as remembered

My friend and cousin, Mike Harris, died rather suddenly on April 24.

Mike’s wife, Bonnie, brought the family together at the home they had built together. I had never been there before. In fact, I had not seen my dear friend since I had moved to California some 20 years ago, about the same time that Mike had moved to Georgia. We stayed in touch by telephone and email. But that is just not the same.

It was wonderful to have a chance to “walk the boards” and see where Mike had spent this last chapter of his life; and to see again, and, in some cases, meet for the first time children and grandchildren, both his and Bonnie’s.

All who recalled him at the service invariably ended up with the same glowing remembrance of Mike and his warm and genuine quality, his enveloping smile, a reference to boats, and beloved pets. Marley, the latest retriever, was doing his best to fill the void left by Mikes departure.

The house is full of photos and Fleming family artifacts. I liked this picture of Mike with his mother, Anne. Minor and Helen are standing behind. This is Mike as I remember him. (I apologize for the poor picture quality. It was hard to get a good photograph through the glass)

Mike was a big booster for this summer’s reunion. He left me some photos to share with you.

 

 

 

 

And, lastly, hot off the press, is a picture of Mike’s 2 great granddaughters, complements of their uncle, David.

 

Please send me your thoughts and memories of Mike to share.