Born: 6/12/1944. Died: 12/10/1966. Viet Nam. Killed from friendly fire, along with a number of other Marines in his platoon. Panel 13 east, line 26. He was three weeks older than me.
Michael was a superb guitar player, and always ready to show me something. I first met him in Pocatello, Idaho, when he was working at Ford Music, and I was a neophyte rock bassist in a garage band. He always had a huge smile. Full of life. I met his brother Terry through him. Terry also was a wonderful guitar player. I remember the day Terry was told, via phone, that Michael was killed. It was in The Green Triangle restaurant in Pocatello. Terry fell to his knees. Me, I was too young and brain dead to fully understand the loss. Only in my later years have I come to realize how much I gained from Michael and how much I miss him and how much I always am thinking of him.
I don't know how his family would feel about my posting this. I doubt they would appreciate it. Being such a screaming liberal as I am, and they being very Christian and conservative,I will only say that if they are offended, I am okay with that. Michael is and always will be such a heartfelt touchstone for me. I will never forget him. Just as I will never forget all those beings who have shared their lives with me. Some human, most not. It doesn't matter. All of them live in my heart and will always live in my heart. I am blessed to have known Michael. Blessed to have known them all. Michael, I miss you and I will always remember. Candles and cedar are burning tonight for you and yours.
Add: in all this bull---t turmoil re Palin et al, let us please remember those who truly warrant honoring for their sacrifices.