Mike
April 26 - January 8, 2000
A PASSING..
Author unknown
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Please leave virtual flowers and a note to Grizz on his Findagrave memorial located HERE
Grizz might be the sweetest boomer
we ever knew. He had been ill for a long time, but never once did he
return to the hospital wihout a boomer letting the others know. Hundreds
of prayers were said for this silent, delightful man whose life must have
been made so much richer with AOL and the friends he found here. I met Grizz
in Gatlinburg and my life was made so much sweeter for it. I will always
remember moving my hand in beat with the cicadas that he could not hear,
and the easy way he communicated despite his inability to hear or speak well.
A funny story worth telling, although Arial could probably
tell it a bit better, that of his arrival to Gatlinburg. Beloved Ariel was
sent to the airport to pick him up, where she waited without being able to
find him. Finally she had him paged, but again, without results. At
long last, she heard herself being paged! Grizz had paged her and they were
able to make contract. what Ariel did not realize was that Grizz could not
hear, and the story was repeated many times by all, a tribute to Grizz's
delightful sense of humour and laughter.
May you rest in gentle peace, dearest Grizzly, and never
be forgotten by those who remain behind. We love thee.
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I met Grizz twice, once at the Gatlinberg Reunion and then again this past
August In Rochester, Mike was one of the most kindest sweetest person I ever
met. You looked at him and immediately fell in love the Grizz. His
sons were very special to him. Mike, you will be missed by all of us Boomers.
The pain is gone now and you are in a place where there is no pain, just
happiness. We love you very, very much. I will always remember
my Hug from you. Love Sonya
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I have had the honor of being at 3 reunions with the most lovable man on
earth, of course I mean our Grizzly Bear. Mike was a true gentleman and defender
of the ladies with the biggest heart of anyone. I specificly remember in
the pool at the motel in New York in 1997-- Grizz wasn't at the pool yet
, but his son Daniel was. Daniel and I got talking and he said to me " I
am the luckiest kid around" and I asked him what made him say that and he
replied "because Grizz is my dad" let me tell you, I had to swim a little
away to hide the tears that I felt knowing that a son loved his father that
much and wasn't afraid to say so to a stranger. Daniel was 12 at the time
and you know how a 12 year old boy usually feels. I am going to miss our
Gentle Giant for a long long time. Grizz , my friend, rest in peace and may
the Lord look over your boys and keep them safe and happy.
Love forever,
Shirley
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I am so sorry to hear about Mike......I remember him so
well..........Can see him now......smiling and giving those great Hugs!!!
He gave the best HUGS!!!!!!!!! Merle Ann (Sissy)
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To those of you who never met Mike, let me tell you he was even nicer in
person than he was online. I'm just so glad that so many of us did get the
opportunity to meet him.A big, sweet, gentle, bear of a man with a heart
too fragile to sustain him.Sail on Grizz. You will be missed; you certainly
are loved. -Lonesome Steve (Doggy)
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I met Griz online the first day I signed onto AOL. He
was one of the first Boomers to show me the way. Because I was on disability
Mike helped me cope with the fact that I could no longer work. He also let
me in on the fact that he was deaf.
When the New York reunion was planned Mike wanted to
attend but was concerned that people would shy away because of his deafness.
I'm happy to say that this was never the case. Mike and I met the Friday
before the reunion picnic and along with several other boomers we danced
the night away at a 50's bar. Mike was immediately embraced by all and found
a home.
Luckily I had two other occassions to spend time with
Mike. In Gatlinburg he was one of the Boomers sharing the Chalet. Oh how
he loved that Showbiz, Luvs, Ariel, BlondDee1 and I all pampered him that
weekend. He had come even though he was recently released from the hospital.
I believe Mike felt Boomers were his best medicine.
Again I met him in Rochester. It was apparent his health
was rapidly failing but never once did Mike lose his smile or sit and complain.
I can still feel the bear hug he gave as he left us that Sunday.
Mike you were one of the best. Be at peace SWEET
BEAR
******
Kathie (Call)
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My memories of the big "ol bear"..the GRIZZ
He was one of the first Boomer Guys to give me a Hug when I came on line
so very long ago. He always made the Boomer Gals feel special in his eyes...and
I loved him for that. So when the chance came to meet him in Gatlinburg I
knew I wanted to do something special for him. ALWebster came up with the
idea of bringing the party leis. We weren't quite sure what we would do with
them but I knew we'd do something unique. When we decided on it, ole Grizz
was the first one I headed for. I slipped a lei over his head at the Saturday
night party and whispered in his ear....
"You've just been lei'd by the very best" !! Of course, he couldn't hear
what I said, but he knew the meaning when I winked at him and he read my
lips as I slowly repeated them for him.....He gave me the biggest smile and
warmest hug and kiss and I even saw a tear in his eye. And, yes, he even
blushed. I will carry that with me always and know that he is smiling down
on me from his faithful cloud in heaven. I was happy to give him a smile
and receive his big hug in return. God is with you now, my dear friend, for
you were truly one of the blessed ones in your heart and soul.
You always had and will forever have...My Love In Friendship ....GEEZLUIZ
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Mike was a dear freind to me as well as so many Baby Boomers. We talked so
many times about so many things. We talked so many times about his being
deaf. I never had the pleasure to meet him. He was going to dance with Earthwinds
and I in Nashville in May. In my heart I know he will be with us in the chat
room as well as Nashville.
Mike, I know your no longer in pain and the suffering has stopped. Your at
Peace now and I know in my heart that you are enjoying the sounds of the
Angels that surround you. Wilma (UQ)
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My hubby and I are both very sorry to hear that our Bear is no longer with
us.
We were fortunate enough to have met and spent time with Mike -- he was truly
an amazing man. I'm happy that our Chicago party gave us a chance to "spoil"
him a little -- we ladies made SUCH a fuss over him! All of the Boomer
ladies were pouring honey on Mike -- as he had "threatened" to lick honey
off us, as any self-respecting bear should! (seepics below)
Our hearts go out to his young sons and the rest of his family -- I once
spoke briefly to his sister-in-law in the Chicago area, asking for an update
on Grizz's condition during one of his many hospitalizations -- and true
to form, Grizz had not told them he was again in the hospital -- it wasn't
"serious" that time, and he didn't want to bother them.
Love, Jude (Buf)
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Every once in awhile someone crosses your path who possesses an aura of
gentleness and kindness that somehow light your way. Mike was one of those
people for me as Im sure he was for many of the boomers. I often told him
that it seemed ironic to me that a man with such good heart should have to
have it mended so often.
I remember back in the early days in the boomer room when Mike would be flirting
with the ladies and hiding in the bushes. He loved honey and so in Chicago
we ladies doused him with honey and he loved it. When I remember Mike I want
to remember those happy times.
When I was at a particularly low point in my life, Mike was there to hold
my hand and help me through it. We decided early on that we would always
be there for one another, that we would be forever friends. When I think
of Mike now I remember the treasure that I had in his friendship and wish
forever would last just a little longer.
Mike loved his two boys and we spent alot of time comisserating about raising
children. If the boys should read this I want them to know that their father
loved them above everyone else in the world. He worried about them, and cared
for them and fought for them. I pray that they keep their fathers love in
their hearts now and always. For in remembering those good times, we never
really lose those we love.
The Boomers were very special to Mike. Everytime he was sick and in the hospital,
the response from the Boomers was unbelievable. I want those people to know
that their cards, gifts and prayers kept Mike going for as long as he did.
This is a man with great courage who fought his battles with strength and
determination. There were times he was ready to give up, but fought one more
time. I am so very proud of him for that.
Today the pain is over, the battle is ended. And until we meet again on some
other path may God hold you in the palm of his hand my friend.... may God
hold you in the palm of his hand.
Miri
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I've been an AOL Baby Boomer for almost 3 years now and I can remember Grizz
being a part of those wonderful friendships for exactly that long. My first
special memory of Grizz took place early summer of 1998 when we were all
planning our trips for our reunion in Gatlinburg, TN. Grizz wanted to go
in the worst way but was having trouble making his flight arrangements. It
was a Saturday night and I happened to be at my mom's cottage on Cape Cod.
Of course, I was chatting in the boomer room...LOL. Grizz asked some questions
about flight arrangements to Gatlinburg and then we ended up in IM discussing
his predicament. Well, as it turns out, Grizz asked me to call the airline
and make his arrangements for him. Trusting soul that he was, he ended up
gave me his credit card number, his full name and address, etc. He was so
thankful for my help with that...but hey, boomers help other boomers...that's
just the way it is. I can't begin to tell you how many times he thanked me
in Gatlinburg. Another memory I have of Grizz is of the reunion itself in
Gatlinburg. We were all asked to bring a small memento of our particular
state to exchange with another boomer, so I brought a Boston Celtics baseball
cap. Grizz ended up with it and he was so very thrilled. Everytime we talked
thereafter he always reminded me of how much he loved the cap...and he never
failed to tell me he was still wearing it. Although, on a couple of occasions,
he told me that one of his sons had absconded with it...LOL. Lastly, those
of us who were in Rochester this past summer were lucky enough to spend a
few more hours with the Grizz. He was sooooo happy to be with all of us...that
was obvious from his big smile and those awesome HUGS of his. I will always
remember him sitting with us on the beach that Saturday afternoon just enjoying
boomer company. I feel extremely blessed to have been a friend of Mike's.
He was not a "grizzly bear" as his name implies...instead, I saw Mike as
a "Gentle Ben" kind of bear. I will always love you ((((((((Grizz))))))))...you
have a special place in my heart forever. Look in on us once in a while,
ok??? We really need you to do that.************ Jana (Luvs4x4)
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The first time I met Mike was in August, 1997. He was one of the first Boomers
I had ever met. We were standing at opposite ends of the hotel registration
counter. We BOTH looked up ...... smiled.....I looked at him and said Grizz?
He smiled and said....Witt?.....Then we hugged and I started babbling.......then
he looked right in my eyes and told me he couldn't hear me but could read
my lips. We became instant friends!
I had the pleasure and honor of seeing Mike three more times, in Chicago,
in Gatlinburg and in Rochester.
No matter how he felt, he always had a smile and a joke. He was a caring,
gentle man who always put others before himself.
He may have used the name GRIZZLY, but inside he was a teddy bear, a honey
bear and always a friend.
My thoughts of Mike will always be cherished memories that bring a smile.
Marsh (Witt)
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Grizzy, what a wonderful man he was and I know that God will use him well......as
he did here on earth.
Jan (Blue Dott)
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Mike very much wanted to come to Gatlinburg, but in order to do that he had
to fly into the Nashville airport and hope he could get a ride from Nashville
to Gatlinburg with someone. Well, I think it was Betty (Dreemca) who contacted
me knowing I lived in Nashville and was driving to Gatlinburg to see if I
would consider doing this. I thought about it, had never met him but was
told he was a jewel, so I said yes. I knew about the smoking and decided
when I was in dire need of a cigarette I would just pull over, etc.. Well,
the big day came, I knew his flight number, time, etc.., he would be arriving
in Nashville on a straight flight from his home, so I was at the Nashville
airport in plenty of time. I first went to the baggage pick up area and waited.
And waited. No Mike. Finally, I drove around and parked and went into the
main area of the airport. By this time, I was getting a little concerned.
I checked the monitors and his flight had already arrived about an hour before.
Now, I didn't really know what Mike looked like, and he really didn't know
what I looked liked, so this was already confusing. I went to the gate, searched
the baggage area again, then I decided it was time to PAGE him. So, I went
to the customer service counter and asked to please page Mike Ackles. They
did. No response. They paged again. No response. In total, I think I paged
him about five times. Absolutely no response. They checked to verify he had
indeed been on the plane, and he had. I really didn't know what to do at
this point. So, I had him paged one last time. Almost immediately after my
page, I hear a page. The page went like this; Paging ArielFirst, Paging
ArielFirst, please come to the customer service center. At first, I couldn't
believe it. I knew it had to be me, who else would be paging my screen name.
Then it dawned on me that Mike must have forgotten my real name. So, I ran
to customer service. There stood Mike. There was no mistaking who it was.
I ran up to him and said "Where have you been, I have been looking everywhere
for you?" Well, Mike just looked at me. I asked him if he had heard me paging
him for the last 45 minutes, and he still just looked at me. At that point
something told me something was amiss. It was then, standing face to face
to him, I found out Mike was deaf and also had a speech problem. A little
detail Betty and everyone else forgot to tell me. I have to say, from that
point on it just got funnier. Once we both settled down and finally stopped
laughing I went and got the Blazer, realizing at this point that Mike was
also impaired as far as strength and being able to walk, etc.. Well, I drove
around, picked him up, went to baggage, loaded everything up, and we finally
hit the interstate to Gatlinburg. About two hours later than we had planned,
LOLL
As we started our journey, Mike and I found ways to communicate. Mike could
read lips, but that's a little tough to do when you're driving and you can't
look straight at the person you're talking to. But, we worked it out. During
that five hour trip we had a ball. If he was hungry, he would point to his
mouth. If he needed to go to the bathroom, well, he pointed. And we began
to talk in our own way of communicating. I fell in love with that angel of
a bear during those five hours. We would be talking away, and you know me,
I'd be rattling on and on, look over at Mike, and he would be snoring. I
think that was a clue.
When we arrived in Gatlinburg, we followed the map, well I should say Mike
followed the map. If it had been up to me, we would have been driving all
around those mountains for another 2-3 hours. He got us to the chalet home
base, they gave us another map that showed where our actual chalet was, and
Mike got us there too. We had great people in our chalet too. We all worked
together so Mike would be comfortable, and we all went outside on the deck
when we wanted to smoke, because Mike absolutely hated the smell of smoke.
But, we all still had a wonderful time. Including Mike. He had a ball. Something
I remember, to the day he died, he never called me anything but Ariel. Never.
He knew my real name by then, but he never used it. To him I was Ariel and
nothing else.
When it was time to leave, and of course all of us hated to, everybody helped
me get Mike and baggage loaded up. He was also flying out of the Nashville
airport, so we had to allow for plenty of time. I took the SHORT way out
of Gatlinburg, avoiding Pigeon Forge, (sorry guys, I should have told you).
On the way, Mike saw a pottery shop. He knew by now I collected pottery,
real pottery made my hand. He asked to stop, and he bought me two beautiful
pieces of pottery. One has slits cut in it, so when you put a tealight in
and light it, it glows out from all the slits. Those two pieces of pottery
have sit in my living room since then. When I learned of Mike's passing,
that was the first thing I did, was light his pottery. Then I laid on the
couch looking at the light, and cried for one of the dearest people I have
ever met.
Our trip back to Nashville was even better and I got him to the airport in
plenty of time. The porters were none to thrilled as I barked orders for
a wheelchair, etc.., but Mike made it home just fine. I talked to him several
times on the phone after he got home through his TTY number for deaf people.
I can't count the number of times we laughed on line about our initial meeting
at the airport. And I lost count of the number of times he told that story
in the boomer room. It was one of those memories you never forget.
I believe God makes things happen for a reason. I would have never got to
know Mike so well if he had not rode with me. I might have met him in Gatlinburg
another way, but nothing like the way I did. He forever touched my heart.
He still does.
And everytime I light his candle, I will remember a very special angel. I
just hope God sends me Mike for my angel, I surely need one.
Teresa (Ariel)
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Mikes/Grizzly's son came into room tonight to thank us all for our love and
support for his father and to let us know what plans have been made.
Service for Mike Ackles will be held at Smith Funeral home on Monday Jan
11th from 2 to 4 PM and 7 to 9 PM and the services will be on Tuesday Jan
12th at 0ne.
The address is
Cards can be sent there and they will be given to the family. Sign your card
somewhere Baby Boomer Room so they know who we are.Any questions or thoughts
can be sent by Email to his son OrEoxPuNk.
Mike was not a big flower fan. His family would appreciate it, if you would
like, you can make a donation in his name to a Heart or Diabetes foundation
instead of sending flowers. And sign an Organ donor Card as a memory to Mike.
He died of natural causes, his body just gave out. He was on a transplant
list but he didn't make it that far.
What a wonderful tribute it was to see the room full tonight to honor
Mike/Grizzly He loved you all so much. He told me how much all the cards
and trinkets you sent to him in the hospital meant to him. They helped him
keep going. He will be missed by this family. We know he is a peace now and
without pain.
Love you all. Linda/Away
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Mike Ackles
Smith Funeral Home
221 East Main Street
Elsie Michigan 48831
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