Michael Gavula

Uncle Mike

I always appreciated your interest in me, your kindness, and good nature. In my career you have been an inspiration, you are a hero and a patriot, you will be missed, and I will cary only the greatest respect and loving memories of you for the rest of my life. Sleep at peace in the company of heroes in a place of honor you have earned, I look forward to visiting you in the future, thank you for living the life you did for all of us.

Dear Michael and Linda,

I am so sorry for the loss of your dad. My thoughts are with you and your mom all day today.


Live thy Life,
Young and old,
Like yon oak,
Bright in spring,
Living gold;

Summer-rich
Then; and then
Autumn-changed
Soberer-hued
Gold again.

All his leaves
Fall'n at length,
Look, he stands,
Trunk and bough
Naked strength.

Dear Michael and Linda,
I have so many good memories of your dad's generosity and his good-natured skepticism about things like the claim that some people can actually taste the difference between expensive champagne and affordable champagne. There was a blind-fold test he orchestrated one holiday season and although I don't really remember the results, I remember the experiment was a lot of fun, as were so many of the times I enjoyed in the home he and your mom welcomed me into.

Dear Hilde, Michael, and Linda,
We're holding you all in our hearts these days. Diana and Eddie will always remember Mike as a grandfather who was there when their granddads could not be! Fondly, and with sadness for your loss, Jennie, David, Diana and Eddie