• I knew Michael through our school years.  He was artistic and sweet.  We connected again on fb 50 years later!  Rest in peace and the splendid nature you captured in your photographs, Michael.

     I first met Michael, aka Hippie, back in 1993 via Austin Clubhouse BBS.  He was instrumental in drawing me out of my shell and getting me to where I could handle being out in public.  I was extremely shy and withdrawn before Clubhouse.  They did not let that last very long.  Suddenly, I had a group of friends, many of whom I am still in touch with close to 30 years later!  

     Hippie, I really believe that you and Cody were the two of the greatest influences on me, and definitely for the better!  You were definitely one of the Good Guys!  Thanks for being you!

Michael was my cousin, his mother Minnie   was my mother's sister.  Mike and I enjoyed many good times together growing up in Carlinville. He was always a delightful companion to our various high jinx. His father, Wendell, kindly took me along to the Illinois State Fair and fishing at Carlinvile Lake.  Mike had memorable birthday parties.  We went trick or treating days before Halloween, coming home with huge bags of candy. Michael's photography was consistently beautiful and evocative, capturing the very best attributes of each subject he chose.  I will always recall with great pleasure our times together and wish we could have been living nearer each other later in life.

My memories are from Carlinville Illinois.  I enjoyed our time together at North School in Carlinville Illinois.  In later years enjoyed being facebook friends. My sympathy to his family He will be missed. 

Nancy Baxter Carlock

 Inner Sanctum  with Mike Bates, always a good memory from teen years. Condolences to family for your loss. 

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FxLNFyirjEk

My heart goes out to all his family and hope and pray that good memories will ease the pain.  

I met Michael online through a photography web site (NPN) in the late 1990's.  We hit it off and kept in touch through daily emails, mostly as he helped me improve my photography and encourage me to try various different subjects . He was always very kind, helpful and funny.   Phone calls along with the continued emails, then came Facebook and still we kept in touch daily.  I think of him daily whether editing my photos, or wanting to share photos with him or tell him something that happened during the day.  He will be greatly missed. 

Heartfelt sympathy, caring thoughts, prayers. Michael was a true treasure and inspiration. Growing up in Carlinville and going to school with Michael brings back so many memories. We’ve also been communicating via FB - I always let him know he would be the next good Network Star!!! He made every day extra wonderful. Wishing the family and friends: a song in your hearts; sunshine after the clouds; a rainbow after the rain. Special angel. Cherished memories. Peace. ❤️ 

I am glad I could call you my brother and I love you and will miss you but I will always remember you. Love Janet and Jim Shade