Michael Dennis Lumby II

Our beloved son and devoted brother, Michael Dennis Lumby II, "Mikey", joined the Lord on Tuesday,September 16, 2014. His spirit lives on through his immediate family: his father, Michael Dennis Lumby, his mother, Paula Ann Lumby (Francek), and his sister, Danielle Marie Lumby. His memory is shared by his grandparents: Joan and Arthur Burre, Ken and Wilma Francek, Frances Lumby, Dennis and Rosi Howard and his many aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Michael was born in August 8, 1990 in the beautiful setting of the United States Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs, CO. The blonde haired, blue eyed boy with the cheeky grin quickly seized the spotlight in the Lumby family, an affectionate child with never-ending loving hugs and sloppy kisses!

As a military "brat" he lived in Italy and several areas of England and was a visitor of many other countries to include Germany, Switzerland, Portugal, France, Scotland, Republic of Ireland, and Northern Ireland. He loved to experience other cultures and meet the many interesting people who crossed his path, and his ability to immerse himself in each new city was uncanny. His favorite city was New York, saying that it was "the most incredible city in the world".

Mikey had ability for sports at an early age. He had natural finesse, the kind that many athletes spend years perfecting. His sports talent included playing English football in the midst of the cold Yorkshire hills, playing baseball with the Catholic Youth Organization baseball league, being one of the littlest but most tenacious members of his middle school football team, and enjoying the teamwork and camaraderie of the Randolph Air Force Base Youth Bowling League. He thrived at every sports endeavor he tackled.

It wasn't until he picked up a golf club at the age of three, that he was hooked. He was a natural at the sport with the most beautiful swing imaginable, perfect alignment of the shoulders, and timed rotation of the torso - perfection! His massive strength had him outdriving men with many sporting years over him, and he quickly grew into a beast of a golfer, with a long drive unmatched by many seasoned in the sport. He was so passionate about the game that high winds, extreme heat, torrential rain, or snow wouldn't keep him off the course.

As an adolescent, he won the Junior Golf Championship at Sonterra Golf Club and went on to compete in numerous San Antonio Junior Golf Association events. As an adult, he joined the Golf Channel Amateur Tour where he won a qualifying event that took him to the Golf Channel's National Amateur Championship in Palm Springs, California. There, he won the Longest Drive competition and directed his golf focus to the world of long driving as part of the Long Drivers of America. In early 2014, he qualified locally at the Long Drivers Competition at Mesquite, Nevada. In July 2014, he competed at the local RE/MAX Long Drivers Competition at the WinStar Resort, Thackerville, Oklahoma, where he advanced to the regional after driving the ball 369 yards in fierce wind. His efforts took him to the fourth round of the regional competition, of which we were all very proud.

Above all of this, the most endearing moments in his golf life were those that he spent with his father, Mike. His birthday every year was highlighted by their annual golf trips, and there was never a course the two did not try to conquer as a team. The time they spent together was eagerly anticipated, and they shared a unique love on those serene and beautiful fairways that continued to reinforce the bonding between the two. His father also found joy in showing him the cowboy way of life, and Mike would light up with every adventure outside city limits. There was never a more cherished time between father and son.

Mikey had a special bond with his mother, Paula Ann. The two were very close, and one could even describe him as coddled and spoiled by his mother's love, which he owned! He was especially loyal and protective of her, being nothing but a gentleman. His love, sensitivity, and respect were evident in everything they did together, whether visiting new cities or sharing stories over long Italian dinners and glasses of wine. He had extreme loyalty and protection of his mother; they were and continue to be inseparable.

Mikey adored his big sister, Danielle. As loyal friends and confidents, he sought Danielle's wisdom and trusted counsel on many occasions. When he was a little boy, he regularly participated as a key principal in her Christmas plays, and as a student in her endless "school" sessions. One Christmas, he entered her Christmas play in a Batman costume, obviously believing it was fitting for the occasion! He played his character brilliantly, wanting to make his sister proud! In his later days, the two spent many fun times attending Round Rock Express baseball games, as well as music festivals every year in Austin. No two siblings were ever closer.

He also loved his friends and the many adventures they enjoyed. He had unbreakably strong bonds with his school friends, work associates, and everyone that he met throughout his life. There was never a person who met Mike who did not consider him an instant friend. His charisma and personality were infectious, and everyone loved to be in his company. His incredible and brilliant comedic timing brought groups of people together with happiness.

On his last family vacation to Florida in 2014 he reconnected with his love of the simple life, learning from and helping his Uncle Buddy on his farm. He enjoyed the animals and had a special connection, proven when he reigned in an unruly mule by the name of Mable, where he was able to calm her down to avoid harming herself. During that trip, he forged a strong fondness for a horse named Big Man, and proudly donned a new pair of cowboy boots and his Dad's cowboy hat, wearing them everywhere. In this environment, he was a far cry from the city boy in the suit or the golfer in the neon colored golf shirts!

His love of animals resonated beyond a visit to the farm. He adored his rescue dogs, Grace, Riley and Torrey. The bond he had with his beloved canine friends was unmatched. They were his source of support, his comfort, and his playmates well into his adult years. Their loyalty to Mikey was amazing to observe; it brings the Lumby family comfort in knowing that Riley, the strongest bond of the three, welcomed him into heaven.

At Christmas 2013, a family visit to the Big Apple reinforced his desire to pursue a career in finance. He loved New York City and all it had to offer. The subway, Little Italy and the Empire State Building was surely in his future. He often remarked about working at the New York Stock Exchange, as he was fascinated with the stock market and shared his stock tips with his mother, who trusted his spot-on instinct. He discovered an interest in business after attending UTSA for a year and a half. As such, in 2014, he was accepted into Texas State at San Marcos, Texas, where he was pursuing a degree in Business and Finance.

Beyond golf, Mike enjoyed music and cooking. He was a self-taught percussionist, mastering drums, piano, and his favorite, the guitar. He attended many yearly music festivals with his sister and friends, including South By Southwest and Austin City Limits. He was a natural cook, with plates filled with passion and love. He loved Italian food, imported and IPA beer, and good wine. His heart and passion for life was unmistakable, evident through his fearless and extreme sense of adventure. He had a distinct style in dress and wore a suit with the best. There was never a dream too small or unreachable. There was just never a person as special as our Mike.

He always told us he loved us, always.