I remember the first day that we moved to Edsel Lane. Mike zoomed by on his Honda 80, from his grandma Cleo's place, as we were unloading in the driveway. He came back and we introduced ourselves briefly.  A while later I transferred to Hart Ransom and we sat next to each other in Mr. Streeter's sixth grade class.  Mike was friendly, and made me feel welcome among his friends there at Hart Ransom.  I enjoyed his company.  Once we got in trouble for talking in class and Mr. Streeter made us do 10 pushups for every math problem we got wrong on the test.  We both did them willingly; as everyone respected Mr. Streeter, and  he had a way of correcting you that didn't make you feel small; you just didn't do that again.  We did a lot of things together as neighbor kids: jumping our bikes, listening to music, watching TV at Cleo's.  Mike introduced me to Roller King, and I went with his family.  We would ride  in the back of his dad Wayne's Nissan truck, with the radio blasting, the very truck that he lowered, later in High school. He was always into the coolest things like sunglasses, etc.  Mike and I drifted apart in High School, as we explored new things and friendships, but I fondly remember the fun-loving guy who loved his family, did his chores, and had a willingness to be helpful could really win you over. I made a point to see him a few times when I came back to Modesto, and although we were much older and had a number of experiences under our belts, good and bad, I remember noticing that he had preserved some kind of light in his heart, and his laugh was still the same as that kid I met in sixth grade.

Our love goes out to all of you.  

God called your name so gently that only you could hear , Softly from the shadows Angels drawing near , you closed you eyes and went to sleep and quietly left us all . All the memories I have of you throughout the years will be in my heart forever, watching you grow up . You are free of pain. 

Loving you forever Mike 

Aunt Sharon

No child should see their Parent falter at such a young age, sending empathy & warm optimism ^^