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Bob and Carol Benson
September 26, 2023
Mikey,
You are in our thoughts and prayers. We can see your smiling face. Rest in peace friend
Sandy Hoffman
June 20, 2009
I look back at these touching entries and continue to feel so blessed with all the friends Mike and I have cherished over the years. I wish all of you a very special beginning to this Summer. Every day I am connected to a memory of our time together. It could be through family, work, friends, a song, a place, food, wine or quiet reflection. May you all experience the same love, laughter and special moments that life offers when our eyes and hearts are truly open.
Jan McNeill
January 21, 2009
Sandy: I was very saddened to get your note about Mike's passing. No matter how much time we get with loved ones, it is never enough! I will be writing to you via regular mail.
Love, Jan
James De Leo
December 29, 2008
I met Mike 20 years ago as a rookie lifeguard at Dania Beach. He was a great influence in my life setting the best example on how to live life to its fullest. From surfing (Hurrican Andrew) , run-swims (no matter the conditions), volleyball, pizza & beers, to saving lives together. He was a steadfast & the truest of friends.
Julius Daniles
December 21, 2008
I knew his wife Sandi many years ago in St. Croix. If she married him....he must have been a hell of a man.
My condolences
Carol Rothenberg
November 11, 2008
Sandi, I remember when I first met Mike. The two of you had just moved to San Diego and you stayed in my house while I went on vacation. I returned to a house that was in better condition than it had ever been! You organized the inside, and Mike fixed everything around that needed fixing! I remember sunny days at the beach, tennis matches, dinners on your deck in Encinitas, and my first ever game of golf. I remember that Mike followed you out to San Diego and I remember thinking - wow - he must really love her! And love you he did...
I always envisioned your Mike and you and my Mike and me sitting around a campfire in the mountains, telling stories and sharing dreams.
I've missed both of you in my life but you will both be in my heart forever.
love
John Murphy
November 1, 2008
Mike it hurts even today today to write this. I'll miss you so much. You really knew the meaning of friendship. Sandy, we'll always be here for you, the other pea in his pod.
deb and ron Henderson
October 27, 2008
sandi your service for mike was a true testament to his life and his zest for life. He will truley be missed. You are in our thoughts and prayers everyday. We'er here for you always.
Annie and Dick Olson
October 26, 2008
Dearest Sandy,
Your Mike was the best! The two of you were soul mates, and I'm sure will continue to be so even as he has passed into a different realm. Dick and I have wonderful memories of our times together in Italy and Croatia, laughing, hiking, eating seafood, and just enjoying life. Mike's talents as a golfer, artist, and educator brought happiness to our world. Though his time on earth was certainly not long enough, he lived it to the fullest! We miss him.
Love and hugs to you,
Annie and Dick
Sandra Heppenstall-Hall
October 19, 2008
Sandra and Michael
I am sorry for your loss. This time is very hard for me to find the words. I remember your lovely small as well as Sandra's.
I hope you having fun in heaven.
Love,
Sandra
Arnie Darang
October 15, 2008
Dear Ms. Hoffman, On the day that I took you and Mike around NSA, I told him that he looked like the actor Ed Harris. When he returned the containers from the rice and chicken adobo I made for you, he signed the thank you note with "Love, ED HARRIS" and I laughed so hard. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Pam Agpaoa
October 15, 2008
Dearest Sandra,
My heart goes out to you in this time of sorrow. Aloha Mike catch the waves and we see you again someday.
Mark & Charlotte Dooling
October 13, 2008
Mike visited our home once this past August when he was in Boston for care.Charlotte served him lunch and he took a rest.On another occasion, they would have enjoyed talking history together and I would have enjoyed him taking my bike for a ride.We looK forward to getting to know this vital man more through stories and pictures. Take care, Maria.
Judy D'Arco
October 13, 2008
Mike's life jounrney has taken a sudden turn leaving us feeling sad and abandoned. Living with a chronic illness is not easy but you would never have known that Mike was burdened with health issues because he was too busy helping others and enjoying life. He was courageous and loving man that embraced each day with hope without giving up. Sandra, my condolences to you and your family. Thinking of you.
Judy D'Arco
Julie Quintin
October 12, 2008
My dear friend Sandy as well as Mike's family,
I am so thankful that Mike chose Sandy to be his partner in life. He was "the real thing". His mischievous smile, zest for life and warm heart left no one a stranger to him. I feel so blessed to have been considered his friend. I will never forget all of our shared adventures in Florida, Germany and Italy. I know his spirit will radiate and continue to touch all of those who knew him. Love and blessings.
Beth, Mike and Evan Russell
October 12, 2008
Our dearest friend Sandra, Words cannot begin to say what our family feels about Mike and his passing. Our hearts are saddened for you and his family. We will always remember his great love of life. He certainly seized each day to the fullest. It was truly a blessing to have known this marvelous man. Our love and prayers go with you as you continue your journey without him. Love you.
Jeff Edes
October 11, 2008
Dear Sandra,
It's hasn't been so long since you and Mike were here in La Maddalena creating beautiful memories together. He was such a wonderful person who gave more than his best in anything he did, and always had such positive energy to share wherever he went. I know it is going to be difficult for you. I have to admit that in times like these, we sometimes don't know exactly what to say, but I can assure you that you will be in my thoughts and prayers. Un abbraccio fortissimo!
Sincerely,
Jeff Edes
Maria Caterina Conti
October 11, 2008
I'm sorry to hear of Mike's death. He was such a wonderful person. I will alway remember his kindness and his sweet smile. Sandra, my thoughts and prayers are with you in this sad circumstance. Please accept my sincere condolences. Un abbraccio forte.
Paola e Francesco Riva
October 11, 2008
Dear Sandra,
Mike went surfing in a beach very, very far from the one he loved in Santa Teresa, but as far as we remember him he will be staying with us all the time...
Irene and Frank Bologna
October 10, 2008
Dear Sandi,
So sorry to hear about Mike. We
never got to meet him but have heard and read about a great husband, teacher, friend and lifesaver. Please express our condonences to his sisters and your
family. Love and peace,
Irene and Frank
Mary Deheck Terry Fuqua
October 9, 2008
With the lovely memories of La Maddalena is Sandy and Mike doing the Polar Bear swim!! Mike is deeply missed but those great memories of a fine man remain.
Jib Webster
October 8, 2008
Dear Sandy and Friends,
First time I met Mike I was a
rookie lifeguard. We swapped
Navy stories and talked of
traveling.
Good times for many years.
I feel so blessed to have had such a friend like Mike.
Run swims on Sundays,
surf trips to Baja.
The best house guest we ever had.
We will miss Mike but never
forget the great memories.
Sharon Cassano
October 8, 2008
It was a totally random circumstance that brought me to Sandy and Mike's front door in Aviano. They opened their home and their hearts to me. I have such fond memories of that time. Mostly grape picking and Mike making pasta fagoli. Sandy my heart goes out to you and to Mike's family.
Joe and Sharon Sansone
October 8, 2008
Sandy, Sharon and I are so very sorry for your loss. Mike was such a positive, friendly man that went out of his way to help others. I will miss him on the course and in the halls at school. As I read through this book it is clear that he has made a positive impact on all the lives he has touched. He fought the good fight and now he's at rest. God bless you . Joe and Sharon
Elaine Davis
October 7, 2008
Our thoughts and prayers have been with Mike and Sandra for a while now. We first heard of Mike's challenges when we worked together on the beautiful island of La Maddalena. Mike will be missed by all of us who worked and played with him and Sandra. He is a kind man with much compassion for the children he worked with. His attitude was always positive, cheerful and friendly. Ino was impressed by his easy manner and fast friendships. He will remain in our hearts.
Sincerely,
Ino Sposito and Elaine Davis
Jo and Bob Ohlau
October 6, 2008
Mike; A special fiend to us, will always live on as a true fun loving adventurer as well as a good man who touched us with his friendship and love. The years we spent on the beach together in Florida, echo with each wave the laughter of Mike's "joy ride" on his surfboard. Sandy we look forward to sharing future days on the beach with you celebrating and remembering Mike's life and our love for him.
Love and blessings Jo and Bob
Pete, Ellie & John Paul Fournier
October 6, 2008
We are sadden by the lost of our great friend Mike. I met Mike at Dania Beach about 20+ plus years ago. Mike was the "life of the party". We had great times: Lifeguarding, surfing, waterskiing, playing golf, tennis, and many late night coverstations while sipping wine. He will be deeply missed by all of his friends in Florida- his memories will be with us forever.
Michael Botha
October 5, 2008
Sandra, I am sorry that we never got to meet. I met Mike nearly 20 years ago when we worked together with a great group of guys as lifeguards at Dana Beach, Florida. Aside from being one of the nicest, toughest and most adventurous men I have ever met, Mike was a great inspiration in my life. Mike and I had many adventures, snorkeling, mountain biking, fishing, canoeing and camping in the everglades, surfing in Florida the day before Hurricane Andrew landed, all over S. California and when he lived with me on the North Shore of Oahu, Hawaii. I will always remember Mike's smiling face and adventurous attitude, and am very saddened by his passing.
Des and Judi Levins
October 4, 2008
We only met Mike once when we visited Sandy in San Diego in 1998. We had hot apple pie together in snowy Julian and hit some balls with Mike on the driving range. We will remember Mike as friendly and athletic, and very loving and supportive of Sandy.
Sandy, take comfort in your memories of the great times with Mike and of your journey together.
Teresa Erhart
October 4, 2008
Dearest Sandy & Family,
Our memories go back to Wuerzburg when we first all met. I will not forget the day you and Mike took my kids and I piled high in your car to visit Dachau. I will always remember Mike as a cheerful and friendly guy.......always ready to lend a helping hand. I knew then he was your soul mate. He will be with us in spirit even when we aren't looking and he is safe now....I grieve with you Sandy...a day at a time. My love to you and all family.
Nancy Huhra and Tom Rowley
October 4, 2008
Mike’s enthusiasm for life has been an inspiration to us. He was an all around sportsman, golfer-extraordinaire, Patriots and Bo-Sox fan, proud Italian, great conversationalist and loving husband to Sandy. His energy and contagious smile will live on in our memories forever!
Debra (McPheron) Johns
October 3, 2008
Dear Sandy, I was so sad to hear of Mike's illness and passing. I miss the times we spent together but you are and always will be in my heart. I'm sorry didn't get to know Mike well before you moved to California and points beyond. I do remember spending a wonderful day with you Mike, his nephew and Shannon at the beach, and will forever remember Mike Surfing and smiling as he was that day.
Sheila DePalmer
October 3, 2008
Sandy, I am so sorry that I never got to actually meet Mike in person. I know how much joy he brought to your life (and you to his). You were able to share some incredible adventures together. I just wanted to let you know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Daniel and Alice Owen
October 3, 2008
Dear Sandra,
How sad it is that Mike is gone. But you know how important he was to all of us. His smile and enthusiasm will remain in all our hearts. He was such a champ! I remember the good times we shared on the slopes, in the restaurants, on the bikes. Was he ever not smiling and offering a helping hand? I think that is his legacy to us his friends and to all the children's lives he enriched.
Susie and Lowell Teubel-Thaler
October 3, 2008
Mike had an intense love of life and adventure -- one of the reasons he was Sandy's true soulmate. Every summer when we saw him and Sandy in Florida we enjoyed his great sense of humor and his fresh outlook on life. Sandy, our hearts go out to you now. We will miss Mike too, but it is good to know that he touched the lives of so many people.
JOHN AVERA
October 3, 2008
I am so sorry to hear of Mike's death. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family and your friends at this time. Many many folks have a deep love for you and Mike and my prayer is you find comfort in that. I'll continue to think of you often and "Surfer Dude" and what an impact his life has had on so many people. I feel blessed to have know him. John R. Avera Nuernberg, Germany
Carol and Rob Benson
October 3, 2008
Sandy,
Rob and I are blessed to have known Mikey. Thank you for allowing us to share his final hours with you and your family. His spirit will always be with us. We love you.
Lidy Dekkers
October 3, 2008
Dear Sandra,
I remember me and Eddie visiting you and Mike on our honeymoon. Great to see the two of you so happy as well. I remember my visits to Germany later on. Fun time, getting to know you better. I remember Mike's smile and his sportsmanship, his care and love for you. I remember me staying with you in Florida. My heart goes out to you. I will remember Mike!
Tom Dean
October 3, 2008
Dear Sandra, Nancy, Maria and Lena and family,
Michael was a lifelong friend and a great one at that. We met on a little street in Rumford, RI at 4 years old and stayed friends for life. He always kept up the connection between us no matter how far away. He was one of the best human beings I ever met and i will miss him very much.
Please accept my condolences.
Martin Alexis
October 3, 2008
What a guy! Mike’s memory will live on…a positive, fun loving personality, and better golfer than me. Sandra, So sorry for your loss--stay strong.
Debbie Lee
October 3, 2008
Mike's smiling face and love of life will live on in the hearts of many people. We know he is having a great time in "Golf Heaven"!
Tina Lake
October 3, 2008
Mike....was a man's man....I loved that about him. I will miss seeing him in the hallways of the 8th grade wing....and on the golf course....a gentle man....always positive and kind....Sandra, you and Mike have been such a wonderful addition to the Aviano team and our staff and students will miss him dearly.....our thoughts are with you...
Tracey Medeiros
October 3, 2008
My deepest sympathy to Sandra and Mike's family. Mike always had a smile on his face and a kind word for all. He will be missed by many.
Doug Nothstine
October 3, 2008
I remember wonderful talks with Mike. On one particularly stressful day at school he got me laughing so hard it hurt. Mike was a great friend and a good listener. He was just what our students needed - a straight talking guy with common sense. He had just enough patience to get through to kids but not enough to make him like all those other teachers. That was his edge and it pushed his kids to become better. I've talked to those kids - they appreciate it. Sandy, you were blessed to have him - you know this - I was blessed to have called him my friend.
Sue Maloney
October 2, 2008
Sandy, my heart goes out to you and to Mike's family. Several members of our "Wildflecken family" plan to make a donation to the American Cancer Society in Mike's name.
Michele, Roger, Laura and Kyle Jackson
October 2, 2008
I am crying and laughing. I am so sad, but everytime I think about Mike I think of how he would make me laugh. You brought us all such joy, and you always laughed so hard at my kids jokes even though we all knew they weren't that funny. What an infectious smile. What zest for life! Italian beaches will never feel the same to us! Two things we learned from Mike are, never give up and live life! Mike you were and will always be one of our heroes. Sandra, we love you. Michele , Roger, Laura and Kyle Jackson
Dana Wilson
October 2, 2008
Whether on the golf course, in the classroom or a chance meeting in the community, Mike always had a kind word, a smile, a friendly hello, . . . Mike will be sorely missed by those he touched here in Aviano, students and adults alike. He exuded a contagious enthusiasm for life and was an inspiration to so many.
Jennifer Stoy
October 2, 2008
My sympathy to Sandra & Mike's families. I remember a fun loving, talented artist and mentor to students.
He will be missed by all.
Leon Rosiczkowski
October 2, 2008
Mike was ever the "smiler", even when he had hit the worst golf shot I had ever seen. Our loss is heaven's gain!
Bill Alker
October 2, 2008
I lived in Pawtucket, near the Rumford / Pawtucket line and knew Mike. I remember playing cards in his cellar, going to the racetrack and the bowling alley or just hanging out, We had some very good times.
Vinon and JoNell Varnado
October 2, 2008
Mike and Sandra continued to keep us in their thoughts and prayers while we had our medical problems. We will miss Mike here in Aviano.
David Izzo
October 2, 2008
Mike was a great guy and his positive attitude and smiling face will be missed at Aviano MS/HS.
Loretta Clement
October 2, 2008
We will miss you and so will our middle school students. They have shared some of their memories with me and they mention playing outside at recess with them. Baci e Abbracci!
Lendal and Anna Sloan
October 2, 2008
Mike was a wonderful man. We will miss him.
Stephanie El Sayed
October 2, 2008
What a terrible loss to our children--especially mine. Mike will be missed so much and he was loved so dearly. I will always think of him and smile and remember how caring and wonderful he was to all who knew him.
My deepest condolences to the family. All my love to you, Sandra.
Kendra Houser
October 2, 2008
Dear Sandra,
I was so very sorry to hear of Mike's death. You are in our hearts every day as you face this difficult time. We will all miss seeing Mike's smile in the halls. Know how much you are cherished and how much Mike meant to us.
Dee Oleson
October 2, 2008
My sincere condolences to the family and friends of Mike. He will be missed in our Aviano community
Forrest Reeves
October 2, 2008
Thanks, Mr. Mike. If it wasn't for you I'd probably be stuck in the 6th grade. You helped me in the tough times and you wouldn't let me give up. Now, I won't give up because of you. You are a cool guy and I'll never forget you. You'll always be with me and the Patriots.
Laura Corder
October 2, 2008
Mike was such a giving person. He was so patient with the students and volunteered his time to help whenever possible. He even helped out the community swim team for a period of time. He will be greately missed by his teaching colleagues and his students.
Kris Kessler
October 2, 2008
Mike,
You are an inspiriation to me for living life to the fullest. I will keep your spirit alive in me and look to you as a model for being in the moment. Thank you! KK
Susan Salter-Mack
October 2, 2008
His smile and laughter will live forever in our hearts, and make our memories all the more dear.
Bobbe Kriz
October 2, 2008
Mike put up a good fight, Sandy, and I'm so happy to know that he held your hand even after his last breath. I'm releived that his suffering is history. I feel his energy and know that he is with us in spirit and that he, along with so many of us, will help with your emotional healing process. Love and peace to you.
Andrea Zanfagna
October 2, 2008
You are in my families prayers.We pray for your strength as you mourn your loss. My daughter was very sad to hear the news, as were many of the kids here at Aviano. "Mr.Mike" made an impact in the lives that he touched. God Bless
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