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Michael Rems Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Michael Rems
Tony Rems
December 25, 2007
It's Christmas Day. Our Christmas tradition of Christmas morning at our house and then Christmas dinner at Mom and Dad's has changed to Christmas dinner at our house. However, your absence looms large at the holidays, even more than most other days.
Not a day goes by that I don't think of you and hardly a day goes by that Nathan doesn't tell me how much he misses you.
Christmas time is a time for family, and we so wish you were here.
I love you so much Dad.
Merry Christmas.
Jay Sheckley Rems
December 13, 2007
Thinking warm thoughts of Christmas with the whole Rems clan. Memory seems to bring us so near! A toast to good cheer and a zillion sparkling kindnesses. Now we can never pay it all back, so we shall endeavor to pay it forward.
In joy, we share the Light.
Thank you, thank you, Mike...and brother Pete and dear Marion, all together again, awaiting Christmas morning. Bless this sweet and valiant family- brilliant grandkids, earnest cousins, and Grandma Connie. You are loved, and love is for always.
Norma Rems
December 11, 2007
Gone, but NEVER forgotten......
Remembrance is a golden chain Death tries to break, but all in vain. To have, to love, and then to part Is the greatest sorrow of one's heart. The years may wipe out many things But some they wipe out never. Like memories of those happy times When we were all together. ~ Author Unknown
Nathan Rems
August 31, 2007
Grandpa,
I miss you very much. We used to do everything together in our old days. I miss you, Grandpa.
Love,
Nathan
Jessica Smario
July 26, 2007
Dear Grandpa,
I love you. I miss you. I wish you were here.
Love,
Jessica, your granddaughter
Norma Rems
June 17, 2007
Happy Father's Day, Dad. Thinking of you and missing you very much on this special day.
Nathan Rems
February 27, 2007
Grandpa,
I miss you so much. I wish you could take me to the movies and buy me Thomas trains again and go to McDonalds. I miss you, Grandpa.
I love you Grandpa.
Love,
Nathan
Darrel Beerbohm
February 14, 2007
I was Officer in Charge of the Point Heyer at Base San Francisco 1971-1973 while Mike was there. I would go to the Bay area often after I retired in 1976. Mike and I would always have lunch somewhere in Alameda on these visits. I always enjoyed our visits. I will miss those visits in the future. My wife and I want to express our sympathy to the family.
Dawn McArthur
February 12, 2007
It is with great sadness and a deep sense of loss that I have learnt this day of the passing away of Michael Rems. I have never physically met Mike, but knew him for many years from playing cards on a poker site and chatting on messenger. My condolences to his wife Connie whom he truly adored and his family which he loved. For you he is an irreplacable loss, but fortunately you have a multitude of many great memories to lean on. He will be missed.
I too, am from Australia...Lake Macquarie. Dawn McArthur
Christine Taylor
February 11, 2007
I only found out to-day that Mike had passed away and it has rocked me so deeply. I represent another part of Mike's life the site that he dealy so loved to play and that was Pacific Poker where he was loved by all and respected as a loyal family man. I had the pleasure of chatting to him on IM and although I had never met him personally I did talk to him on the phone when I was visiting San Fransisco last October.I am from Sydney Australia so his friendlyness reached far beyond the shores. To his wife Connie, his family and many friends my heart felt condolences go out to you all. The world has lost a magnificent man and true loss to everyone
Norma Rems
February 5, 2007
Happy Birthday, Dad!
Even though you are physically absent from our lives, you are still so much a part of everything we do. Tonight we are going to dinner with Mom and the Smarios to one of your favorite restaurants. The last time we were there we were celebrating Mom's birthday. We had such a great time! Then you guys came back to our house and we sat by the fire talking and drinking a good red wine. I miss those times. I miss you. We're sending your gifts up to you tonight, so look out for it. We know how much you love your presents! :) Happy Birthday, Dad. I love you!
L. G. Vrana
February 3, 2007
I was with Mike in Long Beach and on the Pontchartrain.. My family stayed with you Sep 1972.. also Mike had dinner with us in Juneau when his ship was there... A good friend indeed..
L. G. Vrana
February 3, 2007
L.G. Vrana
Nathan Rems
January 27, 2007
Grandpa,
I've been thinking about you. I love you Grandpa. Thanks for all the chocolate ice cream. You gave me Thomas trains, and took me to the movies and to McDonalds even when it wasn't open yet. I'm so sad without you. I give you besitos I miss you and you gave me a little doggie that I love. I am having a birthday party at Chuck E Cheese. That's everything I am thiking of in my mind. I love you.
Love, Natey Boy
Peter & Diane Smario
January 14, 2007
Our families were united on December 18, 1994 when my son, David, married his beautiful daughter Julie. Mike and I agreed that day that the deaf world was gaining a dynamic new couple. And how very true that has turned out to be.
Our new relationship began slowly but steadily gained momentum as his larger than life gregarious personality would overcome my 'close to the vest' shyness. He would always engage me in a gracious, polite, respectful manner where we found our common ground in our love of our wives, our children and especially our grandchildren.
This past Thanksgiving, as we sat across the dinner table from each other, and after having poured all of us a glass of a newly discovered 'favorite' wine, he raised his glass and said in a 'toasting saulte' how much he loved me. I was overwhelmed with his gesture and knew immediately that he and I had opened a wonderful new chapter in our relationship that would draw me in ever closer to his relentless charm.
On the afternoon of December 9th, when we received the phone call from our oldest grandson, Jacob, that grandpa Mike had suddenly collapsed and died, I felt the shock and then the sorrow that my new best friend was gone. Gone but definitely not forgotten. So Mike, I now find myself sitting once again across the table from you, but this time I lift my glass to you and say... I love you too best friend. See you soon.
Sandi Mentzer
January 11, 2007
Mike was always so full of life and interested in everything. I still can't believe he's gone. My heart goes out to his beautiful family. God bless you and I hope you take comfort in your wonderful memories.
With love and sympathy,
Sandi Mentzer
Jay Sheckley Rems
January 11, 2007
He liked puns, he liked people, people liked him.
He went to Spain, met the most beautiful woman in the world, married her in Italy and devoted his life to her, to building a home and family.
He was like a big kid, but there he was running around with his grandkids all the time, grinning.
Mike Rems was exactly what a man should be.
My heart goes out to those lucky enough to see him every day. Connie, kids, I am so sorry. I want to see you all. We will make this world the great place Mike believed in.
Joshua Smario
January 10, 2007
My Grandpa loved me and my whole family. I know we all had a special place for him in our hearts. If I could hear him one more time, I know what he would say, "Give me a besito." or "Josh, come watch me play poker. I'll teach you".
My Grandpa was so free spirited that if he could go to one last vacation, he'd be speeding down the road to Las Vegas with Grandma saying ... "Slow down!"
One of many good qualities that he had was that he was entertainment. If everyone was bored, he'd put smiles on in a flash. Whenever I spent the night at Grandpa's house, he always knew the coolest shows like "Do You Want To Be A Millionaire" or "Deal or No Deal".
When Grandpa left, it felt like a little part of us went with him. We were devastated, but we will never forget him and we will always keep a special place for him in our hearts. I will always remember December 9, 2006.
Mike's 11 year old grandson
Jessica Smario
January 10, 2007
Grandpa
My Grandpa wasn’t just a grandpa. He was a very, very special friend. We all loved him. We could laugh, talk and play with him. He was the best Grandpa a Grandpa could be. I wish I could hug him on last time. If I could, I’d be the happiest girl in the world. We all love him. I miss him so, so, and so very much. I loved him so, very, very much. He was so loveable. He truly was the best Grandpa ever.
You don’t know how much I love him. Even thought he embarrassed me sometimes, I still loved him. Everyone loved him and his sweet tooth. I remember when I was about three years old, I’d tell him, “Oh, go to sleep, go to sleep.” Then, I’d run over there and pinch him and say that it was the boogieman. We would do that all the time, but I stopped when I was about 6 years old. Whenever I came over to his house, he would be sitting on his chair, watching TV, and he would say, “Come and give me besitos.”
Grandpa was so brave for joining the Coast Guard. He truly was a great, wonderful, and everything, wasn’t he. He truly loved the love of his life, Connie. Everyone loved him, especially the love of his life, Connie. He never loved anyone more than the love of his life, Connie, and his family, and they loved him! I am sure that every single one of us are terrified about Grandpa Mike’s death, because it is very, very sad. Even I cried, because it is so, so very sad.
For sure no one is happy about Grandpa Mike’s death. I mean who would be. It is so, so sad. He was the best Grandpa ever. I loved him so much.
Mike’s Granddaughter, Age 8
Brian Berlinski
January 9, 2007
I remember meeting Mike Rems at California School for the Deaf, Fremont, when DeafHope hosted a Magic Show. Mike and I quickly found something in common to talk about - I believe it was about building houses, haha. He made me feel listened to, and I remember being impressed with his gentle spirit.
Dan & Carmen Smith
January 9, 2007
As Norma's family and God-parents to Mike's grandchildren Nicole and Nathan, we were able to enjoy Mike's comapany at the Rems family get-togethers. Although the times were few, it was very clear that Mike was a fun loving, passionate
man who adored his wife Connie, was extremely proud of his son Tony, daughter Julie, and LOVED all his grandchildren very much!
Lisa Silva
January 9, 2007
To the family of Mike, I was introduced to Mike back in 2000 while I was employed at Globe in Palm Bay FL. I worked the night shift and one night needed his help. I smile in admiration, but we got off on a bad note as he was busy and I was VERY confused. At the time he was quick to tell me he was very busy. Well needless to say, that within several minute he called back feeling horrible and apologized and we made up and from that point on we became the best of friends.
When I left Globe in 2004 he and I remained dear friends. During some recent trials and when I lost my house during the 2004 hurricanes, he was ALWAYS there cheering me on and checking on me. Telling me and I quote: "You are one of the strongest people I know". When my son was stricken with brain cancer January 06 it was Mike calling me and writing me continuously asking how things were going, sending heart felt emotional support via the phone and email. Who else do you know who can do that, and you feel it all the way across the US? I only know one, HIM!
So one day in November after he retired I called the house and asked "Are you bored yet" and he laughed "Are you kidding? Bored ? Me ? Hardly. You know at 68 and 65, we spend most of our time going to Doctor's and Dentists." "I am enjoying the extra time I have with the grandkids, Connie and my family" and he went into the dentist story with me, how he had found a semi-retired dentist because it was expensive for his dental work. I cracked up, only him. Then he told me of Jacob getting his black belt and Josh getting his in December and he was taking Nathan and Jessica to see FLUSHED. So he shared his love for you all with all of his friends.
We have exchanged countless emails and jokes. Its automatic to this day that I click on "Rems,Mike" to forward a joke, write a letter, or send AVI commercial that is hilarious. I have so many pictures of all of you, his grandchildren, and the recent vacation in Spain and holidays or accomplishments pictures. Tony when you bought your new house I was linked to it immediately :)
He was proud and loved each of you so very much. I feel so privileged to have been touched by a fraction of his admiration and affections.
I miss him tremendously, and my imagination can not comprehend your loss. My deepest deepest condolences and always always remember and feel his love. He gave it so naturally to you all and I believe everyone around him.
Rajugopal Murugasu
January 8, 2007
Mike has been a good friend and colleague of mine while working for Globe Wireless ,nodoubt we have not seen each other but we still shared a bond.
With Deep Condolence
Dave Young
January 8, 2007
Mike was quick with a joke and more often than not, he had a big smile to greet you.
He was fiercely proud of his family.
I will miss his great sense of humor and I will miss him as a friend.
Maria King
January 8, 2007
There are not enough words to speak of my co-worker Mike Rems. He was a wonderful co-worker and a great friend.
Mike and I used to work together coordinating vessels for the Asia Region. During our workday, Mike would speak with great pride about all his grandchildren and always shared lots of photographs of them.
Mike will be missed a lot and will always be remembered.
Jacob Smario
January 8, 2007
Grandpa Mike was the greatest grandpa I could ask for. He was everything that a perfect grandpa is. Before he died, I was supposed to go to themovies withmy firend. At the last minute my friend called and informed me that he cancelled the trip to the movies. Granpa Mike was angry at my friend for canceling. So, instead we put together Grandpa Mike’s retirement present, which was a wine cooler. It was fun and I spent a lot of time with him. Also I was proud that I helped put together one of his favorite gifts. After he died, I was glad that my friend cancelled our movie trip.
If there were one word to describe him, it would be “benevolent.” The reason I chose this word is because benevolent means kind, and when I thought of the word, “kind”, I’d think of the word, “King”, and Grandpa Mike was both. He was very kind, although sometimes grouchy, but he was also like the King of the family. He would always be sitting on the chair, which would be similar to a King sitting on his throne. And he would always be the boss of everyone. Everybody looked up to him.
Before he died, I got to spend an entire month at his house. I am glad I spent that time with him. Although he is gone physically, he isn’t gone spiritually.
Long live the King!
Jacob Smario, Grandson, Age 13
Trevor and Jeanette Fagerskog
January 7, 2007
We will always cherish the memory of Mike and the time we spent together. We always enjoyed having Mike and Connie over for dinner with family and friends. We enjoyed great food together, great zinfandel and swapping stories. We recently celebrated his son Tony's birthday visiting several wineries in the Livermore valley, wine tasting and picnicking; it was an awesome day and still fresh in our memories. Many of our friends who met Mike at our parties always told me that they thought Tony’s Dad is a great guy. He truly was. We will miss you Mike.
Trev & Jeanette
Andrea Berry
January 7, 2007
I met Julie's parents at several special occasions such as CSUN graduation. They both were so extremely proud of Julie's accomplishments, and you could tell they were very blessed to have Julie in their lives. Her dad was a very warming person, with big smile and sparkling eyes.
It's never easy for those left behind, but when you lose someone so senselessly and unexpectedly, we all feel the shock. May it helps to know how many of us share your sorrow and stand with you all in your time of need.
My condolence.
Norma Rems
January 6, 2007
My father-in-law was a wonderful man. He welcomed me and Nicole into his family with open arms. Since then, we have shared many great times together. He was there when we were married, and there for the birth of our son and when Tony formally adopted our daughter. At each of these events, my father-in-law cried because he was such a sensitive and sentimental man. It is now us who shed tears for him...our Dad, our Grandpa, our friend. We miss you, Dad and we will love you always. Thank you for the times we shared together. I will cherish them always.
Nicole Rems
January 6, 2007
Michael Rems was a good grandfather to me, my brother, and our three cousins. I loved him a lot. I know he loved me a lot too. I met him for the first time when I was four years old. After meeting me and getting to know me, he treated me with compassion, love and understanding. He was a fun, nice, and caring grandfather. I have missed him a lot and will take his memory with me throughout my life.
Tony Rems
January 6, 2007
My Dad was more than just a father to me, he was an amazing grandfather to my kids and a good friend. We had a wonderful year together last year, swimming in the pool with the kids, wine tasting or just one of the many dinners we shared as a family.
He was a man who would do anything for the people he loved. We felt his absence so strongly over the holidays, and we miss him so very much
I love you Dad.
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