Michael A. Renshaw Sr.

I am saddened to hear of Mike Renshaw's death.

In my experience, Mike's style as a newspaper Editor-in-Chief, was an appealing blend of tough, strict and discerning, tempered by a hefty dose of fairness.

After relocating to Bucks County, I was working at various weekly newspapers before sending my clips to the Bucks County Courier Times, a local daily Newspaper.

I will never forget my Job Interview with Mike, along with another applicant. I had already been pre-interviewed by two other editors. Mike's hiring decision was to be the last word.

During the interview, Mike questioned us while sitting behind his sizable desk projecting an expression, that to my mind, seemed so weighty, it unsettled me.

I sat rigid alongside the other applicant, as Mike asked each of us if we considered ourselves a reporter or a writer. I told him that I considered myself both. The other person answered similarly.

I can still feel how my jaw muscles ached with tension because I was applying for a job as a BCCT reporter and wasn't sure if Mike's question was meant to be a trick question.

After we both answered, Mike stared, unblinking, for a moment, regarding our strained demeanor, then his expression suddenly but briefly changed. Without a doubt, Mike appeared, as if, despite himself, he was trying desperately to conceal a laugh, The fleeting micro-expressions flowing rapidly across his face betrayed him.

Mike quickly regained his formidable stony visage, then waving a hand in the air, told us we were both hired. Phew! At that moment, Mike was like a genie granting me a wish.

I worked at the BCCT for about a year and a half before moving to another newspaper in Philadelphia. My time at BCCT was a valuable experience.

R.I.P Mike.

Shaun Stanert

Mike Renshaw was a great and beloved friend of our trio, His friendship, his wisdom and his talents were part of what made Peter Paul and Mary "tick". Mike and I were co-organizers of many peace-seeking efforts, appearances and marches and we co-wrote a powerful song of peace "Fair Ireland". The words were all his and I wrote the music and it appeared on one of Peter Paul and Mary's albums.

Mary Travers had no more generous or devoted friend than Mike. He became her editor for the many op-ed pieces that she wrote and he was a huge source of encouragement to Mary who braved the challenges of writing poetry and prose with confidence and beauty, to a large degree because of Mike's support. She trusted his taste and his judgement implicitly and, as did Noel Paul Stookey and I.

We valued his friendship as a fellow "tilter of windmills", yet Mike was also pragmatist, reliable and and solid as a rock, At the urging of Mike, and with his assistance, Mary wrote an extraordinary series of biographical essays that became a book, "A Woman's Words" that Mike edited after her death. It remains a beautiful and important part of the legacy that Mary and Mike left us all.

I loved Mike like a brother and we shared some of the most meaningful experiences in my life. I shall greatly miss Mike's unbridled enthusiasm, his generosity of spirit, his delightful sense of humor and his dear friendship. He was, in many ways, a co-keeper of the flame that united, inspired and supported me and Peter, Paul and Mary for many decades.

May his memory be a blessing to us all.
Peter Yarrow-May 15, 2019

Simply the best!!! The world was much, much better with you in it. Thank you for your genuine friendship. I shall miss you.

Meeting Mike Renshaw was one of the nicest things to ever happen to me. He was a very special guy and I totally admired his love of life. For Mike, there was always a pot of gold at the end of every rainbow. He was also quite the magician and I remain in awe at his amazing slight of hand. He was an absolute master and at some point, I gave him the moniker "Mr. Whimsy". I will truly miss Mike, but I take comfort in believing he is smiling down on all of us. Knowing Mike, he would want the "Magic" to continue. Peace, Donna

Very sorry about the loss of Mike. So many stories came full circle around Mike. Like how we ended up working at the same company; how he Initiated an autograph photo sent to my friends Dad from Frank Sinatra, How he hired my brother at the Courier, I even remember being a 12 year old kid sitting on my bike on Valley Rd and watching the production of a scene from Arnolds Wrecking Company. Then more recently at our friends Bob and Deb where every New Years eve he would show me one of his latest magic tricks. He was trying to teach me one of them as he knew of my interest in magic. Unfortunately I learned so much more about him now after his passing. He was a good guy and will be missed by many. Mike & Kathy

Mike may you always rest in peace. You were a strong young man always and through your later years you brought more joy to all of our lives with your humor and straight forwardness. When God decided to take you home he was quick about it but we will treasure every moment we had with you both at home and nevis. Salute!!! We love you Mike Anne and Bud

Jean, We are so sorry for your loss. I think of you often. You & your family are in our thoughts & prayers. xo

My best buddy...a colleague who was defender of good and servant of the Truth. Foto of Mike and I in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico. To Renshaw family a big abrazo

Most of my memories of cousin Mike are from when I was a kid going to Gertie and Art's house. Mike was always a cool guy to me and my brothers. We loved getting his and Bernard's old toys. We were the talk of the neighborhood when we got their old English racing bike. My Dad was always proud of his cousin's journalistic accomplishments and especially of his friendship with Peter Yarrow.
We will miss you at the cousin's reunion, Mike, but know you'll be there in spirit. I'll make sure to pour you a glass. Our thoughts and prayers are with Jeanie, Mike and Jennifer.

We are very saddened by the news of Mike's passing. He was a good neighbor who always had a smile on his face and a funny story to tell. His magic tricks for trick-or-treaters at Halloween, his get-togethers with our neighbors at the tiki bar, the Memorial Day parties and fireworks on the 4th of July. We will miss you Mike. Our deepest condolences to Regina, Mike Junior, and Jennifer. - Steve and Bernadine Weng

We are so very sorry for your loss !