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Michael C "Mike" Touchstone
Michael C "Mike" Touchstone
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Michael Touchstone Obituary
Mike graduated from Harriton High School and furthered his education at Hobart College, George Washington University, and Cornell University. He dedicated his career to service and worked for the Philadelphia Fire Department for 32 years, where he retired as the Deputy Chief of EMS. Mike was a passionate advocate for education in paramedicine, making significant national contributions by serving on various committees to advance EMS and fire leadership.
Known for his kind and friendly nature, Mike was a revered mentor, leader, and teacher to many. He was a spirited bourbon lover with a quick wit. He found solace in nature and spent his free time immersed in books and music.
In remembrance of Mike's life, the family requests that charitable donations be made to Philabundance in his name.
Mike leaves behind a profound legacy of unwavering dedication and kindness that many will forever cherish. He will be dearly missed by all who knew him. As we bid goodbye, let's toast to a life well-lived and well-loved.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Hugh Gleason
June 17, 2024
Dear Janet & Julie,
My name is Hugh Gleason I went to Hobart with Mike. We were fraternity brothers. I regret not reaching out to Mike sooner. Mike saved me after an accident.
In March 1979 on a Sunday after a weekend of frat shenanigans I was cleaning the kitchen. No hot water of course so I loaded up the pressure cooker to boil water to mop the floor. Huge industrial size pot. The whistle on top of the cooker blew so I came back and turned it off. Came back a few min later thinking it was ok to open. It wasn´t. When I popped the lock a huge bubble of boiling water drenched me from forehead to belt and each arm.
The kitchen was full of 19 to 22 year old boys. They were all just locked up staring at me screaming. Mike very coolly approached me and said he was going to take me to the hospital and everything was going to be ok. I will never forget that ride in his car as he talked me through it. Him telling me that me that I was going into shock helped calm me. If it were not for his calm and quick thinking who knows.
I recovered and was released after a week but I thank god that Mike was there.
I am sorry for your loss.
With great regret,
Hugh Gleason
Robert (Bob) Pisch
April 3, 2024
My sincere condolences to the Touchstone Family.
I had the pleasure of working with Mike during his early days at Narberth Ambulance in Lower Merion Twp.
As his Paramedic Preceptor in the field he was quite "spirited" back then but cared deeply about his patients while maintaining his patience during occasional quirky encounters and even during the train accident at Narberth Station on November 21, 1984. I was so very sorry to bid him farewell when he took a medic position in DelCo.
Years later while I was working for PA DOH, Public Health Preparedness his name would occasionally pop up resulting in fond memories. Then, one day, I was to be an evaluator during a Mass Casualty Exercise in Phila. There was Mike with a hearty handshake and his usual grin - the years melted away.
While our paths only occasionally crossed over the years fond memories remain.
May your fond memories of Mike carry you through this most difficult time.
Kathy Gannon
March 23, 2024
Dear Janet & Julie,
May it be a comfort to know that you are in my thoughts and prayers, and those of many others, as you mourn the loss of your husband/father.
Mike was much to many, a blessing indeed. His memory will live on...
May the peace of God be with you.
Harry J. Bannan
March 23, 2024
Dear Touchstone Family, my sincere condolences to you all. I have known Mike for 30 years. We worked together at the Philadelphia Fire Academy in the 90s and again in the 3 years prior to his retirement. He was exceptionally bright and as professional as they come. That is not what I will remember most about Mike. When I think of him, I will remember his kindness, his sense of humor, and what a truly good man he was. Again, my deepest sympathy.
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Heather Issvoran
March 22, 2024
On behalf of the Center for Homeland Defense and Security, I would like to extend my deepest condolences on your loss. Mike was an alum of our master's degree program. We will remember him with a plaque on our wall and in the next issue of Watermark, our alumni magazine.
Lisa Goldfarb Berman
March 21, 2024
Being one of my brother Dan Goldfarb's best buddies. My favorite memory was when "Mickey" drove me to Hobart College for the weekend when I was not asked to Prom in my junior year. May his memory be for a blessing.
Mike Ward
March 21, 2024
As the EHS Program Director at George Washington University, I worked with Mike as he completed his bachelor's degree on the "one course a semester" schedule. I think he started the program as a Lieutenant and was preparing for the Deputy Chief position when he graduated. I will miss our discussions on the "wicked problems" in EMS.
Years later I was the National EMS Management Association executive director when Mike was the NEMSMA president. Mike was bold and driven to make EMS better. This picture is from the Cambridge, Maryland, NEMSMA strategic planning session where the effort started to create the American College of Paramedic Executives.
Mike Taigman
March 21, 2024
Mike added a sense of calm and possibility to every room he walked into. When we were traveling across the country conducting listening sessions to create the agenda for the future of EMS in America, Mike was the only person who came to every session. He showed up early and was last to leave. It´s impossible to calculate the number of people whose lives have been touched, enhanced, or saved by his contributions. I´m going to miss him.
Brendan Kearney
March 20, 2024
Condolences to Mike's family and friends. He was the rational voice in the room, always with a smile, passionate about making EMS better-- enjoyed when our paths crossed through the IAEMSC or NEMSMA. Gone way too soon.
Brendan Kearney
Superintendent in Chief
Boston EMS (ret)
Kristen R Wittig
March 19, 2024
Only living houses away, we didn't talk much but always waved and smiled. Being in the same field as Mike allowed me to take a class at a conference and it didn't disappoint. Wishing his family hugs, prayers & healing during this sad time.
The Wittig's
Sharon Nilson
March 19, 2024
Having dinner with him at Duffys Tavern in Boalsburg and learning about Bourbon - just having an overall jolly good ole time!
Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family. He will be missed -
Sharon & Tim Nilson
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