These are the words I prepared for Mike's funeral:

Protector
One day when I was young, maybe 6 or 7, was playing outside when I was approached by my two neighbors, the Terrell boys. They proceeded to chase me flicking lit matches at me saying they were going to set me on fire. They were bullies. I ran home scared and crying. Mike was home, which was rare at that time, but he took off out of the house after those boys. Well, let’s just say he taught them a lesson and they never bothered me again. At that age, Mike weren’t always close. We had a 12-year age difference, but that day I learned from him that you always stick up for your family, no matter what.
Host and gift giver
Mike loved having pets, and he loved sharing them too. He gave me over the years 2 cats and a dog among many other gifts. He always thought I would be better off with a cuddly animal to keep me company, and who am I a to argue because he was right. He was a generous host to many cookouts, festivals, tailgates, keggers, and audacious parties. Being a master grillmaster, Mike loved to commune with friends and family over a good cookout and took pride in playing host. Mike taught me how to be a generous host and thoughtful gift giver.
Entrepreneurship and work ethic
I probably set the record the number of times somebody participated in Mike’s money-making schemes. He always had ideas about how to make money, and those ideas moved with his interests. He sold antiques at the Flea Market that he acquired by going to auctions around the state. Together we sold fireworks, roasted corn on the cob or elotes, and antiques at the Flea Market. My first job was working for Mike at TK Tripps as dishwasher later working my way up to pantry and line cook. I didn’t leave these ventures unscathed though. Whether it was sun poisoning I got after days in the sun running a Hispanic soccer tournament for him, or the time I got 6 stitches in my eyebrow while working at Tripps, or the time I set my arm on fire, I always happily signed onto the next venture because he was my big bro. I learned to work hard and always keep moving forward.
Community Leader
I learned to take a stand from Mike. His activism in the Hispanic community during his many years with La Conexion and afterwards with so many groups: El Pueblo, Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, and the Farmworkers movement were inspiring to me and many others.
Father
I learned to go my own way to and be my own father. We didn’t have to repeat how our father was for us. We could break the cycle. He showed me we go our own way as men and as fathers. I am a better man and father because of the lessons I learned by watching and talking with Mike.
Superhero
He was a superhero to my son at an early age who saw his use of a wheelchair as the coolest thing in the world. My son would push him around the house and in our carport in his wheelchair laughing and having the best time. He was a Uncle Wheels and he was a superhero when the world saw him otherwise.
Friend
He was a good friend to many over the years. His ventures took him far and wide in life, so Mike had the opportunity to touch the lives of people from all walks of life. Seeing the people here today confirms what I learned from Mike about friendship, be true, be honest and just simply be there for them.