love building with Legos. Their family is Navajo and their mother and I met years ago through a mentorship program and are now friends. As Christmas approaches I will donate a kit to an organization that provides toys for needy children. And now I will put on some music, maybe the Pennsylvania Polka--(Cousin a few times removed)) Sandy Fox Kelman

Dancing with school friends to mark a milestone. Love the fun and joy in this photo.

Tim and Brianne , when you joined our small group as a young married couple many years ago, who knew that from there would grow a deep and meaningful friendship of our families? I remember finding out that you were expecting Micah, and later on, the joy of his birth. I have so many memories of our kids playing together at our homes, swimming at the Y, taking our boys bowling, and letting them run wild in the chick-fil-a play place. 😊 Micah was a unique kid, “fearfully and wonderfully made” - and I truly enjoyed having a glimpse of how he was becoming a young man, full of creativity, smarts, thoughtfulness, and so much potential. Micah, I will never look at a Lego city, a “water feature”, or even a slice of your despised cheese 😉 without thinking of you and smiling. You will surely be missed, but we know you are safe and at peace, and that brings comfort. Love and hugs to the whole Gates/Riley family. You are in our prayers. 

Small group - celebrating the July birthdays

I remember Micah in his earlier years: guiding Evie along behind Brianne, huddled in discreet laughter with his close buddies, keenly observing the world around him—all with the look of his father, Tim. 

This is well-written. It reminds me of Hannah’s song, yet with grief. Praise God for the faith you express here, for the hope that is in Christ. 

We have been and will continue to pray for you. 

We met Micah when he was very young so we do not know much about his growing up, but, if he was anything like his parents, he was a great kid.  Our hearts are mourning for Tim and  Brianne an brother Herbie and wife Barbara   have comfort knowing but knowing that Micah was a christian, we have comfort knowing he is in the loving arms of Jesus.  May our lord wrap his loving arms around all those suffering from the loss of Micah.  

The wonder of Christmas