I miss you Michael. You and I met on Cloy Ave. when I first came by to rent the house across from yours on a cold November night. You were kind and hospitable. I left your house with memories of nurturing orchids,  exquisite art, the best way to cook a catfish and how it’s perfectly ok not to have a coffee table. Being your neighbor and your friend was heartwarming and cool. You made me feel special. 

You were always on the edge of everything artistic. Talking heads, Brian Eno, Siouxie and the Banshees, Chrissie Hynde, Cocteau Twins, I still have the 33’s you loaned to me in my music library. You and I shared looking at things from a child’s perspective.  You used to leave cut vines of your Arabian jasmine on my car windshield before I left for work in the morning, and we would always share our first encounter of hyacinth and narcissus in late autumn days. Now it seems like my thoughts and memories are endless and wouldn’t fit this space. Your house always smelled nice and clean like exotic herbs. You worked hard, stirring the vats of tincture in your garage, making deals and laughing about them with me. You made the best Belgian waffles with sunflower seeds and fresh blueberries and whipped cream and the good maple syrup. Your trust in humanity was beyond belief. I remember how you would just throw the ignition keys of the grey 50’s Volvo on the floor of the car because nobody would suspect it was there, and you didn’t believe in car insurance.  “Projecting trust” was your motto. Your home was always open to those in need and there was a place for them to lay their head. I cannot believe I have lost you forever. There was a lot more I would have liked to tell you about you but time got in the way.  It was nice knowing you Micheal. I will forever cherish your stories and our memories 💔

Michael was my nephew. He and his family moved from Kentucky when he was very young.  As years passed I could see the huge influence he had on healthy products. He was very kind and helpful to me when his mother passed away. He provided transportation and i stayed at his house the night before I left California. It is very sad that he lost his battle with cancer. RIP Michael. You are greatly missed.

I am deeply saddened to hear of Michael’s passing. My heartfelt sympathy goes out to you, Staci, to Michael’s family and to the many friends and colleagues who loved him so.

Michael rented an apartment in my home in Takoma Park in 2000 to have a permanent place to stay when he needed to be in the DC area for work. My home soon became his “home away from home” for the next 20 years. In many ways, Michael was like a brother to me.  Many a night, he would share a fine bottle of wine with me or whip up an amazing dinner out of my seemingly empty fridge and we would share stories about our work, families, travels, and sordid tales from our pasts.  I loved how Michael cherished nature and joyfully nurtured others. I toast to you, Michael, with gratitude for all the ways you touched my life. A deep bow to you and a life well-lived! 🍷🍷

Michael was an amazing person who did so much for so many. He was always working behind the scenes and out of the spotlight and was very humble. Both brilliant and hard-working, Michael never shied away from a challenge. His facts were airtight, and he passionately presented his point of view from a foundation of facts and knowledge that only one as bright as he could maintain at one time.

The herbal/botanical products industry owes a great deal of gratitude to Michael for all the work he did to help establish the massive industry that we have today. Many of us would not have jobs doing what we do today if it were not for the hard work, fighting spirit and effort that Michael and his colleagues put forth in times past.

I particularly enjoyed reading his last article shared by Roy Upton about the Venice Beach Tramps. And of course, Michael looked great in shoulder length hair. I will miss you, my friend.  

I am so sad to hear about Michael’s passing. I met Michael 25 years ago and he has been such a great business partner and friend. The Natural and Herbal products industry has lost one of their greatest and most dedicated champions.   

I have so much gratitude and appreciation for all the help Michael has provided me over the years in business and in my own person knowledge. I have come to appreciate and love this industry from the lessons learn through Michael. I will forever be grateful to Michael for all the knowledge he shared and all that he taught me. I will truly miss him. RIP Michael.