He gave us all smiles

Rogue Rivet

Mike understood friendship. Mike understood people. Mike understood family. Mike was my friend through thick and thin growing up in Palo Alto. Like so many people, I am better for having known him. I'm sure this won't surprise anybody but when you hear that Michael "worked" his way through something, you can take it literally. Mike was always working. Gerry raised him to understand the value of hard work. When most of us were still snotty nosed bugger flickers, Mike was toeing the line. I lived around the corner from Mike. He, with his mom and loving sisters, lived in a beautiful two story brick and stucco Spanish style home that Gerry still lives in today. It had a court yard and a big oak tree. It was there that I developed my affection for Golden Retrievers. Many of you may remember "Honey Bear". Being a dog in the McClaskey home was no walk in the park. Mike trained his dogs to hunt, stay, fetch, read and take out the garbage. Ok, but you know what I'm talking about. Mike was always busy building fences, laying brick or painting something. Tasks that we did together sometimes. These things taught us both well the value of hard work. I am thankful to Gerry and Mike for letting me be part of that. Mike was the man of the house at a very young age. I never new him to complain about anything. He always worked. He had a paper route with the Valley Journal, he was mowing lawns, trimming trees, pulling weeds and figuring out how to pay for his Season Pass at Dodge Ridge every Winter. When we got a little older, Mike was re-soling shoes, bussing tables, pouring concrete and anything else he could do to support himself, even though Gerry would have given him anything. Mike always wanted to earn his way. Mike shared this part of his life with me as he did with many others. I am so much better for having known him. I couldn't have asked for a better friend. God Blessed Mike in so many ways, but none greater than the day Mike and Gigi found one another. The love kindness and generosity of spirit that Mike and Gigi shared with all that know them is rare and precious. I am grateful to have witnessed their love and to have been at there at there wedding. As it goes sometimes, we are separated from old friends by time and distance. I didn't get to spend much time with Mike the last 25 years. I am grateful that once a year, at Christmas, we'd exchange cards and be able to see the blessings that God has given us. I am so fortunate to have known Mike and to have called him friend. A part of Mike lives on in each of us. May we honor him by living our lives the way he would wish for us. Thank you for your friendship Mike. God Bless you and your beautiful family.

Mike's passing breaks my heart. He used to pick me up in his little, flat, black Porsche to go to pledge meetings at Chico. Such an upbeat, positive and fun friend to be around. My sincere condolences to all Mike's family and friends... May the best of him live on through all of us.

Mike is an inspiration to us all. His strength, enthusiasm, large heart and courage to persivear will make us all stronger. I send my love to you Gigi, Riker, Lili, Makenna, and all your family. May God comfort you during this time of sorrow. Mike and I were roommates, fraternity brothers and business partners. We shared many wonderful times together. So much fun. So many stories to tell. I love you Thrasher! Rest in peace. Jimmy.