Mike Savee

I met Mike in 1975 when I started work at Washington Junior High School in Bellflower. He was very kind to the new guy, and I needed that kindness. I needed to find a place to live, and he suggested I check out his apartment complex in Bellflower. Soon we were co workers and neighbors.

I think it may have been in that first year at Washington that Mike invited me to go camping in Joshua Tree with him and his old friend Stan Kresowski. We arrived on a Friday night with a full moon. I was completely blown away. Stan was already a serious photographer, and soon Mike had a Canon AE-1. Before long I had my own camera.

So that was the start of many many camping trips to Joshua Tree. Occasionally Mike’s brothers, Stan’s brothers, and even Mike’s father joined us. And, of course, Stan Goodin-Mike called him Goodwin-joined us frequently. It was where my love of the desert and my passion for photography got their start.

From the beginning, Mike and I bonded over music. Mike was the moving force that got us to operas and philharmonic performances. I can also remember many conversations about books. Through those early years we were both teachers. For a while we both had a second job delivering furniture at a place called Once a Tree.

Over the years things changed. I quit teaching in 1981, while Mike continued. I got married to Wini in 1982, so I was no longer the bachelor friend. But through it all we stayed friends. And, through it all Mike was kind and accepting. Sometimes there would be gaps between seeing each other, but it never seemed to matter. Mike was the friend of my lifetime.

Through all the years of Mike’s illness I was struck by how he never complained—at least not to me. He just kept going, and he continued to find joy in his life. His love of music, ideas, the desert, all the things he was passionate about, and just having a good time seemed to sustain him. Toward the end of Mike’s illness, he was already disappearing. But there was still the essence of Mike there until the last few weeks.

So, to my old friend Mike, I want to say goodbye. I will miss you.

Mr. Savee was a fantastic teacher, he had a great sense of humor that make learning fun. Some teachers leave a sketch in your brain, and Mr. Savee is definatly one of them. 

May he rest in peace. 

My heartfelt condolences to Mr. Savee's family.  He touched our lives ( all us Gurrolas) with his patience, kindness, and ability to bring out the best in us. We will always be grateful for the time we had with him.  

May his memory be a blessing.