Memories of Michael William Bishop

In memory of

Michael William Bishop

Evanston, IL, USA

October 25, 1962 - October 12, 2019

Oct 25, 1962 - Oct 12, 2019

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Chris Wood

Occasionally somebody enters your life and you just hit it off immediately. Mike was one of those people for me. He was smart, funny and helped me keep a healthy perspective on things at various times in my life when that was sorely needed. I remember car pooling or training together to work on many occasions and getting into various conversations that often had us laughing so hard I had tears in my eyes. When were weren’t laughing those conversations were enlightening as Mike had a great curiosity about life and that meant any topic was on offer for discussion. Mike was what I call a “Renaissance Man”. As a friend you knew Mike was in your corner. He let you know it. That he cared. That he was there for you. That he wanted the best for you.
Because of life’s twists and turns Mike and I talked and saw each other less frequently these last few years. When we did connect the conversation was often about his love for (and pride in) Olivia, Jack and Duke. A proud Dad indeed. As I write these words my heart is heavy with the loss of my friend Mike but also full of gratitude for the times we shared together.

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Ted Parris

1989, The University Club - Chicago, IL

It was October 1989 and I was working for Howard Ecker at the time (plugging, slugging and slogging my way through my first job in commercial real estate). When a mutual friend in real estate, Mary Riley, said she had talked to this guy, Mike Bishop, at Dan Walsh's wedding, who had raved about his job as a tenant rep in real estate and that I should meet with him to find out more about his company, TBS. I met Mike at The University Club in Chicago for lunch and soon discovered similar interests as well as a kindred spirit. I joined TBS and soon found Mike's contagious enthusiasm hard to resist. He was a hard worker, but it was his fun-loving nature and kindness that distinguished him among our peers. Mike always included me and introduced me to his friends and colleagues, which I appreciated having recently moved to Chicago. For that, I will always be grateful. Over the next decade we took part in: pitches, deals, real estate conferences, ski trips, golf outings, parties, weddings, babies, etc.; Mike was an extraordinary young man with a zest for life. Often this time of year, as the holidays were approaching, he would quote Jimmy Stewart's lines from one of his favorite movies-It's a Wonderful Life. Quotes such as: "Bert!, don'tcha know me?", "Zuzu's petals... Zuza's petals! There they are.", "Merry Christmas, you wonderful old Building and Loan!" and of course "...That's right, every time time a bell rings, an angel gets his wings." I believe at times he wished he had a guardian angel like Clarence from the movie. In recent years, we lost touch, but the few times we talked he glowed with pride when he talked about his kids and their accomplishments (everything from artistic works to track & field records) - he loved them deeply. I felt intense sorrow and cried when I heard of his death and hope now that he is in a better place (perhaps he is also trying to earn his wings as someone's guardian angel). A Shakespeare quote comes to mind, "Now cracks a noble heart. Good night, sweet prince; and flights of angels sing thee to thy rest". Sweet Prince indeed! R.I.P. Mike Bishop - you were a good friend. - Ted Parris 11-13-19

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Michael William Bishop

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