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Michael Back Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Michael Back
Sponsored by the Starfleet Legacy Alliance.
Katherine Fehn
January 15, 2024
I recently found out of Myke´s passing and am so sad I didn´t learn of it sooner. I dated Myke (as he spelled it then) our freshman year of Ball State. He was my first love. He talked of his family, especially his little sister Amy, all the time. I felt like I knew all of you because of the way he described everyone. Unfortunately, I left Ball State after that first year. We kept in touch for awhile, but then he transferred too and we lost touch, soon after I learned he had diabetes. I miss him. I have all of his letters and photos to this day, even though I´m now married with 3 children, he is and will always be an important part of my history. Thank you for raising such a great guy, who had a big impact on my life. I am SO sorry for your loss, no matter how long it´s been. I grieve with you.
EnsKellenDrake Tom Bar.
March 5, 2014
I've never met Michael Back, but as one of the newest members of the Potemkin, I thought I would send my regards to the family of this man; who's hard work is still going and growing. God Bless y'all and, I'm sorry I never got to talk or meet the man who did such great work.
Vicki Cassidy
December 13, 2011
I just read about Mike's passing in the Andrean alumniner, when I found out his Dad also passed. I am So very sorry for the Back family. Mike and I use to date in the 90's. I love Mike so much. My heart is broken tonight. He was such a sweet and loving guy. Please know that I will be praying for your family. Especially during the holidays. I can't wait to see Mike again in Heaven. He holds a very special place in my heart.
Random Guy
November 20, 2010
I never actually heard of Mike until today, but I wish I had. His hard work created the Starfleet Legacy Alliance, and for that, I am greatful.
FSF Micro
December 4, 2009
Like many here I knew Mike through online association. Although I haven't spoken with him in a few years, I am honored to count him among my friends and comrades.
He was very insightful and generous with his time and effort. His advice and support were invaluable to me over the years I knew him, and they will be terribly missed.
I had the pleasure of seeing his online village grow into a loyal, solid populace from the outside. He was very dedicated and enthusiastic to it. I will miss hearing of his successes too.
Here's a beer to you, Mike. I miss ya, pal.
D.
Alistair 'Colonel McVenner' Hocker
May 15, 2009
I have only recently heard of Michaels unfortunate passing.I never had the privilage of meeting Michael in real life, instead i knew him from his work with the SLA. He exemplified everything that was good and positive about the SLA, and i will miss him a great deal.
Shayne Riley
January 29, 2009
Michael,
I am sorry we never got a chance to meet in SLA.I wish you and your family the best and want to Thank You for everything you did for SLA.
Ender Maki
March 31, 2006
Seth was a great man who did great things, and he is *deeply* missed.
Amy Back
November 14, 2005
Mikey,
I still miss you everyday. I love you, the holidays won't be the same without you...
Love,
Ameliabachelle
Cheryl Lemanski
July 31, 2005
The past two weeks feel longer than the eight years of friendship that came before them. I feel very lucky to have gotten to see both 'sides' of Mike, and will miss him so very much, more than I can say with a few words here.
My condolences to his family and friends. We have all lost somebody special with his passing.
----
I have noticed that there is not a direct link to the SLA here, and wanted to provide it for those family and friends who do not know of the community that Mike built. Please register for the forums to read the memorial posts there under 'SLA Lounge': http://www.slasims.com/
Chas Hammer
July 30, 2005
For someone I never met, Mike had a profound influence on me. I was blessed to know him and work with him over the last 4 years in the online community we inhabited. Our sims - where we pretend to be heroes and save the galaxy - may seem like child's play, but they take a lot of energy and hard work to pull off - and Mike made it all seem so easy.
We shared a common goal to use our roles as leaders of two of the top sim clubs to improve the quality of the simming community. Many times we had different ideas and would debate for weeks, but in the end we were always able to work together. Between my crazy ideas and his intense drive and skill to make things happen, we made one heck of a team. During it all, we both knew that our chats about managing captains and organizing simming councils could easily be applied to real life work, and I know my career has been made better for it.
It's very hard to believe that someone with his energy and love of life could be taken so quickly. I don't know what he was like in person, but the little bit of his personality that was able to shine through the limited online medium was amazing. I will miss him and I feel deeply sorry for his family and friends, but I hope there is slight comfort in the knowledge that he brought joy and entertainment to thousands through the sims he ran, and he touched the lives of so many people he never met with his strength, wisdom, and energy.
George & Kelli Galanos
July 27, 2005
We are so sorry to about your son Michael. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this time.
Rob K.
July 26, 2005
To all Mike's friends and family, in "real life" or somewhere, out there in the vast online community that adored him: I am so sorry for your loss.
I began "simming" with Mike and friend when I was a boy, and stayed on with the USF/SLA long enough to have many wonderful adventures "out there." Each one was special, unique. These sims helped us all escape for an hour a week (for some of us, much more than an hour), into a world we loved since we were kids--or at least, since we discovered that we could *feel* like kids again. It was a cherished time in my life--and in the lives of so many others, too.
Best wishes to all who remember Mike so fondly, and who share in the pain of this loss. You are not alone.
With much appreciation,
- Harrison/Mason... Rob.
Megan Eyermann
July 25, 2005
I worked with Mike at Purdue Calumet. He was a great guy who was always willing to offer help when we needed him. I was very sorry to hear that he passed away. My most heartfelt condolences go out to the Back family.
Ben Mullikin
July 23, 2005
I never got to meet Mike face to face or talk to him much when I was a simmer. I did, however, know the legacy he had and maintained. The SLA was a peaking interest of mine as I am a host within the FSF. I know that many of the people I talked to spoke extremely highly of him. The world will indeed have a hole in it with the passing of Michael. I truely wish I could have met him IRL. He sounds like he was a great guy.
To his family and friends: you have my condolences.
Cody Tornow
July 23, 2005
Michael was always a good friend. I never got to meet him in person, but his personality shined online. He helped me develop who I am as a simmer. Me as a brash twelve year old thinking I could rule this fantasy world online. Michael helped me find my creative spot for writing. This gift he gave me has helped me tremendously. Because of Michael and his ability to teach me how to write better I now have a book in the works and have a partial scholarship to University of Washington for a paper that I wrote. Michael had a huge impact on my life and I want his family and friends to know this and that without him I'd probably be out behind my school smoking rather then furthering my education and writing career.
God Bless
Michelle Quinn
July 23, 2005
I'm stunned and saddened by this. My sympathies to Mike's family and everyone else who loved him.
Joe Ferguson
July 23, 2005
My thoughts and prayers are with Michael's friends and family. He really impacted a lot of lives. He will be greatly missed. I feel very fortuante to have known him.
Mike Hunter
July 23, 2005
When I saw the artical I was shocked and it saddens me that he passed away he was a caring person who took pride in simming and was always there to help others out, he was also a good friend who was there just to talk. He will be missed by many.
Lynn Heintz
July 23, 2005
Mike. . . I remember when little Mikie was born, the delight of you and your entire family! I know how much your children have always meant to you - the huge smile on your face when I ask what they're up to today. . . you're always in my heart 'old friend". May God Bless you today and your entire family. Always a friend, "Stretch"
Stephanie Roberts
July 23, 2005
I know Michael Back better as Seth Cotis, the leader of the Starfleet Legacy Alliance.
I've been a host in the SLA for just over two years now, and Mike never ceased to amaze me - the amount of time he dedicated to both the SLA and the League, his passion, how much he cared for others, the impact he had on the whole simming community, and the countless thousands of lives he touched.
Despite the allure of power that something like what he did could have created, all he wanted to do was be considered as a normal guy, just like everyone else.
For me, Mike was not only my "boss," but also a true friend, confidant, big brother (with how he stood up for me a couple of times), leader, mentor, and an inspiration.
For those who had the honor of having a chance to speak with him, or be graced by his presence on the internet, a very large void now exists.
Michael Christiaan Back (aka Seth Cotis), you will be greatly missed! I hope that we can meet in the afterlife.
Jeff Beach
July 23, 2005
The first time that I met Mike Back wasn’t in any futuristic Frontier, rather it was much simpler. We were 19, and we’d started working at the same grocery store in Hobart, IN. I hated every day of it until the day I met Mike. As I walked into the backroom to start my day of drudgery, a loud noise came from behind me. I saw 4 large and badly dented cans of Campbell’s tomato soup had just missed me and splattered all over the floor. I looked up and to find Mike staring down at me from 3 stories up. He said, “Oops.” After I confirming the splatter wasn’t my brains, Mike finally crawled down from the top of the pallets of cans. I think he’d stayed up there hoping I’d go away. I soon realized that Mike could really make working in that nasty place bearable.
We became fast friends. Mike and his family helped me through some hard times in my life. Even if they didn’t realize it, I thought of them as my family and loved them for it. Mike was the brother that gave me strength. Amy reminded me that there was still sweetness in the world. Helen and Dan were the supportive, comforting parents that were so accepting. These were things that I’d forgotten existed in families. I cherish these memories and there is seldom a week that goes by when I don’t think of them and smile.
When Amy told me that Mike had passed away, the world seemed to change a bit. Even though we didn’t see each other very often, I still felt his presence in the world and was glad for it. But I feel a void now. I don’t know what Mike did with his Star Trek club but I’m sure that he had a huge impact on it and made it much more interesting for the rest of the Trekkies.
I miss you, Mike, and I know that you will find your place in Heaven. Wait for us there until we can hang out again.
George Lichty
July 23, 2005
I met Michael, more commonly known as Seth, back in 2000 online. He and I occassionally argued, but I always respected him.
He was a good guy with friends around the globe. He'll be missed.
My thoughts and prayers go out to his friends and family.
Debbie Quinn
July 22, 2005
Mike and Family, I am so sorry to hear of your loss, please know that your family is in our thoughts and prayers at this very difficult time. I believe that tears can heal, that memories can comfort, that love lives on forever. To live life and to be a part of so many other's is truly a blessing. May the warm memories of Michael keep his spirit alive.
Linda Anderson
July 22, 2005
I met Seth a few years ago thru a friend who intorduced me to simming. I found him a good listener and attained respect for all he did, even though we parted ways. He will be missed.
General Zella Adonis
Founder
Independant Simming Alliance
Myra and Richard Bell
July 22, 2005
To: The Back Family
Our thoughts and prayers are with your family. Not one of us knows the deep sorrow you're going thru right now, but I do know how to pray. That's something my grandmother (Aunt Vera) made important to me. May the Lord stand in front of you, take your hand and guide your every step along the way. May he fill your heart with comfort, joy, peace, serenity love and sunshine. God Knows All! We Love You!
steven curtis
July 22, 2005
when i got in to online gameing he was already a veteran. I will never forget the hours of fun we shared on line. we didnt always agree but we always came to understand the others position.
he will never be forgoten for few can say that they had a impact on such a large group of people like he did. but i am sure that was just one of many of his great achievements.
my heart goes out to those he left behind. haveing diabeties myself i understand how challengeing it can be. you just never give up you keep pushing and enjoy the day like it was your last.
Wanda Weber/Rykovich
July 22, 2005
Dear Helen and family, I am so very very sorry to hear of your lose. Know that you are in my thoughts and prayers at this time of sorrow. I haven't seen you for some time, however I think of you often. May God bless you and your family.
Jeremiah Salinger
July 22, 2005
To Mike's Family:
I never got to know Mike, never even talked about him, but in the simming world, he was one of my role models, even though he never knew it, and I'll still look up to him because he was a very good role model.
Condolences,
J.M. Salinger
Joshua Dworkin
July 22, 2005
I just wanted to offer my most sincere condolences to Micheal's family. I was and am hoping to be again a member of he helped to run, so I knew him fairly well.
All of us at the SLA knew him as Seth, so that is mainly what I'm going to remember him as. He was an excellent simmer, a compassionate person and a friend to everyone.
Godspeed Mike, may you rest among the stars.
Tami Tretter
July 22, 2005
I'm sorry to hear about your loss. Your whole family are in my prayers
Tami Lynn Tretter
MacLennan & Bain Insurance
Lovena Randolph
July 22, 2005
Mike, I am Scott's Mother in Law and am very sorry for your loss. You are in my prayers.
Kathleen Dunne
July 22, 2005
Dear Helen, I am sorry to hear of your sad news. While I did not know your son, knowing you I'm sure he was a special young man. Please accept my sympathy. I will keep you and all your family in my prayers. God Bless All, Kathleen
Sharon & Bill Lyman
July 22, 2005
We are very sorry to hear about your loss. I am a 1st cousin to Michael's father. My husband and I send our deepest sympathy to his family and friends.
Sharon (Pruitt) and Bill Lyman
Alicia Fahlsing
July 22, 2005
I have known Mike and his family for almost 15 years. They are a second family to me and I love them dearly. I know Mike will be missed and I send my sympathy and support to them all.
Tony Cocucci
July 22, 2005
My heart goes out for all those involved in this tragedy. I will pray that as time goes by, understanding will come and peace will be found for the survivors.
Stephanie Roberts
July 22, 2005
I, like many in the Starfleet Legacy
Alliance (SLA) knew Michael Back as Seth Cotis.
Right from the beginning of when I came into the SLA, you could immediately tell that he had a tremendous passion and dedication for simming, his hosts, the simmers who joined, and just about anyone who had the honor of being graced by his presence. He even managed to integrate his love of web development into it as well, creating a stunning website for the group.
Mike didn't limit himself to just the SLA either. He expanded his boundaries, joining in the much larger simming community through various ventures, including his service in the Simming League (including as President, and most recently Chief Magistrate). Through his efforts, he was able to touch the lives of thousands, and his impact will never be forgotten.
He was an inspiration to me, as an individual, as a host, a Council member, and as someone who is interested in learning web design.
To the Back family, I would like to express my personal, heartfelt condolences. Mike was loved and will be deeply missed by many, countless individuals.
As the current President of the Simming League, which Mike dedicated a lot of time to, I would like to share with you the links to the offical Presidential Proclimation (http://www.diasporagames.com/sl/Pl
anetSimulation/viewtopic.php?t=1087
), and to the Senate Resolution (http://www.diasporagames.com/sl/Pl
anetSimulation/viewtopic.php?t=1088
), both of which honor Michael C. Back (aka Seth Cotis).
When I Die, My Spirit Shall Soar Free
When I die, My spirit shall soar free,
I will grasp the breeze that will take me unto
the places I have visited in my dreams.
I will walk upon those clouds,
in which have gathered all the many tears of my life,
and I shall know peace.
I will glance into those hearts,
of which I have shared that true and unblemished love,
and leave nothing but happy memories.
My days will be filled with moments of familiar company,
of those who have gone on before me,
kindred spirits,
and now forever companions.
I will spend my nights cradling,
those unborn souls who never drew their first breath,
loving them with a mothers love,
giving them safety,
while the stars shine all around.
I shall dance around the moon,
tip-toeing from star to star,
feeling their brilliance blazing through me.
I shall live all my eternity,
with such freedom and such happiness,
And I will know that this is what my life is meant to be.
Good bye, my inspiration, my mentor, my friend, and my rock. You will be deeply missed, and I hope that we may one day be re-united once my time on this earth has come to an end.
Mark Okuda
July 22, 2005
I did not know Micheal personally, but am sorry to hear of his passing Best wishes to his family and Godspeed to him
Jonathan Shuni
July 21, 2005
Mike and I fast became friends back in 2000 through our online activities and have kept in touch ever since. I've engaged him in many a conversation about game politics, organization structures, the people that surround us, programming tips and much more.. all stuff each of us find interesting and entertaining. He and I have had a playful competition between each other for 5 years and I'm finding myself at a loss of thoughts, emotions and words. I feel empty. I don't know how I should feel. I've not lost someone this close to me.
Mike (aka Seth Cotis) has been a brother to me, keeping me in check, checking in on my status and poking his head in to see if I'm doing something he can do better. Over the years we've learned so much from each other that I don't know where to go from here. His death has hit me hard. As I sit here writing my goodbyes to Michael I find it hard to describe how I feel. Talking to his sister was one of the hardest things I've done as far back as I remember. I will miss him more than he will ever know.
Mike was a dear friend. He challenged my concept of friendship, defended me in my time of need, came to my aide without my asking and supported me in my time of triumph. I couldn't have asked for a better buddy and I'm sorry I had let our friendship slide over the past 6 months. My last words to him were a happy birthday wish on the 4th of July. He responded just as kindly. I will remember him as a fun-loving creative chap that loved what he did and loved those around him. I only wish I had his confidence and strength. His passing will stay with me for a long time. I will miss him dearly.
Farewell Michael, you will be missed more than you ever knew.
Carrie Gascoigne
July 21, 2005
I ran into Michael for the first time two and a half years ago. In that time he showed me what an incredibly giving person he was, and how much he loved the idea that people from all over could come together. When I first became a part of his role-playing group, there were many games but I was lucky enough to choose the one he was hosting. With direct interaction with him, he made me never want to leave this group. We all looked up to him, admired him. We came to him with simple problems and big problems and he'd guide us through them all.
We'd joke, we'd laugh. We'd vent, we'd rant. But through it all, he helped. He didn't do it for us, he guided us through so that we became better people for it. And if it weren't for Mike and his love of Star Trek, I'd never have met the man I'm going to marry.
To Michael's family, you raised one heck of a son. I am honoured to say that I knew him, even if it wasn't in person. But I owe him the happiness in my life. That's a debt I'm not sure I can ever repay. But being the humble man he was, I know he'd not ask for a single bit of it back.
Mike, dear gods, I'm so eternally grateful to you. Words can't even express how much you being here has meant to me, or to Patrick. Thank you for giving us the opportunity to meet and fall in love and be happy for the rest of our lives. And don't for one minute think you won't be missed - we miss you already.
Shawn Harper
July 21, 2005
The Starfleet legacy alliance was a vision of a community brought together for one goal. To bring forth the fruits of people's imaginations and to have fun while doing it. Mike Back was the driving force in this, it was his vision and his dedication that brought so many people together. There are friends and relationships that might never had of been if not for this man.
However it wasn't just what he did, it was how he did it. His leadership over the SLA was not imposed, He was a natural leader. Someone men and women naturally trust and looked up too. I would have been proud to call this man my brother, unfortunately I will have to settle for friend. Till we meet again my friend.
Derek Graham
July 21, 2005
Mike,
I never got the chance to meet you in person but we shared alot of things in common. Some things I didnt know till you left. I pray you look down on us in heaven and find all our love and carring. You were more then just a buddy man, and I will never forget all the good times we shared talking together. Life is a sweet thing we all hold dear, but we always fear the end of it. But truthfully there is nothing to fear, for we end up in a better place.
"May all your accomplishments be written, may your dreams be shown fufilled, May your life be celebrated, and may all your family and friends receive peace and loving support."
Mike you will be missed but you are here in each of us, right in our heart.
Derek and Maria Graham
Gregg Kleiner
July 21, 2005
Michael was a great friend. Although we never met. It felt like I knew him for an eternity. Sleep Well, My Friend. Live Long and Prosper!
Ben Mitchell
July 21, 2005
I first met Mike eight around years ago when he joined the United Space Federation on the Internet. After a few years away from the community, I had to smile when I saw how much he had done to make Star Trek simming so much fun for everyone.
He was the guiding light and guardian angel of the Starfleet Legacy Alliance, which is nearing its fifth birthday, thanks to him. He worked harder than most people realize and sacrificed very much to help hundreds of other people from all around the world have fun in a community they could call their own. He touched thousands of people through his devotion and leadership.
He was always modest about his role in everything that he did for so many people. He deserves the recognition that he always refused so thoughtfully and unassumingly. He will be sorely, truly missed.
Godspeed, Michael Back.
T (Pam)
July 21, 2005
I knew Mike for 4+ years and I just wanted to let his family know how much a few hundred people online miss him. You're all in our prayers. God bless you all.
Doris and Ike Curtis
July 21, 2005
We send our Sympathy, to you all, I'm so sorry to hear the passing of Machael , and I know he well be missed a lot. We just never no, when God well call us Home . Michaels age show's that ,you don't have to be old. Love you all, Ike and Doris
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