How Mike’s death saddens me. We met in Eisenhower High School or on Buena Vista St. where he lived. From there it seemed like forever we were playing neighborhood basketball or baseball at Johns Hill. Mike, a.k.a. Chicky always greeted me to our last conversation with a warm & loud, “Weasel”. From the first day I met him Mike was a snappy dresser, more slacks than Levi’s, polished loafers and he loved “Gant” shirts. Mike and our group evolved into the Rat Pack. This was a fantastic group of outstanding young men. After I returned from Vietnam I roomed with Mike in his trailer while we attended college-thank the Lord no cell phones existed at that time! Mike loved to “pimp” people. He would play harmless (usually) pranks and giggle wildly when they fell victim. Time and distance separated us but anytime I drove thru Decatur I found myself stopping to see Mike or calling him to talk about his beloved Yankees, the Illini or his Chicago Bear’s. Listening to Mike I heard his passion and love for his family, his love for his wife and his fight during his many illnesses. Mike was a fighter throughout. I loved Mike, his warm, genuine smile, his honesty and his sincerity. I, as many of us have lost a good friend yet God had gained a spectacular addition. Rest easy my fine friend.