I'm hoping people still read these stories every once in awhile because, although my mother tried her best to share an experience between Mike and I, I'd like to share it from my perspective. At the service two years ago, we were asked to come up and speak if we had any stories to tell. It sounds silly now, but at the time I felt out of place to tell my story of Mike. But now it just seems unfair to keep this reminder of who he is to myself. 

Ever since I met Mike so many years ago, he always treated me like family and opened up his heart to me. And he was like that with everyone. Mike was the kind of person that wouldn't just listen to you, but he would actually hear you. Every conversation, no matter how small, meant the world to him because he was spending time with you and enjoying your company. You could just tell by the way he looked at you while you spoke that he was there for you, because Mike gave his heart to everyone, which made us better people.

The greatest lesson I learned from him, besides to try new things from my mother's sardine story, was to always offer a hand to someone in need. My family and I were at a friend's birthday party one night when I was probably 11 or 12, and Mike showed up later that night. Considering it was mostly adults, I took refuge in the garage where there was a pool table, which wasn't that smart considering I didn't know how to play pool. But I sat in there anyways and pretended I knew how to hit the ball well for awhile, and then Mike walked in. And he took the time to explain to me the rules of pool and even tought me a few trick shots. I'm proud to say I'm a fairly decent player now thanks to him. At the time it seemed like just a nice gesture, but now I realize that he took time away from a party with his friends to teach me a simple game like pool. Although the party was probably more fun than dealing with a frustrated pre-teen, Mike took advantage of an opportunity to help someone out and possibly make their day better. And from those little actions, Mike got the biggest satisfaction. Satisfaction that everyone could see from his legendary whole-hearted smile.

Because of that, and many other reasons, Mike is my idol. I aspire to be like Mike and take advantage of every opportunity to turn someone's day around, and hopefully from that I'll develop a whole-hearted smile of my own that will inspire someone else.
 

   Where to begin?  Mike & Kathy as a couple will forever be a part of our hearts and with that comes many wonderful memories.  Of course, how can I forget when Kathy & I lived together as "Swinging' Singles" in Scottsdale and she came home from her nursing job at the hospital telling me all about the "Cute guy who worked in the pharmacy". Well, of course, he was REALLY CUTE and the rest is history.
    Kathy & Mike were with me when I had my first "official date" with Ric on St. Patrick's Day at the Dirty Drummer. The Green Beer was flowing! Since that time the 4 of us had so many fun times together!
      Mike & Ric planned a quick trip to Roosevelt Lake in Mike's new Jeep for a long weekend. (Note NEW JEEP) Well, it turned out to be an extended weekend when they essentially "SUNK" the jeep at the lake. When they didn't come home on Sunday night as expected we got worried, and, since this was before cell phones, we waited and waited until Peter called Kathy to let her know that Mike had called him to tell him they were ok and they would be home the next day.  Well, we thought for sure this was a ploy to get an extra day or two off at the lake but once they got home it was obvious they really had sunk the Jeep.  Kathy marched out to take a look (possibly doubting their story) and when she saw all the water in the dials on the instrument panel, well...Not funny then, funnny later!
     Let us not forget the story of Michael convincing Ric to shave his beard a couple of hours before our wedding...uh yeah...I had never seen Ric without a beard and was quite shocked while walking down the isle to see him clean-shaven howevever, I have to give it to Mike, I really liked Ric without the beard better! And, of course, they went to The Dirty Drummer for a qiuck drink before the wedding. Oh that Michael! So traditional! :)
     And then there were all those Saturday nights in the "Lean Years" when Kath & Mike, Ric and I played cards, mostly Spades & Hearts.  We would get together with beer & snacks and play until the wee hours of the morning. Kathy & I didn't win very often and found out later that the guys had a "secret code" between the two of them in order to win!  Really?
     Mike was like the brother I never had.  A good example of this is when I was pregnant with Casey and I went into labor.  It might not be surprising to hear that Ric was playing softball and didn't not know this was happening. (Again, before cell phones)  Mike & Kathy and Grandma Dorothy took me to the hospital. I think of it as a "trial run" for Mike because Annie came just about a year later so he had a chance to "practice".
     When we lived in San Digeo Kathy, Mike & Annie came to visit us many times.  Of course we spent lots of fun times together at the beach, Sea World, the San Diego Zoo and our back yard pool.  
     I'll never forget when Renee was born and Grandma Dorothy saw her at the hospital when she was just hours old. She told me "Oh my gosh, she looks just like a Mini-Mike"!  
      When Molly & Sam asked Mike to be a Reader at their wedding it meant so much to them, and to all of us. Molly says when she got teary eyed during the ceremony and looked at Mike, who was also teary eyed, she could see him smiling at her and feel his strength and love which was a big help.
      In the last few years, Mike got into "smoking meat" thanks to a few trips to KC and helping with a few BBQ contests as well as helping with Molly & Sam's reception.  True to form, Mike researched the whole meat smoking process, bought a smoker and became "Pro-Meat-Smoker".
      I could go on for ever telling stories about Mike & Kathy. Mike was such a huge asset when he joined our family.  We will never forget how much he helped with our parents and how much we loved having him as a brother-in-law, uncle and son-in-law.  I can speak for all of us that he will be forever missed and never forgotten.  Kathy and Mike had such a special bond, and as I write this with tears in my eyes, I know that Kathy must feel blessed to have had such a wonderful husband and she will miss him always.  We are all better having known and loved Michael.

When we lived in Wisconsin we had a large swimming pool in the back yard.  Mike and I always went swimming and sometimes for hours.  We were the two kids that never got cold or tired and swam all afternoon.  I was about 7 or 8 years old and I was so frustrated because I still couldn't swim.  Mike thought I was old enough and so when I came to him all frustrated he said, "Okay, today I'm going to teach you how to swim."  Needless to say, I was very excited.  I ran in the house got my swimsuit on and met him by the pool.  He was standing there with my life jacket.  The expression on my faced went from excitement to disappointment.  "Why are you holding my life jacket?", I asked.  He told me to put it on because he had an idea.  He told me he read something somewhere and wanted to see if it worked.  I guess you could say I was his guinea pig.  I reluctantly put on the life jacket and stood there.  He said, "Okay, jump in the pool and swim around the perimeter 100 times."  "WHAT!!! One hundred times???", I screamed.  "Yep, one hundred times", he said with a little chuckle.  I wasn't quite sure if this was another one of his pranks or if this was legit, but I went along with it.  He told me to count out loud each time I swam around once to the diving board.  So around I went.  Each time I passed the diving board I counted out loud the number of lap I was on.  By the time I got to 25 I was pretty pooped.  I just remember him laughing and laughing and insisting that this was going to work.  I told him he was crazy and that I never heard of anyone learning how to swim this way.  He told me to keep going.  By the time I reaced 75 I was ready to quit.  He told me I could, but that if I wanted him to teach me how to swim we'd have to start all over again the next time starting back at one.  There was no way I was going through that again so I kept swimming.  Finally, I got to 100 and he told me I could get out of the pool.  We met on the deck and he told me to hand him my life jacket.  So I took it off and handed it to him.  Suddenly, he picked me up and just threw me in the pool.  Not along the edge where I could grab on to it but smack dab in the middle of the deep end!!!!  I swam with all my might to the edge and climbed out.  I ran after him and yelled and screamed at him, "Are you NUTS!  I could have drowned!  You don't just throw someone in the pool!!!"  He just stood there with his arms crossed smiling.  I was shaking all over because of what he'd done and didn't think there was anything to smile about.  "What are you smiling about!" I screamed, "You could have killed me!"  He laughed and said, "Number one, I would never have let you drown.  I was right here the whole time and if I thought you needed help I would have jumped in and saved you.  Second, you just swam to the edge all by yourself!  Don't you get it!  YOU CAN SWIM!!!, IT WORKED!!"  I stopped and thought about it and realized he was right.  So I turned around and jumped into the shallow end and began to swim out into the deep end.  Sure enough, I could swim!  I was so excited I don't think I got out of that pool for hours.  We had many fun years swimming together in that pool.  He was just the greatest!

Mike, Kathy, Annie and Renee,
One of our family mottos, FOREVER, no matter what! keeps you close in our thoughts and in our hearts as it applies to so many things in our daily life, especially as we think of Mike.....

We will remember you FOREVER, no matter what!, Mike
Your inspirations will live on FOREVER, no matter what!, Mike

and from recent talks/visits at the beach where we feel closest to Mike and you girlz....

Keep sharing memories FOREVER, no matter what!, Kathy
Keep your spirit dancing, FOREVER, no matter what!, Annie
Keep your heart singing FOREVER, no matter what!, Renee

and we are now more attentive as Mike continues to send signals/reminders of living selfless, genuine and happy lives .....

May you all find peace in celebrating the milestones that formed you into the beautiful butterflies you've become and where you will fly in the future!

We are greatful of the shared memories that will stay with us FOREVER, no matter what!....

     Dominic - Mike's gentle way of teaching made me feel so good when we drove alone together from his house in Phx to Rocky Pt. He asked if I would drive although I had never been in the driver's seat on trips to RP.  All the way down, he talked about different safety things to watch for like checking the conditions of the vehicle, the road conditions, not driving too close to the car in front, watching my speed and more.  I became a better, safer driver because of Mike.

     Kris - Mike always took time to come over and talk to ask how are things going.  I remember quad rides where there were usually alot of people so kids kind of gathered on there own.  Mike always made time to come over and open the door to conversation by asking how are you doing?  It was fun listening to his stories and it felt good that he was interested in listening to my stories.

     Jayse - Mike enjoyed sharing and seeing other people smile and laugh specifically, I remember him coming over to Miramar beach to share the news that a huge sand dollar patch surfaced right in front of the Bruno's beach house.  We grabbed our buckets, headed right over and sure enough we all shared in the excitement of finding each sand dollar with Mike smiling the whole time.  Another time, we ended up along the other side of the estuary where the fishing boats come in to weigh their catch of the day and they throw out fish and stingray heads.  Mike didn't hesitate to come join us kids where we were laughing at the faces we were making to mimic the expressions on the dried up heads!  Mike was good at promoting smiles and laughter.

     Juli - I remember Mike always acknowledging me when we showed up to their house or they came to ours.  Also, he enjoyed new experiences and I remember him introducing me to a new food experience at Roosevelt Lake where he opened up a can of sardines.  I must have been around 10 years old and he offered me a taste.  Without hesitation, "No thank you", was my response.  His response was, "Are you sure? They are really good!".  I just shook my head but then he started with the yummy tasting noises so I ended up trying them, and loved them!  I may never have tried them, if he hadn't been so persistent or, was it that he was so good at making yummy tasing noises?

     Tim & Christina - We agree that the most memorable times with Mike (& Kathy) are the sunset patio visits on the beaches of Rocky Point.  So much sharing of good stories, laughs, views, sunsets and yes, tequila!  
 
We love you FOREVER, no matter what! Brunos.

I was born into the Bruno family on Nov. 28 1961. I am John, Mike’s youngest brother. As you know sometimes brothers do not get along but we always made up. Mike and I have worked together in the family business City Lights, since the business began in 1983. At first I was only part time because I was a Firefighter.  But shortly after I came to City Lights full time. In 2003 our Dad Peter Bruno passed away, and then it was just Mike and I. It was hard at times but we made it work.

This story was about when I was a Firefighter by where Mike lived. One night we were coming back from a call at 2:00am in the morning and the fire truck got stuck in the mountains. My partner and I were trying to get the truck out and we could not. Believe me we tried everything.   Then all of a sudden, it dawned on me. I told my partner Randy to run as fast as he could to my brother Mike’s house.  He said, he is about a mile away and it would take to long. But I said, “we have no choice”, so he did. About 45 minutes later here comes Mike with his Big Jeep. Mike loved Jeeps and so did we at the time if you know what I mean. Mike said what the hell happened and I said, please just get us out of this ditch, and then he did.

Mike was always just a phone call away and would help anyone if they needed it. As you know getting help from Mike meant he had to tell me what not to do next time I am in the mountains but that is what older brothers do. So I just listened this time because he saved my ass.

Today is my brother’s birthday, April 25th and I would always try to get him something he liked on his birthday.  Like a special tool or buy him Mexican food for lunch, he loved Mexican food. But this year I would love to buy him his life back so he could be with his family again but I know God needs him more. So… Happy Birthday, Big Brother!

I know you and Dad are keeping an eye out for me. I know someday we will all be together. I Miss you very much! You’re Little Brother John

Ps Don’t worry Big Brother, I will watch out for Kathy, Annie and Renee. I will be there for them when ever they need me. Please say, Hi to Dad for me.  Bye for now.

I met Renee my sophomore year of college and it only took about 30 seconds to see what an amazing girl she was and I just had to be friends with her. I only had the privilege to be around Mike a few times, but the exact same thing happened, it only took 30 seconds to realize how wonderful he was. He was such a sweet, passionate, sincere, caring, loving man. At Renee's graduation party, I was meeting some of her friends and family for the first time, but almost immediately, Mike came up to me and my friend Michelle and made us feel so welcomed. He spent the next 45 minutes getting to know us and telling us stories about himself and his fishing trips. As some of you may know, he is a stickler for having coasters under every drink. So I made it my job to then slide a coaster under every single beverage I saw that night, and continue to do so to this day, no matter where I'm at!

Mike had an incredibly big and thoughtful heart. When we were all going our separate ways in Vegas, I had a good 5 hours to fill, and was planning on wheeling my suitcase around the strip and going to see a movie or sitting at the food court. Well, Mike could not stand the fact that I would be alone, so he turned around immediately and insisted that I come with him and the family to where they were staying. And I am so beyond happy that I did. Not only did I get to spend the day/evening with the amazing Bruno family and friends, but I had the most INCREDIBLE meal in the world. Mike, Roy, and Ron were so passionate about their fishing trips and I was sitting there front row, listening to their every word.

Mike, you were an incredible man and your love, laughter, and kindness still affect so many people. I know you are watching over your three beautiful girls every single day. It is undeniable how much you loved and cared for them, they are your everything. They are so strong. Renee, Annie and Kathy, I am so blessed to have you three in my life. I love you all so much.

-Brooke Hauser 

It was late spring 1977. My Brother Mike and I were attending the University of Minnesota. The end of the school year was rapidly approaching and we were both looking for summer jobs. Mike had managed to secure for himself a few interviews for potential job prospects. I on the other hand had not put any great effort into finding work. As time was running out I was becoming a bit more nervous and motivated to find a summer job. I had waited a bit too long and things weren’t looking so good for me. To make matters worse I had recently been involved in a car accident and was unable to get around without crutches. Then out of the blue Mike showed up at my apartment with a proposition. Mike had secured a job interview with the Univ. of Minn. Hospitals. There was a summer-time position open for students and the job paid very well. However, Mike had just been hired for another job. It was at a full service gas station, a dream job for Mike. But that wasn’t why Mike came over to visit. He had a scheme. He still had that job interview for the Hospital position the following day. Now most people would have just forgot about the scheduled interview but not Mike. He wanted me to pretend to be him and go interview for the job. I was reluctant but Mike was persistent as he shot down all my objections to his scheme. Mike being the prankster that he was had his mind set on seeing if we could pull this thing off. As you can probably guess Mike talked me into taking the interview and yes I was hired for the job.

Now as time went on my boss really liked me (Mike) as I (Mike) did a good job. However, she brought to my attention that she was concerned that I had a hearing problem because I didn’t respond to her when she called my name. Go figure.

This memory comes to my mind as this was a situation that could only be brought about by Mike. For him it was typical. He loved pushing into unconventional territory and bending a rule or two when the opportunity presented itself. He also liked to laugh. He thought it was so funny when I would tell him about the predicaments I found myself in when I forgot my new name was Mike.

            A memory I love to share with all my friends is one that my mom told me about when I was in junior high.  She told me of one time when they were kids and there was a German neighbor a few doors down who had told on them for their various shenanigans around the neighborhood.  He wanted his revenge.  So one night he snuck out with 8 of grandma’s potatoes and went to their driveway and stuffed them up the tail pipe till they were oozing out.  The next morning, he was glued to the front window, waiting for them to leave for work.  The little German man goes out and tries to start the engine with no success.  He tries again and again and again.  All the while, Mike is holding in his outburst of laughter with a grin.  The angry man goes in to get his wife and when she comes out, she is trying to turn the key while her husband goes under the hood to see what’s wrong with the engine.  Finally, there is a large “BOOM!!” and potato guts go flying out of the tail pipe and the exhaust system just drops out from the bottom with a bang.  Mike is outside now laughing his head off as he watches the German lady scolding at the top of her lungs at the man in German.  I’ve been told that he was feeling like the king of the world for weeks afterwards.  I loved the story so much I told it to all my friends at school to prove that my uncle had some serious guts when he was young.

                It almost seemed like he was trying to make other “little Mikes” of us cousins.  For a few months of my childhood I was convinced that ice in my milk was a tasty treat or that it was stylish to wear a hat with the brim severely curved.  There was even one time that my mom had dropped something of hers behind a dresser that she couldn’t move, and I was only 8 years old or so and I told her “Just call Uncle Mike.  He’s the strongest guy I know to move that for you”. 

He was definitely an uncle I looked up to with great admiration.  With his strong father-like characteristics and lighthearted, child-like outlook on life has had a large impact on the young man I am today.

“And you always need to add one more for the pot, Casey.” Seriously, every time I make coffee now, whether it be at home, or at Mom and Dad’s, heck, even at work….I always add one more spoonful of coffee to the pot!  You know what, it tastes better! Thank you Uncle Mike for literally keep this memory alive with me every morning!

Uncle Mike taught me how to ski, slalom at that – I think when I was about 12.

I remember piling into the Jeep to go get movies.

Breakfast burritos – man how he packed those bad boys so well; so well I could bring 3 with me while riding on the back of the 4-wheeler in Mexico. Talk about a perfect burrito!

Our dance video at Grandma’s -I remember this like it was yesterday, and I think Tamar was 7, I was 6, MollIy was 4, Annie 3, and Renee 1.  He videotaped us singing and dancing to Madonna. After our dance party, of course an interview, “Now who has a boyfriend?  What do you want from Santa?”

Uncle Mike reading a passage at Molly and Sam’s wedding. I don’t think there was a dry eye in that church. Talk about the perfect man for the job.

The good ol’ trampoline when I was in 6th grade: what came next? A trip with Uncle Mike to the hospital…he carried me into the Emergency Room for a bum ankle.

His advice.

I remember sitting at the kitchen table with our laptops talking about business and that oh so good cup of coffee.

Being such a kind man and driving down to Wichita with his sister-in-law’s mother-in-law. Remember that girls?

All the stories that my mom has told me about Kathy and Mike and Mom and Dad---having a blast together before kids.

Arguing with cousin Tamar, as we always did growing up, and Uncle Mike having Tamar on one knee and me on the other… “Now girls, what are we arguing about…?” I will never forget this!

I could literally go on and on.   He was an exceptional Man, Husband, Father, Uncle, and Friend. He was my Uncle and my Friend and I miss and think of him often.  Love you Uncle MIke.

Of course I have about a zillion memories of the Bruno's from knowing them for the past 21 or so years. Like the time we all went to Roosevelt Lake and Kathy & Marsha were rode the banana boat a little too aggressively and came back to shore with broken ribs and chipped teeth. Or the time I was dropped off before a dance recital by my dad and Kathy came to the rescue to "slap some makeup on me" before the show. 

But my favorite memory/memories of Mike and the ones that will always stick out in my mind are from all the sleepovers that I just couldn't make it through as a kid. With every invite to sleepover at the Bruno's, I told my mom, "oh I'll be fine this time. I'll stay the whole night. I promise!" And without fail, every sleepover, I'd wake up in the middle of the night not feeling well. Every night just before we would fall asleep, Mike would tell me, if I woke up and didn't feel alright, I could come knock on the door to their bedroom and tell him. (I bet after the 2nd sleepover this happened at, he was eating his words!) Every time this would happen, he would come out without hesitation and sit with me until I either fell back asleep, started to feel better, or finally asked if he would take me home (it was always the latter of the 3). He would be with me for what seemed like hours just talking to me and making me laugh. One time, he even gave me alka-seltzer to help my nervous Nelly stomachache. 

He was never upset that this happened every single time. Every single sleep over, he made sure to tell me that it is okay if I need to wake him up to go home even if it was 5 am and the sun was coming up! His patience was unwavering and I'm so grateful for that! He loved being a dad to all of us girls and I'm so lucky that I was able to experience the love, warmth, and compassion he showed! 

Mike, you were an AMAZING person, dad to your family and to all of us. 
We miss you every day! 

These stories are all so amazing! I am so blessed and fortunate to have met such an amazing family, who have changed me forever.

It was in high school when I met Renee. Her and I always joke about how we met, and to this day I am so happy we did! I remember walking through the halls and seeing Renee from across the way and thinking "She seems really cool, I don't even know her, but she seems like a great girl!" As our paths crossed we always made eye contact but never spoke to each other. Until FINALLY one day she asked for my number...as if we were dating haha! From then on, my life was changed! :) Once I met her family I was even more blown away but how loving, warm spirited, and hilarious they all were. I deeply admired the relationships between each other, and especially the LOVE that was shared. You don't find that too often these days. 

As strange as this may seem, the day of our accident I felt so safe. I was saved, by Mike. I wouldn't be here with out him. That day in the truck will forever amaze, sadden, shake, me in all directions good and bad. However, I believe I was in there for a reason. I was there for my friend in her worst hours of existance, and I wouldn't take it back! We have all been handed the challenge to  move forward from that day, but I gotta say the Bruno girls are strong just like Mike ;) and you all have been doing such a kick butt job! I don't know many people who have pulled through this gracefully. 

Mike and Kathy, you are a true example of how people should live there lives. How love is supposed be shared between two people. How to pass on that love to two of the most beautiful angels I know, Renee and Annie. My heart cries for the loss, but beats for the passion and admiration I have for the Bruno's. 

I love you all so much. You all are apart of me.

-Desiree

 

I have been lucky enough to be a part of the Bruno's extended family through my best friend, Annie for the past dozen years. I have so many memories of Mike, but one definitely sticks out in my mind.

A few years ago, I went to the Mexico casa with Annie, Kath, and Mike for a lovely beach weekend. The first night there, we took some pictures on the beach with the rising moon and started to dig in to some margaritas. As we were stiting on the patio, we noticed that our next door neighbors were having a little fiesta on their patio. Being the neighborly type, Mike wanted to go over and say hello and toast to the weekend with them. Annie and I stuck on our patio, and started playing a card game by ourselves like old ladies.

About an hour later, her parents still hadn't made their way back to the house, so we decided to go check on them. When we arrived, we were instantly greeted by a warm liquer shot and a table of absolutely smashed adults. Mike chided us for not gulping down the disgusting shot that obviously had already done them all in. When we refused, he said he'd get us something better in the kitchen.

From our view on the patio, we could see through the windows into the kitchen. What we saw was Mike and our neighbor/stranger, dancing together and lifting eachother off the ground and swinging each other in embrace. As Annie face-palmed, all I can remember thinking was, 'Wow, this man truly enjoys life and everyone that surrounds him in it.' He genuinely loved life, and made the best of every moment, and that is something that I will take with me forever. His young spirit and passion for life resonated in everything that he did.

We miss and love you, Mitch!

Mike worked in a drug store in Zion, Illionis while he was in high school not far from where we lived.  One day a woman came in and she was wandering around the store.  Mike watched her for a while and realized she was looking for something but was having trouble.  He approached her and said, "Can I help you find something?"  She said in a low voice as if embarassed, "Oh yes, can you please tell me where the Tampax is?"  He said, "Oh yes, follow me."  As they were walking he turned to her and asked, "Do you want the kind you drive in with a hammer, or the kind you shove in with your thumb?"  She stopped, gasped and said, "WHAT!"  He thought her reaction was odd and then said, "What are you going to use them for?"  She said, "What else do you use Tampax for?"  He was so embarassed, he thought she said thumb tacks!

 

I had just gotten my driver's permit and was really excited and so was my brother, Mike.  The day I brought it home he said, "So, you got your driver's permit, hugh.  Well, everyone should learn how to drive a stick shift before anything else."  I said, "No, I don't think so.  I can't drive one of those cars."  He said, "Sure you can!  Let's go."  I didn't think he was serious but he was.  He told me to get my permit so I did and waited for him outside by his car.  When he came outside I was standing on the passenger side and he chuckled and said, "What are you doing over there?"  I said, "What do you mean, 'what are you doing over there'?  You don't expect me to drive do you?"  "Well how else are you going to learn?", he laughed.  I told him I thought he was going to drive and give me my first lesson by showing me how to do it himself, then we would go to a parking lot where most kids learned to drive.  He laughed and laughed, "That's not how you learn to drive.  You have get out on the street where everyone else drives.  Who drives in a parking lot!  What would you learn by doing that?"  He told me to get in the driver's seat but I was very reluctant and scared.  He assured me he'd be right there every step of the way helping me and we wouldn't go on the busy roads at first.  So, I got in the driver's seat and my lesson began.  It was rough at first.  Funny thing is I got better and then I would get worse.  He couldn't understand this at all.  He said he had never seen anything like it.  How could you know what to do one minute and then forget everything the next.  He was completely dumbfounded.  He sat in the passenger seat shaking his head in disbelief.  After about 1/2 an hour I was finally getting the hang of it, or so we thought.  He said, "Let's go home now, you've had enough and we can go out again tomorrow."  We proceeded towards home and he wanted to be sure I parked the car in the driveway.  I told him it was no problem and drove slowly down the street towards home.  As I approached our house my mind went blank.  I turned into the driveway and forgot what I was suppose to do.  He started screaming, "The clutch, the clutch. . . . STOP!!"  It all happened so fast.  His poor little car smashed right into the garage door.  That little car jumped up in the air and flew backwards.  When we came to a stop I looked over at him and he yelled, "What the hell happened?"  I said, "I TOLD YOU I COULDN'T DO THIS!  YOU WOULDN'T LISTEN!!!!!"  Then my dad came barreling out of the house and onto the driveway.  His face was beet red and I swear it looked as if he had steam coming out of his ears.  His hands were clenched in fists.  "HOLY SHIT, WHAT THE HELL DID YOU DO!?!"  I could hear Mike laughing so I turned to him and yelled, "What's so funny!!?!!"  As he sat there with one hand on his chest, eyebrows raised smiling from ear to ear he said, "I've done a lot of crazy things in my life that have made dad really mad, but I've never seen him that angry, ever!!!"

We never went driving in his car for lessons again.

When Mike moved to Arizona from Minnesota I noticed he went running almost every day.  I was about 15 years old and he wanted me to go running with him one afternoon.  I told him, "I don't do running."  He smiled at me and said, "Sure you do."  I knew he wouldn't take no for an answer so I got on some sneekers, shorts, a t-shirt and a hoody and met him out front of our house in The Lakes.  I said, "Okay, let's go!" and started running.  He yelled out, "No stop!  Rule #1 of running.  You need to properly stretch."  He proceeded to show me all the basic running stretches with a detailed explanation of each stretch and why they were important.  He went into great length explaining to me how the strech he was showing me aided which part of each muscle and why it was so important to that part of the body while running.  I was 15 and I could have cared less.  I just wanted to get this over with.  After about 15 minutes of stretching our legs, shoulders, shins, ankles, neck, arms and just about every other part of our body I said, "Okay, enough, can we get started!"  He laughed and said, "Yep, let's go."  I started out running and began to get ahead of him.  I heard him yell out from behind me, "Hey, slow down."  I slowed down and he caught up to me.  "Rule #2 of running.  Start out slow."  He proceeded to explain to me how it's important to pace yourself so the lungs have time to build up the necessary breathing rhythms and how the air should flow in and out, in and out, so as not to cause cramping or sharp pain in the sides.  I rolled my eyes and said, "Okay, fine.  How far are we going anyway."  He said, "Around the entire neighborhood."  I said, "WHAT!! I can't run that far!"  He just laughed and said, "Sure you can."  After a while, I began to have a hard time breathing and told him I couldn't go any further because my side really hurt.  He said, "Does it feel like a knife in your side?"  I said, "Yes!"  Then he said, "Rule #3 of running.  you  have to make sure you aren't taking short shallow breaths when you run.  Really push that air out and then breathe more air deep into your lungs.  If you do this the sharp pain will stop and you'll be fine."  So I did and it worked.  I was really getting tired and starting to slouch.  He looked over at me and said, "Rule #4 of running.  You must maintain the proper running posture or your legs and back will begin to ache."  I said, "I'm way past that, I have to stop."  "Rule #5 of running.  You never stop," he said.  "If you stop suddenly, your legs will begin to get stiff and heavy and it'll be too difficult to start running again.  Just keep going."  I didn't care.  I started to slow down to stop and he grabbed my hoody and pulled me along so I wouldn't be able to stop.  "Don't stop! Keep going!", he yelled.  I said, "I have to stop I'm going to faint!"  "Rule #6 of running.  Always keep your head up when you are running so you don't get dizzy.", he said.  Barely able to speak I said, "It doesn't have anything to do with my head.  It's my lungs. I CAN'T BREATHE!!"  He then said, "Remember Rule #3?"  I snapped at him and screamed, "NO, I DON'T REMEMBER RULE #3 AND I HATE RUNNING, THERE'S TOO MANY RULES!!"  All I could hear was his laughs.  We were finally back on our street and I was so excited the end was almost near.  Thinking I could now finally slow down I felt him grab my hoody again and say, "C'mon let's go.  Now you want to run to the finish line as fast as you can."  I couldn't speak and just wanted to get this run over with so I ran as fast as I could to our front yard.  I collapsed on the lawn gasping for air like a fish out of water.  I wasn't there long when I felt my hoody being tugged again!  "No!", he said, "Rule #7.  Never stop cold turkey!  You need to walk around and let your breathing become regular.  Keep moving your legs and keep all the blood flowing.  Swing those arms, c'mon don't stop." Finally after walking around for about 10 minutes he finally let me stop.  He smiled and said, "Now, don't you feel great?"  I gave him a glaring stare, still not feeling well and shook my head no.  We walked up to the front door to go in the house and then he stopped and turned around to say something.  Suddenly, out it came.  I couldn't hold it in.  I threw up all over his running shoes.  I was bent over and was scared to death to lift my head.  I didn't know what he was going to do.  I knew he'd be furious with me for throwing up all over his legs and shoes.  Then I heard him ask, "Did you eat anything before we left?"  I looked up at him and shook my head yes.  He smiled and said, "Rule #8 of running.  Never eat anything before you go running."

I was only 15 then and now I'm 48.  I have been running ever since and even ran in a half marathon.  When I was in my early 30s, he asked me if I was still running and I told him I was but that I was beginning to get a little scared to go running alone.  He told me I should just get a treadmill and so I did.  He was really proud that I continued running.  If it hadn't been for him taking me along with him that day, I probably would never have started running.  In answer to his question, does it feel great?  Yeah, it does and sometimes when I'm on my treadmill in the morning and I'm gasping for air because I'm running as fast as I can at the end of my run, I feel his presence cheering me on saying, "Go, Go don't stop!"

To begin this is a special story for Kathy. This true encounter of where, when, and how Michael met Kathy is strictly from my perspective and perception. 

Kathy it does seem like yesterday that I met you. As you know I was one of the lead 7-3 am nurses on the medical unit at Tempe St. Luke’s Hospital and you were one of the nurses on the same unit for the 3-11 shift.  I remember you, as one of the young single nurses in the medical report room at the change of shifts. I didn’t know you personally and I certainly didn’t realize that our lives would interconnect as it has.

When Mike was a high school student he applied for a part time job in Zion Illinois approximately 6 miles from our home in Pleasant Prairie Wisconsin. Mike was not aware that the job was for a Pharmacy Tech in this local Drug Store. When he went for the interview the Pharmacist told him that he would need to take a test and if he qualified he would train him for the position. Mike passed the test and worked as a Pharmacy Tech for two years before he graduated from High School in 1975.
 
In November 1978 Mike transferred from the University of Minnesota to The University of Arizona. He needed a part time job and it so happened that Tempe St. Luke’s had an opening for a Pharmacy Tech. Naturally I thought of Michael since he had the experience. He definitely was interested, made an appointment to interview with the Pharmacist in charge and was hired on the spot.  He really enjoyed this job because he wasn’t confined. He was able to move around to the different departments in the hospital and engage in conversation with the employees. Those employees that came in contact with him throughout this small hospital fell in love with him. Mike was a personable guy, with an outgoing personality and it was obvious he enjoyed talking to people.

It wasn’t long before Mike realized quickly that this job also enabled him to connect with the pretty young nurses that usually worked the evening shift. One of his pharmacy tasks was to replenish the IV supply carts daily. I think he figured out that this task could be accomplished between the day and evening shift change and it would not interfere with his schedule since his hours were between 8 and 4: 30 pm. When the evening nurses found out Mike was my son they began treating me differently!!! What they didn’t realize, I didn’t have the type of influence with Mike that they may have thought. Mike was now 21 years old, a time in his life that his privacy was important to himself.  He made it his business to being subtle and discreet around his Mom.

Mike had a plan,  a inconspicuous way of getting the attention of the young single nurses. His flirtatious style was unique. He had a mischievous sparkle in his eye and a beautiful smile that was captivating. The day nurses could predict the time Mike was due to show up on the medical unit to supply the carts. He would arrive at the change of the shift and the young nurses would gather around the nurses station, waiting and watching for him to come walking down the hallway.  When he arrived he was careful not to draw to much attention to himself, nevertheless taking his time stocking the cart while checking out the nurses and vise versa.  When he finally had their attention there was conversation, bantering back and forth, joking, laughter and teasing. It didn’t take him long to make friends with the girls and having a great time enjoying all the attention. 

I witnessed Mike’s strategy a few times but he soon began to arrive on the unit later hoping that I would be off duty by that time. He certainly didn’t want his Mom around!!! I don’t blame him. 

All along I think he had his eye on you and when I heard through the grapevine he was dating Kathy Fletcher I wasn’t surprised. I realized he was dating you exclusively, consequently trying many times to pin him down about his relationship with you. He would give me that cute devilish look like he often did when he didn’t like me prying. He told me “Mom when the time comes that I am serious  about Kathy you and Dad will be the first to know.” I said “OK” and I never asked him again.

Peter and I didn’t know when a marriage would take place but we did know that you were spending most of your free time together and it would happen when it was right for both of you. Needless to say Kathy, Peter and I had grown to love you like our own and we looked forward for you to become part of our family.

Many years have passed and I have many stories to tell but this month is a special month for you and I wanted to share the coming together of a special couple at so many years ago. Mike and you clearly had a very happy marriage, together giving life to two beautiful daughters and granddaughters that I love so much.

 I love you. Mom Bruno

Some of my favorite times I spent with Mike was when I got to sleep over at  Uncle Pete and Aunt Nina's house.  On Saturday morning Mike and I got up real early and walked over to the hobby shop to watch the HO car races.  We had some nice conversations on our walk too. 
We didn't see much of each other as we got older, but when I did it was like no time had passed.  He would always make me laugh and make us all feel welcome and special.  I could see how much he loved his family and was so proud of his 3 girls!
He always had a twinkle in his eyes. 
I remember meeting you, Kathy, for the first time soon after you two just met and could tell right away this was something special!

The first time that I can remember being out of the country was when I went to Uncle Mike’s beach house in Mexico. I was young and very excited, but also apprehensive. However, Uncle Mike (who hardly knew any Spanish at the time) seemed right at home. Seeing him so relaxed help me to feel much more at ease. And every tip I made to Mexico, Uncle Mike pushed me out of my comfort zone just a little bit more.

                I remember him taking all of us cousins down to the shore in the middle of the night. I was horrified when we were halfway to the water and he took our flashlights away and made us turn them off. I remember him telling us, “The beach is exactly the same now as it is during the day. You’re the one that’s different because now you’re scared. And you’re only scared because you can’t see exactly what’s out there. But that’s what makes it so much fun.” I still thought he was crazy. It was so dark that I couldn’t even see my hand right in front of my face! But despite our protests, he made us walk all the way until we reached the water. I can still remember seeing nothing but hearing and feeling the cold ocean waves and knowing that we were safe because Uncle Mike was with us. The next day, when I recalled how scared I had been, I realized that it was one of the most exciting things that I had ever done in my life. I was so glad that I hadn’t chickened out.

                Another time, I remember talking with him on the back porch of his beach house while he was eating canned clams. I still remember our conversation like it was yesterday:

“How can you eat those? They’re so gross!”

“Have you ever had one before?”

“Of course not! They’re disgusting!”

“How could you say that if you’ve never had one?”

“Because they look disgusting and they smell disgusting!”

“If you don’t eat at least one then you’ll never really know if you like them or not your whole life.”

“I don’t care. I’m not gonna try one and you can’t make me!”

“Don’t be a scaredy cat. What’s the worst that could happen? If you don’t like them, you can say I told you so.”

“I’m never gonna try one!”

“If you don’t try one than I won’t be your friend anymore. I’ll never talk to you ever again!”

“Ok, fine. I’ll taste one.”

I still remember how slimy and rubbery it was. I gulped down a whole bottle of water and then wasted no time in saying “I told you so!” as many times as I could. But he said that he was proud of me for trying it and (although I didn’t admit it to him) I was glad that I tried one too.

                Now, I love trying new things. From tasting new food, to going on a scary roller coaster, to traveling new places, I know that it’s the unknown being discovered and the risks being taken that make it so much fun .Today there is nowhere that I would be too scared to go and nothing that I would be too scared to do and I believe that it is a lot because of Uncle Mike. Even though he is physically gone from us now, I know that he still loves you, Aunt Kathy, and will be with you on your anniversary. I hope I never forget the most important lesson he taught me: live life to the fullest! And I hope that his fun spirit of adventure will live on in all of us forever.

Our daddy is our hero.

From our earliest memories, we recall his overwhelming, and unconditional love. He lived to provide for his three girls, and every single day we felt that we were truly the center of his universe. The close connection we share is something we will treasure, and carry on with us forever. Our father was an integral component in shaping us into who we are today. However, he not only found quality time for his family, but made an effort to touch other lives around him as well. He had a great sense of humor, and loved to make people laugh. His silly faces, and sweet singing voice never failed to lighten the mood. Whether he was giving a big hug, a bright smile, casting a wave, lending a hand, listening, teaching, or volunteering his time, he always found authentic joy in doing so. Our father never expected anything in return, simply giving his time to others was what gave him true happiness. He was genuinely selfless in his thoughts and actions.

We are sure that most everyone who knew him, experienced his sense of warmth, and kindness if not once, but on many occasions. Whether you were a family member, a friend, a neighbor, a business acquaintance, or a stranger, he treated everyone with the utmost respect and dignity. He had a way of relating to anyone and everyone on their level, and sincerely enjoyed getting to know them as an individual. If you were engaged in conversation with him, you had his undivided attention. He was a very simple man, never placing value on material things, rather on the love and happiness that he derived from the genuine relationships he treasured so deeply. 

He consistently set the bar high for himself, and provided an incredible example for us as his daughters. As he was a true gentleman, protector, and role model, he left a foot print on our hearts that we will honor and cherish forever. It is important to us, that he never be forgotten. Using his inspiration and values to guide us, it is our duty to carry on his legacy by living life as he did. We have an immeasurable amount of pride to have him as our father. He truly lived life by the “golden rule”, “do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” He believed in it, and practiced it every single day. Now it is our turn to practice what we have learned by his example. We know he is with us, and is watching over us everyday. His death will not be forgotten, but rather an inspiration to live as he did. We are certain that we will make him proud, and keep his spirit and memory alive. Daddy, even though our time was cut short, you provided us with a lifetime’s worth of love and you will live on in us forever. We love you with all of our heart. 

-Annie & Renee