Thank you for everyone who could attend Mike's Celebration of Life at LynLake Brewery. If you'd like, you can add your stories you all shared at the open mic here.

"Hi, I'm Alexa and I'm one of Mike's daughter-in-laws.

Thank you all for being here to celebrate Mike's life with us - it's heartwarming to see so many people from different parts of Mike's life come together to honor such an awesome person. It's abundantly clear just how deeply Mike touched everyone he knew, and listening to your stories brings us comfort, even through our tears.

I'm reminded of just how passionate and vibrant a person he was. Mike was a man of many loves and interests, and his enthusiasm for life was infectious, something I see in my husband, Alex. If there's one thing I've learned from Mike, it's the value of embracing every new experience with zest and excitement, just as he did.

Not only did Mike value new experiences, he also enjoyed teaching others. He was the one who introduced me to colorful language when I would join him and Alex on their Tuesday night dinners in high school. I’d never heard a grown up swear before.

Mike and I shared a mutual love for Broadway musicals, and it brought him immense joy to see his son, Alex, finally come around to enjoying them too. It was a shared passion that brought us closer and created many cherished memories together and I hope you all can enjoy some of his favorite songs from Broadway while we are here at LynLake.

One thing you couldn't deny about Mike was his ability to tell a good story. His stories were legendary – both excellent and lengthy – and I can't help but smile when I think of the countless hours we spent listening to him weave his tales.

One of the greatest joys in Mike's life was undoubtedly his two children... and I really think he liked their wives, too!

Beyond his passions and stories, Mike was a dreamer. He had big plans for the future and could talk for hours about his aspirations. It's heartbreaking to know that some of those dreams will remain unfulfilled, but one dream he cherished deeply was the simple joy of hosting his family for a meal around his own dining room table. I'm incredibly grateful that we were able to make that dream a reality this past Christmas, creating a cherished memory that I'll hold dear forever.

As we reflect on Mike's life today, let's remember that his legacy lives on through his sons, his granddaughter, and in all of our memories. Though he may no longer be with us in person, his spirit will continue to inspire and uplift us."