Many of my fondest childhood memories involved the vacations and gatherings with the Hughes family - Mike, Donna, Shawn, Melissa, and Brian.
My earliest memories hold recollections of snow sledding in Big Bear and riding motorcycles in the Mojave desert.
Later, our families convened for nearly a decade of annual trips to Bass Lake, the most idyllic of places and times during the 1980s.
Later still, there were Super bowl gatherings, New Years eve parties, and concerts at Irvine meadows to see the Eagles and Jimmy Buffett.
So many of my childhood experiences and coming of age was defined by these family events, and Mike was always at the center - with his Tom Selleck good looks, a generous spirit, and gregarious laugh.
I consider myself tremendously fortunate to have had Mike as both a close relative and a longtime family friend.
He was a family patriarch in the best sense of the word: stern but caring, instructive but understanding, protective yet always encouraging independence.
As time carried on and our families moved in various directions, I saw less of uncle Mike, but he always remained in my thoughts and memories.
The last time I saw Mike was at my mothers memorial service. I was busy putting together a tribute for the occasion when I suddenly heard a familiar voice. I looked up and saw uncle Mike grinning warmly at me. He gave me a big hug and we caught up briefly.
Words cannot adequately express the place that uncle Mike holds in my heart and mind, but im truly grateful that he was a part of my family.
I know his legacy amd spirit will live on through all us who knew and loved him.
Thank you Uncle Mike, for everything.
God bless.