Mike was my neighbor on Snowberry Ct up until I moved to California in 1978. I left for CA after freshman year at Oakton, the same year Mike and his family came back from Mexico City.

It is frequently heard, but less frequently true, Mike was the kid everybody liked and wanted to hang around. His mom was (thanks be to God is) a wonderfully warm and welcoming person. I remember hanging out at their house and loving the feeling of love and warmth it always exuded. I always wanted to spend the night and was often welcomed (but if the conversation turned to Spanish I knew it might not be a good night). Since then I fixed that "blind spot" having passed the Spanish bilingual exam for the State of CA in my old job (since retired).  I remember Mike had a felt covered "wargaming table" in his basement. I remember how mechanically adept his dad Terry was, fixing cars and about anything else. I remember his Mom's cooking, costume and upholstery skills and very obvious quick mind. Margarita was his cute sister who steered clear of us most of the time. I remember Mike's dad being totally mellow and kind after I accidentally trashed their front light with an errant soccer ball kick. What an amazing family.

I was looking up the 40th reunion of OHS and saw a post that Mike had passed, my heart sank and tears flowed. God bless you who lost Mike, Mrs. Woods and Margarita, Mike's children and Kenny Day (my next door neighbor). Woods family, know Mike is loved and remembered by people you haven't seen for decades or have never even met. Mike and his family left a a warm glow in others' lives and you remain in my prayers.

Eulogy to my brother, Mike

As I stand here, I can’t help but feel like this is déjà vu. We lived this story 30 years ago when my Dad, Terry Woods passed. He too died much too young. Both were my rock, both had a need and desire to help. How was Mike going to be any different than his father, it’s all he knew. It was in his DNA. In true Woods fashion, He was great at starting a task, with the best of intentions, but he sometimes had difficulty finishing it. Many of us have the evidence of that in our homes. He never said no, and that was both a good quality and a curse. Mike lived his life wanting to please everyone, and not wanting to hurt, or let anyone down. I truly believe he wanted to live up to his hero, his Dad. Sadly, the untimely passing of my Dad did affect Mike his entire life. iI does give me peace to know they are reunited. The morning after learning of my brothers passing, I was in my Mom’s bedroom looking out the window and there were two beautiful red cardinals perched on a branch with a third on the patio looking up at them. I like to think that was a sign, Father and Son together, with my Grandfather looking up at them from the patio.

The thing that helped us all after the death of my Dad, was the birth one month later, of my niece Caitie. She was and is the spitting image of Mike. Catie I think helped us all realize that life goes on. Catie also inherited Mike’s spirit of wanting to forge her own path in Boston, a place that was very special to Mike. Although we were all worried about Catie moving so far away, Mike knew she would do great things there and was so very happy for her. Mike had two more kids, Justin and Gabrielle. He loved his kids and looked forward to being the chaperone on their field trips. He was a big kid at heart. He was not just a Dad, he was a friend to them. After Catie came Justin. He would always say, “that’s my boy” and smiled. Justin and Mike eventually became House mates, sorry Justin…(My brother was not known for being especially tidy or very well equipped to cook). I am thankful that Mike did get to bring Justin into his line of work and teach him his trade. He was so proud of the independent young man he has become and how respected and liked Justin is in their field of Security. His third baby, Gabrielle, was his princess. He was so proud of what she accomplished by graduating in nursing and forging her own path in Dallas with her soon to be husband Luke. Mike was looking forward to walking her down the aisle. He wanted to give her her dream wedding. One of the last conversations we had, he said that he was so happy that his kids were all doing so well and that he knew that they were independent and happy.

Mike and I were very close growing up, and although we went down very different paths, I know we truly did love eachother. My husband Mo thought it was not normal that we were siblings that never fought as kids. We did grow apart, but recently mended our relationship and for that I am truly thankful. Mike was not great at sharing his feelings, and was very private, which was not a trait he inherited from our Mom. Mimi. There was a very special bond that only a mother and son can have, and he did have it with our Mom. He may not have been around as much as she would have wanted him to be, but when they were together, she beamed with pride and she was happy. She looked forward to his visits and was happy to give him a place to live recently, while he was settling into his new life. He loved Bryce and was saving up to build his forever home there, while redecorating her place (sorry Mom). She would call him and say, I hope you are keeping the place nice. He would reply, yes, it’s perfect, you and your friends are welcome to come anytime. Well, nice means different things to different people. I would call his style, flee market meets junk yard. We have many treasures to uncover in the coming weeks.

Mike, you were a one of a kind and I know how much you will be missed by everyone. One more request I do have though, when our Dad died, that was the last time our beloved Redskins won the Super Bowl, so if any good can come of this passing, maybe you and Dad can talk to the big guy up there. It’s time. Til we meet again Mike, I love you.

Dolly

Mike was a dear friend to my brother Tom through high school and a very difficult time in Tom’s life. We are forever grateful for his friendship. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all! The Overvold family

I was so sorry to hear about Michael's passing. He was light in the work place  - SO very smart and infinitely patient with us. The world is less without him - my condolences to all. 

Dear Woods Family,

I am deeply saddened to learn of Mike's passing.  Mike and I were friends for more than 35 years.  While we didn't have much contact the last couple years, I have many incredible memories of our time together.  Mike was a great friend.  Please enjoy a few of the my many memories of Mike that I will share below.   

The first time I met Mike was about age 20.  I had just broken up with my girl friend and I was very distraught.  I told our mutual friend, Brian, about the breakup.  Mike and Brian showed up at my house that night, and Mike insisted that I needed to go out and have fun.  Though Mike did not know me at all, he took his evening to ensure that I was comforted.  Mike made his first of many investments in our friendship.  Mike's willingness to come alongside his friends was apparent throughout our friendship.  Mike loved to serve others.

Over the years, Mike and I enjoyed many nights out with pizza and beer, road trips to various locations along the east coast, and once married, we went on vacations together with our families.  Mike, Brian and I even went on a cruise to the Caribbean in our early twenties.  In fact, on the cruise Mike's generosity towards others became apparent.  We were young guys traveling on the cruise without much money, but Mike still insisted on treating the millionaires on board the ship to free drinks.  That was just the way Mike was, generous to a fault.  As I look back, regardless of the outing we went on, each event was sure to have much fun and laughter involved.  I miss those times for sure.

Beyond being fun, Mike was also a very talented guy.  Mike was real good fixing almost anything.  I remember a time when my parents' car broke down in Vienna and Mike knew more about how to fix the car than the dealer.  In two particular incidents, Mike's talent and creativity with automobiles really shined.  In one incident, Mike and Brian were visiting me at UVA.  We had gone out to a park.  Mike was backing into a parking space when he ran over a railroad spike that punctured a hole in his gas tank.  What do we do?  For me, I said call a tow truck.  Not Mike, he said let's go buy some parts to fix the tank.  Mike purchased a dog bone and silly putty and proceeded to fix the gas tank.  Unbelievable!!  It actually worked and he was able to drive the car back to Northern VA.  In another incident, a belt broke on Mike's car.  Again, my suggestion was to call a tow truck.  Instead, Mike took the laces out of his shoes tied them together and used them as a substitute belt to get us back on the road.  That is true talent and creativity.  I can ensure you that none of Mike's talent rubbed off on me.

In addition, Mike and I were roommates for about 6 months in DC during my first semester of law school.  I affectionately refer to our apartment building as the cochroach motel, since the place was infested with bugs.  In rooming together I learned a great deal about Mike.  First, we were very different in regards to organization and tidiness.  You might say we were the odd couple.  Mike liked to leave things around.  I remember warning him not to leave food out uncovered because of the roaches.  Well, Mike was very laid back and he liked to leave food uncovered.  One morning I came into the kitchen to find the peanut lid off of the peanut butter.  You can just imagine all the friend that were in the jar.  Mike was unfazed by this.  Second, while living in DC together, I learned that Mike had a weird affinity for parking tickets.  He loved them.  One night he came into the family room to show me a whole stack of Parking tickets that he had collected.  I was totally freaked out for Mike.   I asked him if he was worried that they would put a boot on his car.  Mike was calm and merely stated that if they did he would donate the car to the city.  While Mike and I were nothing alike as to our organization and cleanliness habits, I can honestly say Mike was a great roommate.  Mike was incredibly considerate when I had to study all the time.  Despite our differences, I enjoyed our time as roommates a great deal.

Of the many things I am grateful to Mike for, one stands out.  Mike is the person that introduced me to Kathleen, my wife of 33 years.  Mike played a key role in bringing us together.

In conclusion, I am a better person for having had Mike in my life.  Mike will be missed for sure.  Mike's service to others, generosity, talent and considerate nature will not be forgotten.
 
Kathleen and I are praying for the entire Woods family during this time of loss.

Love Jeff and Kathleen

After Terry’s funeral, Mike and I and a few others decided it would be a good idea to open and drink his souvenir 3 foot high bottle of Jose Cuervo!  That was a bad decision.  Don’t remember anything after that, but woke up in my parents guest room next door at noon the next day (I was in my 20s and did not live there at the time).  Mike was a little better, but not much.  There were rumors (probably true) that we were doing some sort of Mexican hat dance.  I both regret and love that story and Mike and I talked about it for years after.  Sometimes life’s moments are not so pretty, but memorable non-the-less🙂.   Kenny Day, always your friend Mike!

I met Mike in 1978 when I moved to Tall Oaks.  He was always fun.  Many years later, we reconnected and shared laughs over dinners and happy hours.  I will miss you, Mike. 

I am so sorry to hear about Mike’s passing.  He was too young, just like his beloved dad Terry!  Living next door to the Woods’ on Snowberry court was so much fun.  I remember Terry pulling Mike, Phillip and I (on sleds) through the snow covered streets in Tall Oaks in his rear wheel drive VW Carmengia!  Mike was always at the center of all the fun I had as a kid in Oakton.  Even though I hadn’t seen him in a while, I will miss him so much!

ST MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL CARRY OUR MIKE TO A PEACEFUL ETERNAL REST

Mike was my carpool into DC in many occasions. His mom Margarita and I had a wonderful time every morning we rode together. His jeep was cool and so was him.  Rest In Peace Mike

The first words Mike ever spoke to me:

“Want a beer?”

I was 17, walking into my first campus student housing experience, probably accompanied by my mother, and he did not say “hello” or “my name is…”, or anything else but just “Want a beer?”

Not sure what my face reflected at that moment, but I am sure Mike was just cracking up inside, even though his exterior showed perfect and complete stoicism and probably some dismay at this kid, walking into what was also Mike’s new pad, with this mom.  That was in 1983.

Mike and I definitely grew up together from that point. Everything from campus shenanigans, to our courtship and marriages (a lot of striking similarities…) to volleyball trips (he introduced me to the sport) to a love of cars and dedication to work and friends.  Though circumstances may have lessened the opportunity to share time, we always had something to talk about, and always found it easy to be together and I am glad to say that in spite of the ‘rona, we saw each other a few times in the past year.   This definitely gives me some joy.

I am amazed to think that 38 years have passed since our first meeting and of course wish we could have had more time.  Even though we were friends for a long time, it was still too short, and even though warm words and fun stories give light in these circumstances, my heart still breaks at the thought of his life and this friendship having been cut short.

The amazing adventures we shared when we were younger make for a legacy of memories that I will always cherish and I am comforted by the thought that the experiences and friendship we shared for 4 decades live on.  My heart is filled with these memories as we grieve his passing, and my deepest condolences are with the family during this most difficult time.

I cant recall who was gathered in the neighborhood circle but Mike was there when Kenny Day walks up and says he had just finished doing 200 pushups, he had the arms and chest to prove it. After a short pause where nobody could think of a responce to Kenny’s statement, Mike looks at Kenny with a puzzled face and says “Why?”. We all started laughing and he did his usual chuckle and grin. Mike had the best soft sarcasm, bar none. He was a minimalist with words and in one word cracked everyone up, all in the delivery. Nobody had anything to add to that conversation, it was perfect. Mike had a great gift of humor.

I meet Mike for the first time at a Chevy Chase Bank site.  He was working as a programmer for SST and I had just started Get Wired doing the install.  Mike and I hit it off right away.  Mike always had a certain calmness no matter had bad the circumstances were on a job.  Anyone who knows me knows I am the exact opposite.  He was someone you could always call for help with technical issues. Over the years after Mike left SST we would occasionally bump into each other at ADI or job sites and it was always as if no time had passed between our encounters.   More recently Get Wired got to do some work with Mike at some Amazon sites and again we enjoyed the same friendship as always.  I'm really glad I got to spend some more time with him.  What a great person he was and I will miss those random encounters where we would catch up and reminis.  

My condolences to you and your family. May the Father surround you with His loving care and comfort during this season of grief.     

I find myself sitting at a table with Mike having beers and i make the mistake of challenging Mike to a hot pepper eating contest. This is before the 1000 varieties of pepper sauces, there was only tobasco and franks red hot, and before anything other than a jalopeno was even known to exist. The waitress brought out a huge plate of these very large dark green peppers and we procceeded to bite in, one for one. With each passing pepper i was visibly struggling and making noise and sweating while Mike just grinned and occassionally chuckled while remaining cool and quiet. It did not seem to phase him at all and i was at a breaking point on the verge of sickness where even the beer was no help. I finally had to say no mas and Mike said good because he couldnt eat any more. Ugh! Did i give in too soon? Did i almost have him? I think not, he would have gone the distance, which he did. Well played Mike!

Thoughts and prayers are with you all during this very difficult time.

Love always,

Charlie and Maryellen Brennan 

Best big brother. My Irish twin. Gone way too soon and missing you forever. — with Margarita Moylan

It is the last day of school near the last period and i walk up behind Mike in the hallway and start wrestling around with him. There were few people in the hall so while we are at grips with each other i suggest we bust into one of the classrooms in session and knock some desks around as a joke before bringing it back into the hallway and making a getaway before the teacher can stop us. So we goe through the door and bounce off a few peoples desks and back out to the hall. He now has me on the floor and im laughing when suddenly the vice principle disciplinarian grabs him by the arm and me by the foot walking him away and dragging me along. He tells us we will have to stay an hour after school to cleanup the hallways or he wont let us graduate. At last bell, i never saw so much destruction. People were so thrilled to be out of school they were throwing papers everywhere. We did our hour of cleanup, it was worth the laugh. Mike graduated, i went to summer school, haha! That terrible english teacher!

Rest well old friend. 

Herman Fortson 

In high school we both had the same terrible english teacher but different classes. We had an assignment to read Tess d’Ubervilles which we would be tested on. It just so happened to be a movie playing at theatres and we had the bright idea of watching the movie rather than spending the time to read the book. We get to the theatre and he wants to play pinball rather than finding a good seat which iritated me a little. I finally talk him off the game and he goes to the snackbar which further iritates me because the movie is about to start and we have not secured a good seat yet and it is filling up. He gets the largest thing of popcorn and the largest soda they sell, im telling him this is just embarrassing! Lol. We finally go in and the lights are already out and the previews have started. He sits in the end of the last row and i asked him to move down but he doesnt want to, i always like the end seat! I walk by him and go for the third seat to space us out and i slide a little from something on the floor but i manage to catch myself from falling and sit down. Suddenly i smell what is obviously someones throwup then a gradual cooling on my jeans leg to which i realise i am now sitting in someones throwup. I start laughing so hard while trying to keep quiet and try to whisper to Mike what has happened while gagging periodically. I finally get the message conveyed and say we have to move, now! We walk halfway up and sit, i am now on the end seat in a happy place and still laughing. A moment later a light shines from the back of the theatre which can only mean someone is coming in late and someone late usually sits in the back so i nudged Mike and said turn around and watch this. Some guy with a date in a white dress walks in and of course he lets her go in the row first. The girl goes heels up and falls on the floor and we both crack up. The guy looks down towards us laughing while reaching down to pick up his date and helps her to the seat i had been sitting in. Moments later they leave the theatre. Never had such a good time at the movies, laughed the whole way home. I failed the english test, movies are nothing like the books. Mike passed, i think he may have read the book!

My condolences to Margarita, Sandra and the Woods family for the passing of Michael. I will always remember his smile and how generous he was with his time, even if he hadn't seen me for years.  Marco

I did NOT squash the peaches! 

Mike and his kids. Catie, Gabrielle and Justin