I send my sincerest sympathies to Sue and Mike's family and friends for the loss of such an amazing husband, father, son and friend. He was clearly an inspiration to many people.  I knew Mike only through Sue and there was no doubt they adored each other and had a wonderful marriage and loving family life. I know he will be greatly missed by all.

To Mike's Family,

I was very sorry to hear about Mike's death. I did not know Mike very well, or his family, but I know he fought the battle with everything he had. He was an inspiration to many people. I'm told by my husband who was a cardiovascular surgeon that Mike beat many odds.  I'm sure it was due to his indomitable spirit and will-- and maybe someone watching over him. It was always amazing in the last couple of years to see Mike pop up at a Rotary meeting looking so well -- and smiling. Always smiling, yet enduring so much. Often not allowing his illness to get in the way of enjoying the life he had. Mike (my husband) and I are sorry we will miss the memorial on October 26th.  We will be in Mexico. Our thoughts will be with Susan and the family. 

Mike is my cousin.  We played together as children, grew apart by the twists and turns of adult life although we always kept in touch.  I got to visit with Mike just a few months ago when he was here in Hawaii.  He was a wonderful person who would give you the shirt off of his back if you needed it.  I couldn't think of anything negative to say about him if I tried.  I will miss him, his smile, his confidence, his kind words.  Go in peace, Mike.  

To Mike's family and friends,
I'm honored to have been Mike's friend and a dear friend of his wife Sue. The two of them raised two incredible human beings; Hallie and Trent. Mike's courageous battle with cancer was strengthened by the love from his family and friends. Mike spent his last few weeks making sure his family was taken care off. My last memory of Mike is him on his tractor up at Palomar, two weeks before he died. He wasn't feeling well but made himself go outside and drive the tractor. As I headed down the driveway to drive home, he waved me over to the side of the road, stopped the tractor and asked me how I thought Sue would do through all of this. I assured him that she would be fine because of her inner strength and all the love. The following quote reminds me of Mike.
"Nothing you love is lost. Not really. Things, people - they always go away sooner of later. You can't hold them anymore than you can hold moonlight. But if they've touched you, if they're inside you, then they're still yours. The only things you ever really have are the ones you hold inside your heart." -Bruce Coville
Love to Sue, Hallie and Trent, and all his dear friends. Mike will always be in our hearts.
Karen 

Susan, Trent and Hallie,
   I was so saddened to hear of Mike's passing but feel so fortunate to have known him.  He was a role model for everyone to learn from.  Whenever anyone had a hardship or sad event take place in their lives Mike was the first one to step forward and ask, "What can I do to help"?, never allowing his disease, or weakness it caused, to stand in his way.  I can only hope and pray that I lead my life with such integretity and grace.  He loved you all so much and will be greatly missed by all who were fortunate to know him.  He was fierce about his love of his family and what he wanted to accomplish for them.  Job well done Mike! 
   My sincere thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.  Keep your memories close to your heart and they will help carry you through and wrap you in love.  God Bless you and Mike.
     Linda Fortney,  Palomar Mtn.

Sue, Trent, Hallie..
My sadness goes beyond words. Mike defied the odds so many times I just knew in my heart he would defy the main one and go into remission and somehow be cured. Each and every time I saw him he just looked so healthy and would be speaking of a task he was about to undertake that seemed impossible for a person with his ailment. Yet I would see or talk to him afterward and he would tell me how much fun he had had doing it!
The elevators in my building were out for a week. In that time he came to visit me. He climbed four flights of stairs to get to my office. When he reached me he maintained his sense of humor and made light of it even through my apologies. One word can describe him...AMAZING...I just know when we all see him again he will be the very same person we all know and love. Please accept my sincere condolences. I look forward to celebrating his life with you the family and the people who cared for him the most.
Tony Pulli

I send all my love to Mike's family and friends.