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Michael Harris Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Michael Harris
Sponsored by Eric Harris.
Cliff Gates
February 2, 2011
I had heard about Mike's passing last summer. We were friends at McPherson College but I hadn't seen him since I left there. I do recall that he was a really good friend, extremely bright, was always upbeat and so fun to be around. He was a great help to me during an especially difficult time when I was in college. I'm not surprised at his exceptional success and that he touched so many lives.
I'm only sorry I lost touch with him.
My deepest condoences to all of Mike's family.
June 11, 2010
Ruth, you know how much Mike meant to us---life will never be quite the same but we do have so many wonderful memories---he was so funny and so much fun, so wise, so generous, such an encourager, so smart, a very committed Christian and family man---we were blessed to get to know him as a friend---he will always live in our hearts---love you---Mike Murrow family
Pat (McCartney) McFarland
June 10, 2010
Ruth and Eric,
No one lives through what Mike did without God leaving His thumbprint on their lives. Mike never seemed to tire of sharing that "thumbprint" with those in need. He certainly had a heart to help others find their way to Christ as he had.
It was a privilege to work with Mike at Michigan Family Forum. He was one of the most down-to-earth bosses I ever had. He was humble, a bit zany, completely human and yet Godly in his living. I'm sorry for the loss of this loving man in your lives and in the lives of everyone he touched. He is truly Heaven's gain.
With sincere sympathy,
Pat (McCartney) McFarland
Liesl Hayes
June 10, 2010
Mike's family and friends are in my prayers. BFL will never be the same again but we will make sure that Mike's work continues. God Bless.
Keisha Payton
June 9, 2010
My thoughts and prayers are with the Harris family at this time. Although I didn't have the honor of meeting Mike in person, I was blessed to get advice from him through the BFL Guestbook entries and his blog. I hope that you all know that his legacy will live on with so many people. God bless you all.
Carlos & Linda Mayans
June 8, 2010
Ruth, Linda and I are so sorry to hear the news about Mike. I spent about 2 hours last Sunday night remembering the five years that Mike and I spent together as roommates while serving in the Kansas Legislature. From the time that I first came to your house to see whether Mike would be interested in running for the Senate until his retirement. The international trips that we took to Belize and Panama. Mike was intelligent,caring,honest and a great friend and Senator. We are going to miss him very much, but we still have the memories of our great time together. God bless you,Eric, and the family.
Todd Cottrell
June 8, 2010
My thoughts and prayers are with the Harris family. Mike truly deserves all the accolades that everyone have mentioned. He was such a sincere, genuine, selfless person and I owe him a great deal for the help he provided me in the BFL program and in life. I am grateful to have known him.
June 8, 2010
Ruth and Family,
I never had the pleasure of meeting Mike in person, but he was always there for me. In the last 11 years, he has helped me learn how to workout and how to eat. He was never too busy for me.
I want you and your family to know how much he meant to me. I loved him dearly and he was a true friend.
Love and prayers,
Kathy B
Jill Richter
June 8, 2010
Sending love and prayers to Mike's friends and family. I am thinking of you today.
Although I was never able to meet Mike in person, we had excahnged emails through the Body for Life site. He was an amazing man who gave so much of himself. His legacy will live on.
Warm Regards,
Jill
Leiana Hilton
June 8, 2010
My husband and I had the pleasure of meeting Mike in person at the Kansas Champions Weekend in June 2008. I had "known" Mike for several years and always had great respect for him, but wasn't quite prepared for the quiet, gentle, twinkling smile that greeted us! On Sunday of that weekend, everyone was invited to Jami Ronda & Sara Schultz's room for a time of prayer and benediction. Only nine people showed up (we called ourselves "the Circle of Nine"). Mike led us in prayer and we spent an hour and a half talking and sharing stories. That simple act of sitting around, connecting, laughing, crying together was better than all the pageantry of the preceding night and made the 500+ mile drive more than worth it. Mike was not only a BFL champion; he was a crusader for CHRIST, and his memory will live on for many years!
kevin cusack
June 8, 2010
Dear Ruth and Family
I was shocked and saddend to hear of Mike passing. He was a great advocate for the Family when we was with us at Michigan family Forum. I know he felt passionately about the priority of the family in his own life and the life of others.
I hope your memories will be a comfort to you all during this difficult time.
Warm Regards
Kevin Cusack
Petronella Sjowall
June 8, 2010
Ruth, I'm so sorry for your loss! I met Mike on the Champions cruise 2008 and his speech/presentation he held at the cruise really touched me. He was so inspiring and I still have that list he gave us after his presentation ("Principles to transform by") and I read it often, it gives me strength every time I lose my focus. Mike was also so kind answering questions about my personal transformation and sending me information and articles about things I was struggling with. He was really an amazing person, caring and giving, a true champion! The world is missing one great man today! So terribly sad. My condolences to you and your family, you are all in my thought and prayers today.
Mike: The last point on your transforming list is: The greatest thing a champion can do is Leave A Legacy. Mike, you have done more than that. I'm so glad and grateful I had the opportunity to meet you. Thank you for your support and uplifting spirit! You really made a difference in this world. Farewell Mike, and fare well on your new journey. You are not gone, you have just walked ahead for a while.
Denise Brazier Thornton
June 7, 2010
Harris/Price family: I am so sorry to hear about Mike's passing. Thinking back on my life, my earliest childhood memories include Mike and his family. I know your burden is great at this time. However, I also know God is with you. Please know my thoughts and prayers are with you. Denise Brazier Thornton
Peter Camyre
June 7, 2010
I knew Mike from the BFL program and website. He was always there to help anyone who wanted it. I am totally shocked to learn of his sudden passing. My deepest sympathies to Mike's entire family.
June 7, 2010
Ruth, thanking God for Mike's witness, grieving your loss and celebrating heaven's gain. A voice from your Kansas days.
--David & Diane Lee, Wichita
Tim McAree
June 7, 2010
Ruth & family, I just want to add my condolences and let you know how much Mike meant to those of us in the workers' compensation arena. Mike was very well respected for his hard work, his keen mind and most importantly, because he treated everyone with respect.
June 7, 2010
Extending prayers for strength and peace to the entire Harris Family.
Sherry Hardy
Garan Lucow Miller
June 7, 2010
I had many many cases with Mike over the years. He was ALWAYS the best to work with due to his wonderful personality. I don't recall EVER seeing him angry or upset. He was truly a great man and I am certain all of us who had cases with Mike will miss him dearly. I discussed his diet with him many times, looked at before/after pics etc.. Please accept our deepest sympathies for you and family.
Charles Nunez Jr
June 7, 2010
"Mike is with God, his Lord and Savior. He blessed many people through his selfless acts of encouragment and insight into human nature. Mike loved the justice and mercy of God. His desire to serve others in a quiet unassuming manner maked his life. May God's peace be upon you, Ruth and Eric.
Amy Sayers
June 6, 2010
"To be great is not to be higher than another, but to lift another higher."
~The Tower: A Story of Humility
I will always think of Mike when I read this book to my fifth graders. He was a humble man, whose sharing of knowledge about health AND Christ helped transform the lives of my husband and I. Our friend is dearly missed.
Amy and Dave Sayers
Malinda Oeding
June 6, 2010
Mike & Ruth have been such important people in my life, whether we were meeting in Alaska, Michigan or Kansas.
The times I have spent with you are treasured memories. I know Mike was greeted by a big welcome committee in heaven!! I will miss you, Mike...until we met again.
Mary Kate Hillyard
June 6, 2010
Ruth, George and Family-
Uncle Mike was an incredibly amazing person. He always went out of his way to help others achieve their goals...achieve their personal well-being! He was very well loved and respected in the BfL community. My heart aches for you and yours in this difficult time. At least we can take comfort in knowing that he walks with Jesus now...and that there are also four furry footprints beside the both of them, as Millie and Mike are reunited as well. Please let any of us know if we can help in any way possible!
God Bless You-
Mary Kate (MK)
Susan Beierling
June 6, 2010
Ruth & Family. My heart goes out to you and your family at this terrible time of loss. Mike was such a great man (as I'm sure you are aware), but beyond that he reached out, connected and helped so many others in this world, and I consider myself proud to have known such a great man. My wish is that I can someday have such a positive influence on such a mass scale as Mike did. BFL Mike, you will live on in my memory and my committment to bettering myself everyday. Thanks for sharing Mike with us. And know that the entire fitness community is still in shock, and picking itself up after hearing of this massive loss. Mike although I never met you, you inspired me, motivated me and guided me in so many ways. Thank you and rest peacefully my friend, I will miss you so.
Suzanne Whitmore
June 6, 2010
Mike was the kind of guy to do all he could do in a recognisable style. He did everything with an honest and simple manner, and from the bottom of his heart.
Debbie Rosslan
June 6, 2010
Ruth and Family,
My deepest sympathy for your loss. Mike touched so many people's lives and I am truly going to miss his wisdom he brought to the BFL community and elsewhere.
I ran across some old blogs that I had printed off in '07 when I first "met" Mike. I remembered thinking when I read everything he had to offer that "what a remarkable and kind man Mike is to take the time to write all of this for everyone". All I had to do was click the "E-mail me" button and I knew I would get a response...
What a true Champion Mike was!
God's Blessings to you and your family!
Sharon J.
June 6, 2010
Ruth and family, I am so sorry for your loss. I was very saddened to learn of his passing. I first came to know of Mike through Body-for-LIFE in 2003 but didn’t get to meet him until last year at the TN Champions Weekend in Knoxville. What a sweet gentle person Mike was. I appreciate all that he did in helping me and his words of wisdom shared with everyone. He was a huge blessing to us all and he will be greatly missed.
Faithful Renee
June 6, 2010
BFLMike was so instrumental in my success to living a healthier life. He was also the first person I chose to share with that I had quit smoking. He touched my heart.
Mike has obviously touched so many lives. His publicly displayed love of God has undoubtedly SAVED many lives. That is truly his most monumental mark that he left on this earth. God is definitely proud of the time that Mike spent here.
Thanks to Mike for touching my life. I will be eternally grateful to him.
Bill Martin
June 6, 2010
Ruth,
The obituary left out "and he was a really, really, NICE guy!" I never saw him speak a cross word to anyone. He was always upbeat and happy.
I'll never forget the day he brought a car load of winter coats and a fat check to the HIS Ministry building. He said, "These coats are from lawyers so check the pockets! There are probably some hundred dollar bills in there!"
I will miss him greatly.
Bill
Deb Baker
June 6, 2010
Dear Ruth, George and family.
Bless this dear man who reached out to people like myself, from across the world.
BFLMIKE encouraged, mentored and advised so many of us, he told wonderful humorous and insightful stories on his morning walks with Millie and then George.....
We loved his sense of humour and no nonsense approach to "getting real" with ourselves.
Mike encouraged me to attend the TN champs weekend this year, as my hubby received his first dose of chemo when the event was on last year, I told him I would find a way to be there... obstacles are minor details he told me...
I'm just sad that I won't get to greet this man that has touched and saved so many people "from themselves"...
God bless you BFLMike, Ruth and family.
Eternally grateful - Aussie-Debs. xxxx
Mike, you were truly a blessing in my life, Thank you!
Rick Peterson
June 5, 2010
Words cannot convey how much Mike Harris blessed my life! What started as an attorney with the itch to fly blossomed. It began with a flight instructor just teaching another guy the fundamentals of flight & turned into a great relationship with a gentleman who went out of his way to give the lowly teacher the experience he needed to launch him into larger commercial aircraft flying cargo then Commuter Airline passengers. Oh the hours we spent flying the Law Firm's twin engine Cessna visiting about this & that. Those conversations always seemed to come back to Our Savior & His Church. I'll never forget his license plate, "Pray 1st." I know of clients who came into his law office who were pleasantly surprised when he asked if they would like to, "Pray 1st." It has been 20 years since Mike & I laid eyes on each other but I always knew he was somewhere fighting the good fight. My prayers are with you & your family Ruth. I know the Lord will comfort you in this time of grief.
Judy Tullius
June 5, 2010
I met Mike back in 2004 on the BFL Guestbook. What a witty, funny and smart man! We had an on-going mutual admiration and motivation society with a number of us. He helped push me to lose over 60 lbs back then. We met in person at the very first TN Grand Champion's Weekend. A wonderful Man! He kept with it - he achieved one of his ultimate goals. He didn't want to win for winning. He wanted to win so that he would have a stronger voice to help so many others. I occassionaly drop into the guestbook now and see his same witty prose that is motivating the next generation of BFLers (as is evident by the guests comments on this site. Love you Mike and the world ... especially the BFL world will miss you dearly. I have a feeling you will continue to motivate from above.
Mike and Mary Murrow
June 5, 2010
Mike was a true brother in Christ and his love and service to our family will always be remembered. We are saddened by his loss, but rejoice in his homecoming to the presence of Christ.
Hélène Massicotte & Luc Dornez
June 5, 2010
Mike, you will be sorely missed. Your words changed minds and changed lives. You held yourself to a high standard and others could not help but to follow. The world is a better place because of your passion in all aspects of life. You lived a "10" and then some.
Stephanie Workman
June 5, 2010
Mike,
You were my biggest supporter for our TN BFL weekend. Don and I love you and miss you already but I promise we will honor your memory just as we did Julie. See you later my dear friend.
Stephanie
TN Weekend 2008
Conni & Tom Otto
June 5, 2010
Mike was a true blessing. I loved his matter of fact pesonality. Will always remember him pushing me on during the 5K in TN in 2008. BFL gatherings will never be the same again.
Hugs & prayers to the family.
Nikki Smith
June 5, 2010
Mike touched so many lives in the BFL and Transformation communities. He was an inspiration to so many. I am going to miss him as we all will. My prayers and thoughts go out to his family.
Vickie and Bill Bell
June 5, 2010
Ruth, I am so sorry to hear of Mike's passing. He was indeed very instrumental in my life both as a Christian and as a professional. My thoughts are with you and may God comfort you and your family in this unexpected loss.
June 5, 2010
I was heartbroken when I received the call of this sad news. Mike has been more than a friend but also my mentor. We met in Tn in 2005. He was one of the most loving and caring people I ever met, he brought laughter and tears of joy through the years. His witty jokes and encouraging stories will be sadly missed by many. Mike was loyal to BFL, his inspiration just poured out on the BFL guestbook, his website blog ,and Torch Spirit
His love for helping others was a treasure. I cherish the time I spent with him and will always remember the positive things he taught me. I know in my heart that Mike is in Heaven laughing and playing with Millie the Wonder Dog.
Mike will certainly be missed by all that knew him and those that only knew of him. He was our BFL Legend.
Prayers are with his Family
RIP, Mike, I know I'll see you again one day. Love, GET HER DONE Linda Ann Smith
Debbie Chabot
June 5, 2010
My condolences to Mike's family and George. As a newbie BFL'er Mike helped me get my act together. He was always inspirational. He was always on honest and he always gave back more than he received. I am grateful to have known him. debbiel on a boat
June 5, 2010
I am deeply saddened to learn of the death of BFL Mike. My condolences go to his loving family and his devoted, wife, Ruth. Please know that my prayers are with you during this profoundly difficult time. What a guy! We will miss him in so many ways... LindaP
Tracy Jeffries
June 5, 2010
Miss you Mike. You were such an asset to the BOdy for LIFE/fitness community. You never, ever stopped encouraging and inspiring others. Thank you for always encouraging me spiritually, physically and mentally.
Earl & Trish Pickard
June 5, 2010
Mike was a wonderful man and friend to us. We will miss him greatly. We have many fond memories of him. What we appreciated the most about him was his love for the Lord and how he was a channel of God's love to other people. His life touched many lives and directed people to the Lord Jesus Christ. Recently, Mike and I (Earl) were remembering a moment when Mike was walking through the Kansas State Capitol Bldg. whistling Amazing Grace. He thought he was alone, but a newspaper reporter was nearby and reported such a touching sound in the Capitol hallways. Mike walked the talk. I shall always, too, remember going to Washington, D.C. with Mike and two other friends for the National Prayer Summit on the National Day of Prayer for our nation. Mike was truly an inspiration to us. See you soon in GLORY! Your ole lifelong friends, Earl and Trish Pickard
Mike and I at the Arnold Classic in Columbus, Ohio 2008
Margi Faze
June 5, 2010
Margi Faze
June 5, 2010
Mike was someone truly, truly special. He was motivator, a lifestyle coach, health and fitness advocate, and a great, sometimes really funny, speaker. Above all he was always a kind, gentle friend. He was selfless in the love and knowledge he poured onto everyone he came into contact with and naturally drew people toward him. At the Tennessee Champion's weekend in 2008. Mike and a group of us started the 5k run together and gathered at the finish line together again to rejoice, chat, and laugh. This was a very special memory for me. For the three years I've been in attendace, he always made it a point to come by and see me at the Arnold too. Mike, you are truly, deeply missed and I will cherish my memories of you forever. Rest in peace dear friend. I love you!
van rickley
June 5, 2010
We were so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.
Annie K
June 5, 2010
Much love & God's blessings to Mike's family. Mike lives on in our hearts- he made a positive difference in this world and touched our lives as individuals. I am certain that he has been welcomed home with open arms.
Lori Ouellette
June 5, 2010
Michael Harris, known to me as BFL Mike, was truly an inspiration in my life. He was instrumental in my success and continued success with the BFL lifestyle. He unselfishly sowed into my life and many others lives by providing his time in answering endless questions. He was a true example of a humble servant and shared his faith with all who would hear. To his dear family I send my condolences and prayers that the God of ALL comfort will hold you up during this difficult season. Mike will be sorely missed here on Earth, but I know that heaven is a brighter place now because he is there. I am so thankful for the privilege of knowing him. Sincerely, Lori Ouellette and Family from Colorado Springs, CO
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