Michael Thomas Conklin

A dear, long- time friend has left us. He, with his quick wit, gregarious laughter and zest for life, has left us with numerous happy, and long-lasting memories. Mike trained as an RN at St. Louis's old City Hospital and earned his nurse practitioner certification along with a handful of other dedicated professionals providing care for underserved populations in and around the St. Louis area. He was an outstanding nurse and educator to those most in need during the early days of the HIV/AIDS epidemic. Watching the 'light bulb' go on in his patients' eyes, as they finally found someone with an amazing talent to break down a complicated syndrome in an understandable way, never lost its novelty. His ability to engage with anyone, anywhere, anytime about anything was his superpower. He also served in the Army reserve as Lieutenant Colonel, always returning from a summer assignment with stories of providing care for people in faraway places, many of whom never had access to health care, and he loved every minute of it. The interminable Irishman loved hanging out with friends and co-workers at local haunts, always having yet another laughter provoking story no one had heard before. He could out talk even the most challenging oratory opponent and had an opinion, typically ending with a punch line, on everything. His legacy as a compassionate nurse, educator, and vibrant personality will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.

Most Sincerely with love,

All your co-workers and friends at Washington University School of Medicine (AIDS Clinical Trials Unit)