Guffalo Posted March 16, 2006 Share Posted March 16, 2006 Yesterday in the middle of all the normal day to day crap, I'm standing in the aisle at the grocery store picking out God-knows-what for dinner. My phone rings and my wife is hysterical, she is telling me that Mike died. I just knew she was wrong, Mike and I had just done one of his side jobs this weekend, so it couldn't be Mike. Apparently he had been sitting in his easy chair, feet up on the ottoman, watching Fox News (can you say ultra conservative), just as his wife had left him when she went to work. Whatever happened, it was quick, he was found by his son Matt around 1 PM sitting in the same position, not even a hair out of place. I waved my son over (who is best freinds with Mike's son) and told him to drop the groceries, we have to get going. Walking into the house was like walking into a movie. The older son, who is freinds with my older son, was still at college, finishing up papers in nano tech something or other, it's his thesis and the Mom didnt want to distract him. The younger son who had found him was stunned and secluded in his room. The aunts waved him to go see Matt. I sought out Mary who had been in the kitchen, she was alternating between crushed and pissed off. He had been a Jet/Giants fan for years and always loved busting my balls because I lived and died by the Bills. He liked to T-bone between his teams to ensure a pleasant day of Sunday football. Whichever team won, that was his team. Most of you met him last year at the Opener, he had driven up with me last minute and watched his first NFL game live. He had also been sold on the whole WNY experience, wings, Ballet, the Pinto and cheap beer. From that day on, he became a Bills fan. The following week, he came into the Sunday war room here on Long Island and was wearing a white hard hat (thanks Bob) painted with the Old Style and new style logo. His cheeks were painted red and blue and he proudly wore his Bills tailgate T-shirt with the stupid pom-poms sticking out of the back collar. He came back up for the Kansas City Game and helped me with my chili and sahlens. He was sold on the Bills experience, partly because of the people he met up there (it certainly wasn't the bills play) I lost a very good freind yesterday, and we all lost a great Bills fan. Thanks Mike Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mead107 Posted March 16, 2006 Share Posted March 16, 2006 sorry to here that .... how old was he ? you never know , so sad . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AiO Posted March 16, 2006 Share Posted March 16, 2006 I'm so sorry for your loss, Guff. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BarkLessWagMore Posted March 16, 2006 Share Posted March 16, 2006 Sorry about your loss. Great story about his conversion to the good guys. May he rest in peace and may his family find comfort in the memories they shared together. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
30dive Posted March 16, 2006 Share Posted March 16, 2006 I'll have a good thought for Mike, his and you Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guffalo Posted March 16, 2006 Author Share Posted March 16, 2006 sorry to here that .... how old was he ? you never know , so sad . 631671[/snapback] He had just turned 50 this October, his January health checkup showed he was in excellent health. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mead107 Posted March 16, 2006 Share Posted March 16, 2006 live every day as if it was your last . makes you stop and think . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
buffaloboyinATL Posted March 16, 2006 Share Posted March 16, 2006 wow, that is depressing but thank you for the wonderful description of him. I am sure he will be missed. God bless your family and his. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fezmid Posted March 16, 2006 Share Posted March 16, 2006 Most of you met him last year at the Opener, he had driven up with me last minute and watched his first NFL game live. He had also been sold on the whole WNY experience, wings, Ballet, the Pinto and cheap beer. From that day on, he became a Bills fan. So you're saying becoming a Bills fan killed him....? My condolences - as mead said, Carpe Diem. CW Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thailog80 Posted March 16, 2006 Share Posted March 16, 2006 Tragic story. Sorry for the loss of your friend. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Senator Posted March 16, 2006 Share Posted March 16, 2006 That is so sad - sounds like a great guy, and 50 is still quite young. I feel for you, and for Mike's wife and sons. Those of us in the over-40 set realize that we're 'on the back nine of life' - or have at least 'made the turn' - but you never think you're on the 18th fairway. Sorry about your friend. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Johnny Coli Posted March 16, 2006 Share Posted March 16, 2006 Losing a freind out of nowhere is a tough loss, indeed Guff. He sounds like a great guy, and I will hoist one in his honor tonight. Sorry for the loss of your freind, and that family's husband/dad. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nick in RaChaCha Posted March 16, 2006 Share Posted March 16, 2006 Sorry to hear that. Prayers to the family Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
theesir Posted March 16, 2006 Share Posted March 16, 2006 ... Thoughts are with you Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Like A Mofo Posted March 16, 2006 Share Posted March 16, 2006 Guffalo, so sorry to hear of your loss...thoughts and prayers on the way Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Realist Posted March 16, 2006 Share Posted March 16, 2006 Very sorry to hear that Guff. My prayers go out to you and the family. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bartshan-83 Posted March 16, 2006 Share Posted March 16, 2006 My condolences Guff....thanks for sharing the story. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stuckincincy Posted March 16, 2006 Share Posted March 16, 2006 May God bless.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IDBillzFan Posted March 16, 2006 Share Posted March 16, 2006 Crap. I'll hoist one for him as well tonight. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aussiew Posted March 16, 2006 Share Posted March 16, 2006 I'm so sorry Guff. I'm sure Mike is loving your story.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Just Jack Posted March 16, 2006 Share Posted March 16, 2006 Sorry for your loss Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rockpile Posted March 16, 2006 Share Posted March 16, 2006 I am very sorry, Guff. It is never easy to accept when someone you loves dies, but to be so young, so sudden, so unexpected, it is shocking too, as you said. I have been there so I know some of what you are going through. My best to you, your family, and your friend's family as you all deal with this. Try to remember the good times; it sounds like there were many. Love to you all, Bro. Rock Rule #1: Life is not fair Rule #2: See rule number one Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guffalo Posted March 16, 2006 Author Share Posted March 16, 2006 I'm so sorry Guff. I'm sure Mike is loving your story.... 631887[/snapback] Funny thing is, he was absolutely internet-phobic. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nick in* england Posted March 16, 2006 Share Posted March 16, 2006 Guff - I'll drink a pint for Mike tonight. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Puhonix Posted March 16, 2006 Share Posted March 16, 2006 May he RIP. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guffalo Posted March 16, 2006 Author Share Posted March 16, 2006 May he RIP. 632003[/snapback] I just spoke with my wife, the wife packed his Bills Tailgate t-shirt in with the clothes he will be buried in...I am now a complete mess Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lori Posted March 16, 2006 Share Posted March 16, 2006 Ah man, Guff. I remember talking to him when you brought him back up for the Chiefs game... That bites. Hard. Thoughts to his family, and to you and yours. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Just Jack Posted March 16, 2006 Share Posted March 16, 2006 I just spoke with my wife, the wife packed his Bills Tailgate t-shirt in with the clothes he will be buried in...I am now a complete mess 632011[/snapback] When is calling hours/funeral? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beerball Posted March 16, 2006 Share Posted March 16, 2006 Condolences to you and the family Guff Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pine Barrens Mafia Posted March 16, 2006 Share Posted March 16, 2006 hey Guff, please send my condolences to Mike's family. He seemed like a good guy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cåblelady Posted March 16, 2006 Share Posted March 16, 2006 He came back up for the Kansas City Game and helped me with my chili and sahlens. He was sold on the Bills experience, partly because of the people he met up there (it certainly wasn't the bills play) I lost a very good freind yesterday, and we all lost a great Bills fan. Thanks Mike 631663[/snapback] Noooooooooooooo. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EC-Bills Posted March 16, 2006 Share Posted March 16, 2006 Sorry for your loss. Hang in there. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dean Posted March 17, 2006 Share Posted March 17, 2006 That sucks. You have my sympathy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ans4e64 Posted March 17, 2006 Share Posted March 17, 2006 hey Guff, dont know much about you or him, but i wish you the best. My condolences to your family and his. I lost a great friend once, i kept thinking that he wouldnt want me to be upset, even though thats a given, sometimes it made me feel better. Im trying to think of something funny to get a chuckle out of you but i cant think of anything, other than i hope he can bring some magic to the bills this season from up above. good luck. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rastabillz Posted March 17, 2006 Share Posted March 17, 2006 Guff, condolences to you and your friends family. Mike sounded like a great friend and a lot of fun. Sorry to hear of the loss of a fellow Bills Fan. RIP. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BILLS4LIFE Posted March 17, 2006 Share Posted March 17, 2006 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tcali Posted March 17, 2006 Share Posted March 17, 2006 Yesterday in the middle of all the normal day to day crap, I'm standing in the aisle at the grocery store picking out God-knows-what for dinner. My phone rings and my wife is hysterical, she is telling me that Mike died. I just knew she was wrong, Mike and I had just done one of his side jobs this weekend, so it couldn't be Mike. Apparently he had been sitting in his easy chair, feet up on the ottoman, watching Fox News (can you say ultra conservative), just as his wife had left him when she went to work. Whatever happened, it was quick, he was found by his son Matt around 1 PM sitting in the same position, not even a hair out of place. I waved my son over (who is best freinds with Mike's son) and told him to drop the groceries, we have to get going. Walking into the house was like walking into a movie. The older son, who is freinds with my older son, was still at college, finishing up papers in nano tech something or other, it's his thesis and the Mom didnt want to distract him. The younger son who had found him was stunned and secluded in his room. The aunts waved him to go see Matt. I sought out Mary who had been in the kitchen, she was alternating between crushed and pissed off. He had been a Jet/Giants fan for years and always loved busting my balls because I lived and died by the Bills. He liked to T-bone between his teams to ensure a pleasant day of Sunday football. Whichever team won, that was his team. Most of you met him last year at the Opener, he had driven up with me last minute and watched his first NFL game live. He had also been sold on the whole WNY experience, wings, Ballet, the Pinto and cheap beer. From that day on, he became a Bills fan. The following week, he came into the Sunday war room here on Long Island and was wearing a white hard hat (thanks Bob) painted with the Old Style and new style logo. His cheeks were painted red and blue and he proudly wore his Bills tailgate T-shirt with the stupid pom-poms sticking out of the back collar. He came back up for the Kansas City Game and helped me with my chili and sahlens. He was sold on the Bills experience, partly because of the people he met up there (it certainly wasn't the bills play) I lost a very good freind yesterday, and we all lost a great Bills fan. Thanks Mike 631663[/snapback] Dear Guff; Dont know you but would like to!!-You gave a great memorial to your friend.I am positive that he is smiling in heaven..but wanting his familys pain and his friends' pain relieved..-but only God can do that. Prayers to your friend's family especially.It must be tough for the son . Tcali Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RkFast Posted March 17, 2006 Share Posted March 17, 2006 I apologize for parachuting into this thread, but I knew Mike, too and I want to add my two cents. Mike was a man's man. A good man. A good father. A good husband. A good friend. My forever lasting memory of Mike will be his bulletproof ability to spread happiness to a room or to a situation. Not that he was a cunning jokester or had some uncanny talent. It was a firm handshake, smile and a loud "How ya doing, Rich?" when you walked into the room. It was his "anytime, anywhere, anything" vibe he gave off if you needed a hand with something. It was his "no worries" approach to life. His attitude just became more and more infectious as I spent more time with him. He was the type of person that if you werent feeling so good, if you felt a little 'off', or just wanted some good company or conversation (or if you didnt agree with his politics, debate), he'd be the first person you look for. Right now he's in a better place. And its a better place because he is there. Godspeed, Mike. Youre in our hearts. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guffalo Posted March 18, 2006 Author Share Posted March 18, 2006 We are leaving now for the services, thanks for all your thoughts and prayers. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frez Posted March 18, 2006 Share Posted March 18, 2006 Thoughts and prayers are with you Guffalo. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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