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There was a whole chunk of Mike's Military life that none of us really know much about. We just found out that he had been awarded the Bronze Star and 3 Purple Hearts. Of course, we have NO DETAILS about
his medals because Mike never mentioned it. We did find a poem that was given to
him by some troops on Black Virgin Mountain. At that time he was stationed at Cu
Chi and would fly supplies up to these soldiers. I do remember Mike talking
about that mountain and how dangerous the wind & clouds made the flying, not
to mention the bullets. The few times that Mike talked about Nam, it would be to
relate something funny that had happened. I've put the poem up if you'd like to
read it. We're trying to find out more and if you can help shed any light on his Army Life, we'd
love to hear from you. I'll list some details on another page.
Muleskinner Poem
( Click Here )
Photo of Mike w/ Vietnamese Children
( Click Here )
Army details
(Click Here)
Captain Mike and I became fast friends through our mutual love for amateur radio. Even though he was a relatively newcomer, he was no 'lid'! He welcomed the opportunity to have a QSO with any and all who would 'throw out' their call sign. He had a gift of warming up the conversation. All involved would just open up to him. Back in October (12th of '05) I in a position to host an annual meeting. "What better spot than the Belle" I thought. No conflicts . . . the deal was made! I asked about 'up front' or earnest money. Cap't Mike said, "Well normally I do require a deposit in advance. But since it's you, just bring a check with you when you come". (Just when I thought those days were gone forever too. You've simply got to love him! On our ride upstream, I asked him about his radio for two meters. He told me the Coast Guard had completed their inspection the day before and he had to 'stow' his ham equipment for the time they were aboard. His diligence and attention to detail had yielded him his second straight year in a row without a single deficiency. That is GREAT! All I wanted to do was to raise N1WB - Wiley Bond so that he could blow the whistle while I was on the radio with Wiley. It wasn't meant to be. I am compelled to remark as to the day we paid our last respects to Cap't Mike alongside The Belle. When you approach 70 you've attended a few services. Few if any have touched me more than his. The minister know him well too. I cherish his friendship even more now than before. I miss him every day.
With deep admiration and respect, NU4A - Dan
I am going to try to tell my story just how Mike would try telling one. He would come up to me, usually with a great big smile, followed by a sideways kinda grin, slight smirk, and maybe a wink, and say, "Colin, let me tell ya about what happened yesterday, long story short!" (Ya, right Mike) I always knew I was in for a good one! Anyway, when I first met Mike and Nikki at the Vineyard Airport, I was working as station manager for the "big, bad, serious airline on the block" at the time (Continental Airlines). Little did I know back then that soon our work paths would cross and we would be working together at Cape Air. I always admired watching Mike, Nikki and the whole operation at Edgartown Air! They were truly a "mom and pop" type of airline, treating everyone like family. I thought, wow, wouldn't it be great if all airlines ran like that! Passengers would not be stressed out. Airline employees wouldn't be nasty. Driving to an airport would be a pleasant experience, not an anxiety attack waiting to happen. A couple years go by, Continental leaves the Vineyard for the winter, and I am working for Cape Air. My uniform changes from white shirt and tie to a polo shirt. I thought if it got any more casual, I'd be wearing a plaid flannel shirt and working for Edgartown Air! (By now you are thinking, I thought this guy said "long story short", just like Mikey). And then one more year goes by and Mike comes up to me and tells me Edgartown Air and Cape Air are merging! I start thinking that I was glad I never threw out any of my old flannel shirts (turns out they had to throw out theirs). Mikey and his pilots were going to learn how to fly 402's, and Nikki was coming over to work at our ticket counter. Once I started working side by side with Mike and Nikki, I truly realized what a fantastic couple they were. You could see how much they were made for each other. We had lots of fun together. What a group we were back then (Rachel, Eric, Gorf, Timmy, to name a few)! I will never forget the good times we had!!! Anyway, long story short, that's it for now Mike. I'll never forget you! Nikki, peace be with you!
Much love, Colin
Photo of merger with Cape Air ( Click Here )
Photo- " long story short "
( Click Here )
living on Martha's vineyard you get use to people coming and going. one minute you are working side by side with someone the next they are gone. funny how time plays tricks on you and those minutes might be years. but the sad fact is familiar faces do end up leaving this seasonal place. but one comforting fact is there is a brotherhood in the airline business. someone might be gone but never forgotten. mike is one of those rare individuals who will never be forgotten by me. his name or story related to him would always come up in conversations so I know others felt the same. I had a wonderful time working along side mike and Nikki. he had the aura of someone in command as well as the easy going nature of a comrade. he showed that the individual can make a difference and the personal touch can be the best touch. and I hope some of that rubbed off on me. thanks mike.
Timothy Johnson Martha's vineyard
I guess I should start this out by apologizing to Nikki because we've never met and my musings will be about the times before you. I've been friends with Jan and Mike for 35 years. We met in Schwaebisch Hall Germany. Mike and I were both young Captains full of testosterone, and Jan was a very tolerant babysitter. We were both members of the 14th Aviation Company (ATC). We enjoyed the social functions of military life to the fullest. At that time Mike had a BMW motorcycle ( WW II) vintage , with a sidecar. Mike and I went most places together in it. Jan and Mike also had a dog,-- a German Short hair I think. It wasn't uncommon to see Mike driving the cycle with the dog in the sidecar. However it was a little strange to see Mike coming down the street one day to pick me up , with the dog driving and Mike in the sidecar. Of course the MPs were right behind him. The social life was geared to keeping one big happy family There were always functions at the Officer's Club to get people out and socializing. We had monthly "Hail and Farewell" parties at the Officers Club which were mandatory.At one of these particularly dull functions we somehow got away from the wives and "streaked" the club. That was one of our finest hours.....we thought. It didn't take the Company Commander, Col. Graham long to figure out that for the good of our careers, we needed to be separated--- by a country. Therefore Mike and Jan were sent to the eastern border of Germany, and I was sent to the western side. We still had those monthly mandatory functions at the club to keep us together.
More to follow Bob Freihofer
Photo of Mike & Rusty ( Click Here )
We were sorry to hear about Captain Mike. We didn't get a chance to meet him, but we often saw him and the Bama Belle cruising the river as we ate at Cypress Inn. We were planning on taking a cruise out with him this year. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Jimmy and Patsy Bonner Hueytown, Al.
Although we knew Mike and Nikki for only a couple of years we cherished the friendship. We were devastated by the news of his death. We met in New Hope, PA where I opened a Radio Shack franchise. Mike came in often to say hello and buy electronic parts for his projects. When I asked him if he wanted to work there on a part time basis, I couldn't be happier when he agreed. Although retail can be difficult, Mike made the experience fun for both the customers and for us. We will never forget his slightly devilish smile and fun approach to everything we did. Surely it was his history of helping and rescuing that motivated him to invent and build a prototype underwater towable sled for use by EMS in searching for drown victims in the nearby Delaware river. We enjoyed talking about our flying experiences. Although his pilot license wasn't current, when we went sightseeing in a little two place plane, he was totally at ease with the controls. When Mike invited me to join him in picking up the Bama Belle to take it to Tuscaloosa, I was honored but unable at the last minute. Although we maintained contact by email, we never got to visit them. Sadly What a privilege to know Mike and what a tragic loss.
Jim and Laura
Nikki and family, it is with disbelief that I'm writing this. Having the pleasure to work with Mike at Umass Life Flight, "back in the old days" was truly a learning experience. His enthusiasm and smile were always contagious. During his years here at Life Flight he helped save numerous lives throughout New England. In flipping thru our scrapbooks from the early days of our program, there's Mike, smiling and showing some kids the aircraft that he truly loved flying. I'll always cherish the memories of getting together at your house down the road from the hospital over looking the lake and having a beer. Mike will never be forgotten for the work and friends that he made here at Life Flight. I am a better person for knowing this giant of a man.
Take Care,
Rory Duquette
UMass Memorial Life Flight Worcester Massachusetts
If anyone has any photo's of Mike we'd love to have copies. If you could scan some and send them to LilPixie4u@aol.com we'd all be very grateful!
Thank-You All
Mike's Sister Phyllis
I took the time, and hope everyone else will, read and look at the pictures sent in.. I had the pleasure of being Mike's sister-in-law. My husband Walt is Nikki's brother. Had it not been his lack of wanting to travel, I may have had many more great memories...I met Mike and his daughters a little over twenty years ago when Nikki brought them to our home in Clinton, CT. Their visit was cut short by a call in the middle of the night. A helicopter mishap required Mike go back to Martha's vineyard immediately. We didn't see each other again until a visit at their house in New Hope, PA. Naturally, we shared many laughs with the guy who had dancing eyes and eyebrows! At that time, had a mini train in his backyard! Michelle was there. She had grown to be a beautiful young lady both inside and out!...I'm glad we had a chance to fly to Alabama and experience the Bama belle first hand. Nikki and Mike shared their dreams for the future. Even to the tune of our possibly moving from CT to work for them! Walt to cook and I to entertain. Our visit was too short and I hated to have to leave. Yes, Mike lived his life to the fullest and made everyone around him feel good.
Thank God for memories....Kathy Trusdell
Photo of Mike, Nikki, Walt and Kathy
( Click Here )
If you looked up the word ENJOY it should read -MIKE MEDEIROS. My son Lee Garrison is married to Mike's precious daughter Jessica ( aren't we lucky!). I'll never forget the first time we met Mike- we were so thrilled because we knew where Jessica got her personality and how she would be for the rest of her life-- just like Mike!!! He was such a positive person and always had a smile on his face. He ENJOYED everything about life. He ENJOYED his family, he ENJOYED his friends, he ENJOYED his animals, he ENJOYED his many unique and challenging jobs, he ENJOYED his many interesting hobbies- he truly ENJOYED his life. He has made me want to be more like him and to ENJOY every aspect of life instead of worrying about little things. Mike was a gift to those knew him. We will miss you so much Mike but we will ENJOY our wonderful, happy memories of you!!!
Ashley Garrison
Mike, will be remembered as friend, by many of us at UMass Medical Center, ER. I, Dan will remember him as a great pilot. Mike and his family will be in my prayers and thoughts.
Dan Hicks, RN
Anyone who hasn't seen The Tuscaloosa News article for Sunday January 29 be sure to get a copy (or perhaps read online at TuscaloosaNews.com). Everyone who was interviewed by the journalist (mainly Nikki) did an absolute wonderful job in honoring the memory of Captain Mike, while also showing us a way forward. Nikki is determined to "carry on" and give it her best - with lots of wonderful people helping her. I had lunch with Nikki today and learned that she and Mike had a special bond with a dog named Puddy, and sadly Puddy died two weeks after Mike, so Nikki, along with some cats and a parrot, is really trying to hold it together. I thank the good Lord for the two captains that are helping sole owner Nikki, and pray that concerns about extreme weather and river flooding will not wear Nikki out. Let's all help her anyway we can. They have certainly blessed our community.
Beverly Phifer
Photo of Mike & Puddy ( Click Here )
Today is January 29, 2006. I don't know why it has taken so long to make my entry in this fabulous tribute to my father. Maybe, it is because words will never capture what feelings I have.. So here goes my humble attempt. My name is Michele Denice Medeiros.. I am Mike's youngest daughter. "My baby" he would say. I was supposed to be Michael Daniel also... at least we have the same initials. I guess the things I most inherited from him were klutziness and eyebrows. We both have the same eyebrows as my grandpa... "thank God for wax", I would tell him. My father brought so much joy to my life. My first memories are of living in Ozark- the frog farm, horses, and a big pond. Other childhood memories are of times spent on "the Point"- holidays, vacations, snow angels, sledding, skunks and jumping off the big rock in the bay at the end of Canton Avenue. When he flew for U-Mass Life Flight I remember how proud I was of him. He was actually flying Santa Claus around the hospital at Christmas and we (me and Jess) got to go up with them!!! That was so freakin COOL !!! I know he made wonderful friends there and made great memories with those folks. The softball games also stand out in my mind from those days. Probably the coolest thing was when I broke my arm. He saw us from the air pulling up by car to U-Mass and he turned the helicopter around, landed to check on me, and then went back to whatever flight he was starting. I felt so loved. Just one of many times.... After Worcester, it was off to the Vineyard! Holy crap, could 2 daughters get any luckier?????? I never knew how fortunate we were to spend so much time there. My dad let us have the run of that place. We camped in the airplanes, refueled for guests, and drove the big tractor around the runways (did I mention I was a klutz?) Yup, I almost died on that thing. But dad never denied us opportunities to shall we say...learn for ourselves! Of course, his watchful eyes were open. We just weren't aware of it. The most fun on the Vineyard was learning how to drive in icy, snowy conditions. In the winter, the runways were closed, so we took his pick-up truck out and spun all over the place. We sure had fun "learning". And I can't forget him affording me the opportunities to try out my flying capabilities. With Jessica strapped in the back, scared to death, Dad and I maneuvered those planes in ways not known to paying passengers. He also gave me the chance to fly in his friend's bi-plane. Oh what freedom! I know why my dad loved it so much. Twists and turns, barrel rolls, dives, and everything else. It was a thrill no roller coaster could ever give you. I think I got a little bit of his sense of adventure, too! When Edgartown Air joined Cape Air, Jess and I were so proud for Dad. It killed us to see him lose his medical clearance to fly. But that short time of disappointment was soon overcome by my father when he up and moved to New Hope. There he achieved new successes with the New Hope Equipment Co. and attaining his 100 ton vessel Coast Guard Captain License. I remember visiting him in Pa. He showed me the beauty of that area. We drove around and talked for hours. He was so trusted by those folks, he had more keys to homes than a locksmith. At this point, many would say "Jeez, was there anything he hadn't done??" And to that I say emphatically...YES!! He had never been a grandfather. A series of fortunate events led my father and Nikki to buy the Bama Belle and move to Tuscaloosa. Within a week of him moving here, my son was born. Zachary James Sizemore made his debut on June 7th, 2001. I tried to get my doctor to deliver him on Dad's birthday, June 5th. (Actually, I begged and pleaded with the desperation of a swollen, fat, miserable woman in the Alabama summer). It didn't work. Zach was to have his own birthday. Of course, it was between the birthdays of his Grandpa and Grammies. There seems to be a birthday thing in this family. We have them in clusters. Anyway, Dad was so proud. Finally, he had a baby boy to play with and help raise. Dad wanted to teach Zach everything he knew. He had such patience with him. Dad even had to tell me to chill out a few times. He had that Grandpa thing figured out so naturally and quickly. Some of my favorite memories of Dad and Zachary are riding the tractor together, and playing in the park at the riverboat landing. Dad thought nothing of jumping on Zach's tiny four wheeler and riding around. Zach would just laugh at him. Dad looked like a clown all the while endearing himself to Zachary. Zach loved to go see "Gand- pa" at the boat. As a matter of fact the day dad died, Zach had asked me to take him and his friend to the boat to see Grandpa. But, I was driving them on a field trip and couldn't deviate from the school group. Too bad I wasn't a rebel that day. We all had visions of Dad teaching Zachary how to do the job right the first time, with efficiency, quality , and the instinct of a hard working "portugee". And to do it with a smile. That's what made him unique! No matter how frustrating something could be, it was never so bad that he couldn't smile. I remember Dad once fixed a frozen windshield wiper on Nikki's car with his drill. I never could figure out what he did, and when I asked he just smiled with that sheepish grin and raised eyebrows- he puckered up, gave me a kiss and said "portugee ingenuity". Then he shooed me off to work! What a cutie pie !!! My last day with him was the Saturday before he passed away. Zach and I went on the Kiddie Christmas Cruise. Dad was able to play with him and let him drive the boat. I was able to celebrate my completion of grad school and talk of a trip to Disney World. I know my dad died a happy man. He knew his girls would be just fine and that he was about to have more time to enjoy life. This was going to be THE YEAR. He dreamed of having a big RV to cruise around the country in, all the while working part time as the Bama Belle captain. He dreamed of spending much overdue time with his sister and mother. He dreamed of completing his underwater submersible. My dad was a dreamer. He inspires me to achieve everything I dream of. What a wonderful thing to feel when you die. He felt full of hope, love, dreams, and fortune. I hope I am like that when my time comes. He taught me to live life to the fullest and I promise I will. I hope to pass those traits along to my son.
My father was the perfect man!
Photo of Michele & Zachary
( Click Here )
Photo of Mike & Zachary
( Click Here )
I only had the pleasure of meeting Capt. Mike one time, but I will never forget how he made me feel so comfortable and welcome on his boat! He was a great man and will never be forgotten!
Christy Pair, Miss Tuscaloosa 2006
I am so very grateful for the 15 years I had with Mike as his high school sweetie and wife. His greatest gifts to me being our two daughters, Jessica and Michele. Life with Mike was always an adventure, be it moving every 6-12 months with the military, his encouraging me to become a licensed pilot, dirt bike racing, avoiding tarantulas in Texas, radio controlled aircraft flying, my thrilling (?) rides in the sidecar of his BMW motorcycle, and many more adventures while we were stationed in Germany. Those were three wonderful years where he charmed the German locals there as much as he did anywhere else we lived. I don‘t believe he ever met a stranger. Mike truly had the gift of gab. He made everyone feel as if they were his best friend and that he truly cared about them. After the births of his daughters Mike became the ultimate Daddy. And oh, how he loved a challenge! After completing his time in the Army, he opened a "Frog Farm" ( The Ozark Amphibian Center for raising frogs to be used in medical research) and later, opened MJ’s, a restaurant/lounge. He even bought an antique open cockpit airplane that was literally in boxes and bags. He found a man in Enterprise to rebuild it, got it FAA certified and we participated in many air shows in our Pietenpohl. Then we moved up to a Globe Swift which resembled an old fighter plane. Two more of our friends bought similar planes and we really made an entrance "Mike Style" to air shows and fly-ins. He loved his daughters with a passion, proud of all their accomplishments from cutting their first teeth to graduation from college. He really received so much more happiness by his move to Tuscaloosa and being able to share times with our daughters and to be more involved in their lives. The birth of his first grandchild, Zachary, in 2001 put him over the top! This has actually gotten much longer than I had planned. There is not an easy way to sum up his exciting life, his (too numerous to count) accomplishments, so many fond memories, and the joy that he left behind. He will be missed so very much by all of us, but he will never be "gone" Mike, you'll always be in our hearts. Jan
Simply put --- Mike was a Renaissance man a person who has wide interests and is expert in several areas. But he was also a humorist, a friend, a counselor, and a loving father and husband--and much much more to all that knew and loved him.
Howie (as Mike called me) Garrison
I have many fond memories of Captain Mike and Nikki on those first days and even the first voyage with guests on the Bama Belle. You challenged me to "think outside of the box" and helped to make my work a lot of fun as we catered parties and even Valentine's Day Dinners on the Bama Belle. Mike will be greatly missed by many. I am blessed to have known him.
Katherine Moak (former Events and Marketing Manager for The Cypress Inn)
Great Site! It was so nice to see the pictures of my "hero" cousin. I haven't seen him in many years or met his family but I know he was everything they said and I will miss him and still love him in my heart. I can still hear him teasing me about "punt you in the no". My prayers and love to his family. Maybe we'll meet one day!
Love, cousin Nancy
My wife and I had the pleasure of dining on the Bama Belle on our Anniversary 2 years ago. After the
cruise, on debarking, we stopped to thank the Captain. As I quickly learned, there was no such thing as a short conversation with Captain Mike. It was a pleasant night and we lingered after all the other guests had left. We stood on the gangplank and Mike spoke fondly of the Belle and his new-found home in Tuscaloosa. We wandered in subjects till we hit one that obviously was dear to him. He told me about Cape Air and a little of his flying exploits. I told him I was a perpetual on again off again student pilot who would like to finish someday. He encouraged me to get it done and get my license. He was so genuine in his gentle admonitions, that I did indeed get back into training and, "long story short", in October 2005 got my private certificate. My plan was to show it to Mike on our next cruise and tell him that in no small way, his encouragement led me to catch a dream
I've always had. Fate stepped in and took that opportunity, but I want anyone who reads this to know that in just one meeting, he affected my life in a very positive way. Thank you Mike so very much!
Bim and Ann Songer-Tuscaloosa
UPDATE: Bim & Ann were on this past Valentine's Cruise and Bim showed his
Pilot's License to Nikki. < smile >
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Copyright © 2005 All rights reserved.
Revised:
06 Oct 2008 07:25:58 -0400
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