By Ashley Leaton

My cousin Mike —had a smile that could light up a room and a laugh that echoed through it. He had that kind of personality you just wanted to be around—kind, magnetic, uplifting. His words always carried wisdom, and somehow, whenever he spoke, you left the conversation feeling empowered and ready to take on the world.

Mike was the oldest cousin in our crew—the first one to show up with that bright blonde hair and, in my opinion, the best-looking of us all. Of course, I might be a little biased, but I still stand by it! Then again, I can’t leave out the rest of the Entzminger cousins—who also grew up to be pretty darn good-looking. Must be something in the bloodline.

I’ve always believed that your cousins are your first best friends. And I feel so lucky that some of my most treasured memories are those times we were all together—laughing, sharing stories and just being kids. Those are the heartwarming moments I’ll never forget.

Some of my favorite memories of Mike are the way he always made time for the people he loved. Whether it was a trip to see family, or a simple phone call on his drive home from work—he made the effort. He’d call just to catch up, or to tell you about his next big adventure, usually involving another friend’s wedding or a trip he was excited for. He had a life full of connection and motion, and he brought us all along for the ride in the most meaningful ways.

Mike and I shared something special beyond just family ties—we were both firstborns. And if you’re a firstborn, you get it: there’s this unspoken pressure to lead, to achieve, to please, to follow the rules, and to set the standard. Mike carried that mantle with strength and quiet confidence. He set big goals—sometimes I think of them like his soccer goals, always just out in front of him—and then he’d go out and crush them. He was a planner through and through, methodical and intentional in everything he did. He inspired me without even trying. He was somebody I looked up to from an early age.

One of my favorite moments was our Seattle trip—the one where we got the second cousins together for the first time. Our first three girls, Ember, Emily and Zoe. It felt like a full-circle moment, generations continuing on, but all held together by the same love that’s always been there. Mike was a part of that glue.

I don’t understand why he had to leave us so soon. It’s a kind of heartbreak that doesn't make sense. But what I do know is that Mike’s spirit—his kindness, his laughter, his love—will stay with us. Forever.

I’ll always remember my cousin Mike: Handsome, Dedicated, and so deeply Loyal. And most of all, I’ll remember the way he made this world a better, more beautiful place just by being in it.

Cheers my cousin, until we meet again!

Allison, and Zoe, we are here for you. Sorry about Mike's passing, and you are both 

 in our thoughts and prayers 

We so loved Mike and were blessed to be a part of his teenage years.  We spent many hours with Mike and his family, playing games, participating in church events, skiing.  He was always a bright light.