Mike had cancer, and passed away on October 16, 2006. Sherry and I only spent a little time with him, but even in his suffering he was a fun, likeable guy. Sherry loved him from the first time she met him.
Mike wanted to have his memorial service in Gene & Darryll's home, and I was privileged to attend. I knew Mike was big in radio, but I didn't know just what kind of an impact and influence he had. The service was attended by local radio personalities such as Tom Parker and Craig Walker. The room was filled with the rich deep voices of on-air personalities. A polycom was set up, and callers dialed in from Los Angeles, Hollywood, San Francisco and Seattle where Mike had made his mark. Pictures from his life had been put up on a wall, one was with Mike and Little Richard.
I felt a little bit out of place, kind of an outsider in the tightly knit group. The room was filled with industry lingo - like "air check" - apparently a critique of a jock's (for disk jockey) show, and "PD" for program director. The group recounted wonderful memories and anecdotes from a humble man who had risen through the ranks to become the vice president of NBC's FM radio programs. But Mike had invested much of his considerable talent to helping other people advance in their careers, it was never about him.
One of the funny anecdotes was how he had created a bowling game, where callers would dial in and guess how many of the pins had been dropped. Mike, the station manager and a sound technician went to a bowling alley and began to bowl. Mike told the sound tech that for the best effect, he would have to chase the ball down the alley whilst holding a microphone close the ball, skidding to a stop just before the ball crashed into the pins. Then, Mike said the tech would have to chase the ball for each combination of the ten pins dropping, for example a 3-pin drop, a 4-pin drop etc. He really didn't have to do that, Mike was just having fun watching the poor guy running up and down the alley!
Another time Mike printed off coupons for a restaurant, went in and gave every person dining a coupon for their meals. He was truly a funny guy who loved life, family and friends. Mike also was a Christian, and although he never engaged in 'Bible thumping" his faith was evident and clear to his friends.
If you would like, you can read about him here and here. You'll be glad you heard about a giant who was gentle, a man who left a mark on radio but more importantly left a mark on many people's hearts. I know you are with God and the angels now Mike, and I'm glad to have met you.
