G. Michael Penley

I was so saddened to hear of Mike's death. Twice while in law school, I caught glimpses of Mike near campus. There was that flash of recognition, I knew he remembered me, but he looked away. I so dearly wanted to tell him him, "Mike, it should be you here, you were born to be a great lawyer, I'm the pretender." I'll always remember him as buoyant, he had so much energy and enthusiasm for whatever project or topic of conversation that currently held his attention. He had no fear and all...

Each day I have read and re-read the comments about Mike. His energy level, warmth and humor quickly earned him a spot in everyone's heart. With his tremendous talent and desire to win, he could have been a "pain to be around". Instead he was just the opposite; Mike was our joy and our spark.
I will always remember his love of winning and his love of being kind to the new young debaters. This seemed like a conflict, yet in Mike it was always just the way he was.
We will...

My memories of time spent at the Penley home, especially with Mike and Laura, are warm and pleasant. While it is deeply moving and sad to think on Mike's passing, it is at the same time, a source of relief to think of him now freed of his particular mortal fetters.
At many times of personal challenges in my life, reflections on days spend with Mike, especially the successes in Legislative Forum and the fun of High School antics, have served to lift my spirits and help me cntinue on in...

I've been putting off this task, not knowing at all what would be of comfort. But I will try, because it is important for you to know what Mike's friends thought of him. Looking through my high school yearbook, and finding his message brought a big smile. I had forgotten how he signed everything with Esq. His passing is a loss to us all.

Wayne Owen rules!

Mike was such a bright spot in my life, and such a great friend and example during high school. We shared so many interests and experiences: Debate, the High School Musical, the One Act Play, and especially, Legislative Forum. Mike always provided the best competition, and the best team support. His friendship was golden. I will never forget.

Mike and I grew up together, from age five through high school. I will always remember him as an especially kind and empathetic person. Even since childhood, he seemed to consistently try to find the good in others, a trait that most of us kids did not appreciate at the time (and one which we should probably all continue to work on). We had many fine days of "fort digging", sledding and skiing together, and those memories will last my life. I am so sorry at his passing. My very best...

Mike,

Its been many years since we laughed, joked, studied, and debated about anything and everything during heady days at "dear old Davis High". Your infectious good humor brought out the best in us all.

Our hearts and prayers go out to all your family and friends that sustained you over the years. Your spirit and our memories of times with you will remain a wonderful gift to us all.

Dear Penley Family,
I am sorry to hear of the passing of Mike. He will always be a bright spot in my memory of High school. I remember Mike and my brother Mark, trying to outwit each other, always with laughter. Please know that you are in our thoughts at this time of such loss.
Sincerley,
Michaelle Heath Gammell

To Mike's Family -
We enjoyed Mike's humor, ambition, brilliance, insight, independence, and creativity through our High School years, and have thought of him often. He was a good friend during those fun years. It is a great loss that his life was cut short in so many ways. Now he is free from some of those constraints so he can once again expand and explore his great potential.
Our thoughts are with you at this difficult time.