Michael J. Druse

So sorry to hear of your passing. You were so much fun when we were young. I remember when your family came to visit us in Lima, Ohio. We had alot of fun. I'm sorry I didn't get to know you as an adult. Love always your cousin Cheryl Bigelow Evanson.

Mike Druse changed my life.

On my fifty-something birthday late last year, someone asked if I felt older. Since my mid-forties, I'd typically politely sidestep questions like that because, frankly, every birthday felt like another reminder I had one less year to live.

But this time, the answer that came to mind surprised me even as I said it. I realized I was genuinely looking forward to the next year -- and in that moment, I also knew why.

I was fortunate to have spent a lot of time with my beloved father-in-law, Mike, over the last year or two before he passed. I witnessed him live life the best he could when it really mattered. He'd take action when he could but try not to worry about things beyond his control.

It had only taken me about twenty-five years (!) to figure out what he'd been demonstrating all along; you actually have to "make" the memories that are worth remembering.

And on my birthday, I realized I had another year to do just that. What a gift.

Thank you, Mike. I can't wait to realize what else you've taught me. I'll miss you.

From Rhett Keller---
I hired Mike in 2008 to work for me on the Tenke Fungurume Mine Project (located in the Democratic Republic of the Congo). This was a $2 billion project for Freeport-McMoRan (FMI - the largest publicly traded copper mining company, headquartered in Phoenix, AZ). FMI had placed orders for large mechanical, piping, electrical, and instrumentation equipment on all 6 continents. Mike's purchasing management experience at SRP made him highly qualified to visit manufacturing facilities worldwide and expedite (compress/shorten) delivery timeframes. Mike visited suppliers all over Europe, USA, Canada, and Australia (maybe more?) and did exactly what we needed him to do. He played a critical part in allowing Tenke Fungurume to produce first copper in March 2009, 7 months ahead of schedule! I met Mike for the first time in Frankfurt, Germany, and we visited several suppliers together in Germany and Switzerland. We became instant friends, not just because he was an excellent professional, but because of his great charisma and ability to connect with others. This is exactly why Mike excelled at being a Strategic Expeditor, because he quickly established a positive rapport with key management and they graciously accepted his requests to compress delivery schedules.

Later, in 2010, I hired Mike again for another FMI Project in northern Chile. The critical path for the project rested on the long delivery time of an order of vertical pumps manufactured in Belgium. Mike travelled to Belgium many times over the course of that year and again successfully compressed the delivery of pumps to allow the project to be completed in a timely fashion.

During that same year, I left FMI to work for BP in Washington State, USA. I invited Mike to come work with me again, and he accepted. We had so much fun working together everyday for more than a year, through all the ups and downs. His sense of humor and mentorship of my management and communication skills helped me to navigate many political complexities at BP. We played golf on the weekend, and Mike also came to my daughter's softball game -- of course dressed up in full ASU baseball gear! Mike cared about me personally, not just professionally. It was in Washington that I was able to meet Katie for the first time and we had a lovely meal at the local seafood restaurant in Birch Bay.

I left Washington for a job in Saudi Arabia from 2012-2017. I kept in touch with Mike during those years by email and phone. I will probably never receive more uplifting emails than the ones that Mike sent while he underwent cancer treatment during 2016-2017. I will never forget those emails. His pain and suffering, laced with wit and humor and cowboy chart, were palpable. I will never forget his poem, "The Night Before Christmas - Druse Style."

I came back to Arizona in September 2017. Over the last 7 years, Mike and I met various times for lunch and I even got to go to an ASU football game with him. Kimberly mentioned his aftershave smell during her part of the eulogy at the funeral. That will always be memorable for me too. When we found our seats at the ASU Football game, we crossed over 2 ladies. One of them piped up and said that she greatly appreciated Mike's aftershave; it reminded her of her dad. Well, it reminded me of my Grandaddy too; he passed away in 1997.

Thank you to Mike's family for sharing him with me over many years. His friendship and mentorship to me are priceless. With love, Rhett Keller

I remember hearing that Mike was very experienced and involved with large corporations and management of major projects. I decided to ask him what his key learnings and advice would be to leaders and executives. He shared wonderful stories and practical wisdom on how to be an effective leader and support effective teams. Mike was a great mentor always willing to give back and share what he believed was helpful and important to others.

thank you for your smiles, your humor, your comfort and friendship. Love you my friend-till we meet again. -Linda Hadlock

I was blessed to meet Druse thru Katie and I will remember one summer in particular - in Cayucos- he tried to teach me a card game cribbage maybe? Always with a smile, he always had a kind word- a tough but gentle giant of a man whose love for Katie, her girls, and his family you could see from outer space. Sending so much love to all his friends and family. May his memory ALWAYS be for a blessing.

Thank you for being my brother and best friend. You enriched me and those around you. You won't be forgotten. Love ya man.

Senior year high school, Drama Club. He was one of the Stars of the Senior Class play. He was the best Puck I've ever seen, and I've seen a few! He was what we called a "BMOC". Senior year at PHS was my only year....so my memories of Mike are few.

A Truer Friend a Man never had ! I purchased the land I live on here in Nutrioso because of Mike and Katie Druse. The first time time I walked in to Tal-Wi-Wi Lodge, they made me feel like Family, and I loved them both, like they were ! I will miss you my friend Capt. Mike !

I first met Mike in the 7th grade at Prescott Jr. high. The school had an annual talent show and Mike and I came up with a semi funny act. I was a ventriloquist and Mike was the dummy. He sat on my lap and I fed him one liners. We were shocked when we didn´t win. We were legends in our own minds. Although we didn´t see much of each other in the later years I always considered Mike a close friend.

I remember the day I met Mike! I was with my dear friend Kt, his beautiful wife in San Diego! His smile lit up the room. He was full of compliments and kind words to all of us. I´m so sorry to hear about his passing, he was a very special man sending lots of love and prayers to his wife and family. I love you, Katie.