Michael David Nielsen

Mike Nielsen Eulogy

I met Mike my senior year of high school. Jesse Riggs introduced me to his core group of friends which included the Nielsen brothers. At first, Mike didn't seem to like me. He actually told me straight to my face, I don't think I like you. I think he was still sizing me up and wondering why I was now coming around every day at lunch to his turf, that specific group of benches in the Yucaipa High School quad. After about a month or two of me being around, I began to feel Mike was now starting to accept me as one of the permanent fixtures in their group. Soon after Mike and I began hanging out much more and developed the beginnings of what was to be a great friendship.

After the care free days of high school, most of us were still living with our parents trying to figure out what we were going to make of our lives. Mike had a sense of urgency to be independent and began working full time right out of high school. He rented his parents old house on Douglass St. in Yucaipa which became our go to hang out. Over those next few years Mike and I grew extremely close as we realized we had a lot in common. If I wasn't in class, I was likely hanging out at Mike's house. Mike welcomed me at all times without question. I could never over stay my welcome with Mike. I even had an official bed to crash in so I wouldn't have to take the long 4 block journey up the street to get home. I never had much money during those times given I was going to school full time, but Mike always took care of me. Whether it was taking me out to lunch, picking up the entire tab at our frequently attended hookah bar in Riverside, or funding our biggest joint vice, Skoal chewing tobacco, Mike always had me covered. Mike was selfless in many ways and money was one of them. He valued his close friendships much more than money or material things.

Some of the best times I recall with Mike were those days we were both off during the day, which for me was most days. I would of course be at his place and we would just sit on his couch all day watching movies or something on the Discovery channel which was his go to for entertainment. We could both do that all day long and be perfectly content. Just being in each other's company was enough.

Other great memories I have with Mike were on the many summer trips to the river we took with Mike, his parents, Tom and Melinda, Matt and Ryan. Just like Mike, his parents always took care of me as well. I guess the apple doesn't fall far from the tree. The Nielsen family treated me like I was one of their own and for that I'll be forever grateful. Mike was a bit more mature than Matt, Ryan and I at that time and usually stayed clear of the shenanigans we would get into at night. We usually would just give Mike the recap of what occurred the night before and he would just shake his head with a big grin on his face and say you guys are idiots.

I eventually moved onto New York to finish up college. Mike and I weren't much for long phone conversations, so we didn't speak much while I was away. But, whenever I was home for fall, spring or summer break, we would seamlessly pick up right where we left off. Whenever heading home I would call Mike up and let him know when I was flying in. I could call Mike hours before I was taking off and he would always drop what he was doing or adjust his schedule to make time to come get me. I could always count on Mike to be there when I needed him.

As the years past, I had to unfortunately begin working full time and join the real world, which meant I came back to California only a few weeks out of the year. One thing that never changed was my close connection with Mike. Whenever I came home, Mike would come over and we would pick up right where we left off. It's going to be hard to come home and not have Mike around. Home really isn't complete for me without having my best friends there with me.

Mike, you will forever be missed my friend. Heaven now has a new Angel to look after us. You will forever be in my heart and will always be my best friend and my brother.

Mike, I've been thinking about getting rides home from school in your Bug... the way we leaned forward to get enough momentum to get it up the big hill. One time you bought new hub caps, and by the time we'd gotten to school most of them were laying on Yucaipa Blvd. One of them even flew off hit another car. We made a lot of memories together. I'm glad you were a part of my childhood. You were your own person, and your friendship meant a lot to me. I'm sorry to see your life taken from you at such a young age. You and your family will always be in my heart.

See you on the other side of the stars little brother... ❤

if heaven and earth were connected by land you bet me and you will have this conversation but you're in a better place lil bro, never thought i be writing this about you, from the first day i met you inside Vikings breakroom in Fontana it was like white on rice, now i look back we had so much memories not only at work but in our personal lives, from fishings trips, cookouts, bbqs, birthday parties and whatever elses i make sure you be invited, Shannon and my boys Nicholas Nathan and Noah loved you dearly, we've came a long way from where we start, I told you you are aiga(family), I hope I do right with you Mikey...
I know you love pepperoni pizza hot pocket and a cold Dr.Pepper, love fishing and do crazy things behind close doors so you aint no angle with those damn blue eyes....lol...you're a hardworker,kind hearted, humble, and a good looking guy should i keep on bro....lol....till we meet again brother I see you when i see you...
Mikey can you believe i didn't use any foul language??? I see that killer smile bro... I LOVE YOU MIKEY

I'm sorry we didn't speak as time went by .I asked my dad every week how you were doing. He always talked about how much you worked and how good you were doing. I'm sorry I didn't get to share how much of an amazing man you grew up to be. But I'm not sorry about being able to spend so long with you and Matt when you were little. Watching you stand on the roof with an umbrella in your hand-- yelling at me you were going to jump and that you were going to float. Thankfully, your mom and Tom showed up and yelled at you to get down (lol), or chasing you through the house with Matt, and exploring our backyard. My favorite may have been putting you and Matt on a snow sled on the top of your bedroom stairs and watching you both fly down the stairs and shutting the door at the bottom and hearing you groan and laugh, wanting to do it again. You did some of the funniest things when you were little! I could not have asked for a better baby brother. You were always quieter than Matt, and sensitive. Your heart was always genuine. I will forever cherish the memories. I love you little Brother..

RIP Mike Nielsen Mikey you were always such a ♥sweetheart always to me & the boys and Fulu loved you so much, he always thought of you like his Son, a Son he always wanted to protect!!! Thank you for always being there to talk with Fulu and for taking our boys Fishing , Noah remembers it like it was yesterday, catching that big Catfish. You will be dearly missed SON!!! We were looking forward for your trip out here to visit us here in the Lone star state of Texas!!!! I just couldn't believe that 10 days after talking to Fulu on your Birthday you were gone. I remember that day when Fulu was talking to you on the phone and I came in asking him in my supervisor voice, Who you talking to Fulu? & Fulu said, it's Mikey & today's his birthday & I said to you,Happy Birthday Mikey when you coming to Texas? & you said This Summer. Well Son Everyday is summer Vacation now, we will see you when we see you and catch up then, we'll catch up on some more fishing so make sure you save us a spot at the best fishing hole in heaven Thank you for being such a blessing to your Bro Fulu whom I know you'll watch out for from above.. until we meet again bro we love you Mikey ♥
love ❤ always the Tuiasosopo Family... Fulu,Shannon,Nicholas,Nathan & Noah
♥♥♥

I love you Michael, more than words can say..... My sweet nephew, who had a quiet, loving spirit. I cherish the memories of watching you grow up. Your cute smile and blond hair running to Aunt Terri's house to tell me about your latest adventure at neighbor Chip's house. I loved playing games with you and Matt, and entertaining getaways to a movie and pizza. Our river trips were so fun. You enjoyed the challenge of doing donuts on the Seadoos without tipping over. We always shared a great love of cats. One of our recent conversations was about your crazy cat Pumpkin and some of her antics. The smile on your face was priceless. I will always remember our last meal together just a few short weeks ago at Olive Garden, and how excited we both were to dig into that chicken fettuccini! Uncle Dell recalls how much he enjoyed sitting across from you and the talks about your work and life. He speaks of you often and misses you too. As the family gathered together in the days after your passing, Tom and I spent several hours on the couch reminiscing about your life and how much we miss you. Your cat, Pumpkin, was amazing as she moved from my lap to Tom's and back again.purring and loving us up. It was if you were right there with us, telling us it's gonna be ok. I know you are waiting for us in Heaven, with Daisy by your side, watching out for all of us from above and sending special love to your mom, who misses you so very much. Until I see you again, beloved Mikey, rest easy in the Lord's arms. You will be in our hearts and thoughts forever.

Much Love,
Aunt Terri and Uncle Dell

I love you Michael, more than words can say..... My sweet nephew, who had a quiet, loving spirit. I cherish the memories of watching you grow up. Your cute smile and blond hair running to Aunt Terri

Going to miss you bro

Michael, words cannot describe the pain of loosing you. My beautiful child you grew into such a kind man. I will cherish the time we spent together and all our talks. I will miss your little texts, your sweet smile, and your little laugh at just about everything. Rest with God. I sure do miss you. I love you Michael.
Mom