Mike was the ultimate coworker and friend.  From the Oscar Mayer days in the Southwest Region to the times in the Kansas City Region, he was always a guy that you would want on your team going into a contentious customer meeting and to go out to dinner at night.

Whether he was in a coworker position, sales planner or up at Corporate he was a trusted friend and wise council.

We went through some trying times together and it was always comforting to know that he was part of our team.

Sending light and Love to all his family and friends. The world is a better place for those of us that were lucky enough to have Mike in our lives.

The picture I attached was a great one of Mike and terrible of me but we had fun that night! My friend Mike and I were nothing but trouble when we got together at work or at a bar or whatever.  We made each other smile and laugh.  Mike bailed me out at work many times with learning that crazy financial software he ran.  Mike always straightened me out and reminded me of my strengths and weaknesses but made me smile every time.  Mike we loved his family and was very proud of all of them.   Mike was a fearless risk taker, comic relief, and a loyal loving friend.  His life was ended way too short. But he never gave up touting communication, hope, and hilarious political opinion in the end.   To the Mansfield family, please always consider me a friend and unfortunately, I cannot be there in person in Texas. But thanks to Mike's phone call weeks ago his departure will leave me with a smile.  I can only hope to follow his lead as my life goes on.  My heart hurts over your loss and I am praying for Mike.  I thank God I knew him.  God Bless all of you and please stay in touch.  Jim Owens.

At Dad's 90th birthday party?

A chance to catch up

Still has that sense of humor- look at that grin

One of the few times Mike got mad at me happened on a trip to Pine Mountain Lake.  Mom and dad had purchased property there to build a vacation cabin.  It's a beautiful place near Yosemite and the Tuolumne River.  We walked around the property, played in the stream for a few minutes and started back to the car. Mike was wearing a baggy sweatshirt- gray, I think.  As we were walking back to the car, a large bird flew over, pooping as it passed over us.  The poop fell into the back of Mike's shirt and slid down his back.  He turned to me with a sick look on his face, and before he could finish saying, "Martha, did that bird...?" I was laughing uncontrollably.  He started yelling, "get it out get it out!", but all I could do was laugh.  The madder and more desperate he got, the more I laughed. Finally, red faced and disgusted, he spun on his heel and stalked off, pulling his shirt over his head as he walked, trying not to smear more poop on himself.  I finally came to my senses and caught up to him.  I helped him out of the shirt and wiped the poop from his back. 

 I never asked if remembered it, but I have never forgotten the look on his face when he realized the wet slimy feeling was bird poop sliding down his back.