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Michael William "Mike" Rose

Michael Rose Obituary

ROSE Michael "Mike" William Rose, 61, passed away suddenly January 30, 2009. Mike was born December 25, 1947 in San Antonio, Texas to Joyce De Ramus Rose and William (Bill) Rose. He lived most of his young life in Athens, Ohio where he continued his education after high school at Ohio University graduating with a degree in Journalism. Upon being drafted during the Vietnam War, he began an adventurous four years as a photographer's mate with the U.S. Navy VP5 Mad Foxes at NAS Jacksonville. After honorable discharge from the U.S. Navy he attended the University of Florida in Gainesville, Florida where he received his post-graduate degree in Journalism and life time love of following Florida Gator sports. From Gainesville he moved to Live Oak, Florida where he was the editor of the Suwannee Democrat. He returned to Ohio University in Athens, Ohio receiving another degree in Reading Education. He loved Florida and returned to Jacksonville to start his just short of 30 year career in teaching. He held teaching positions at many Middle Schools in Duval County before obtaining his most current position at Sandalwood High School. Mike enjoyed immensely his job of teaching students from many diverse backgrounds at Sandalwood High School. Mike is survived by his son, Wesley William Rose; ex-wife Laurie Peterson Griffin; husband-in-law Gerald (Gerry) Griffin; and special young friends Parker and Bailey Griffin. We will all miss you greatly. Family members and friends will gather on Friday evening from 6:00pm until 8:00pm, February 6, 2009 at Hardage-Giddens Edgewood Funeral Home (729 S. Edgewood Ave.) Jacksonville, FL 32205. A Memorial Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, 11:00am, February 7, 2009 in the Chapel of Hardage- Giddens Edgewood Funeral Home. The Memorial Funeral Service will conclude at the funeral home. Funeral arrangements are under the care of Hardage-Giddens Blanding Funeral Home (5753 Blanding Blvd.) Jacksonville, FL 32244. Please Sign the Guestbook @ Jacksonville.com

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Published by Florida Times-Union from Feb. 3 to Feb. 4, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Michael Rose

Not sure what to say?





Tony Deibler

March 5, 2009

Mike, You may not be here but you will not be forgotten! I believe in a God that takes all of us into his arms and you are certainly there now.
May your family find Peace in knowing you ARE a good man, friend and will be missed by all of us.

William Green

March 5, 2009

The Class of 1966 Athens, Ohio has lost a very special person in all of our lives. Ms. Rose and family, be it known that you are all in my prayers. I knew MIke very well and he was a great friend! I'll continue to pray for your family daily. "Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound, that saved.... one like me." Mike is with his God in Heaven.

Bill Balfour

March 4, 2009

Mike was a buddy growing up. We had many great times in high school. We continued that by rooming together while at OU. The last time I saw him was at the last high school reunion where we relived lots of old memories. You'll be missed old bud, rest in peace.

Nanci Jeffers Paulian

February 18, 2009

Wesley, I am very sorry to learn about you dad's death. I am one of his long-time Athens friends starting back at East Side grade school ( he loved Mad Magazine) all the way through four years at O.U.'s School of Journalism. Your dad was smart, creative and had a good sense of humor. It was great to see him at the last two class reunions. He seemed so happy to have a son to share his life and he loved you very much. Sincerely, Nanci Jeffers Paulian

Karl Kuehner

February 18, 2009

This is a condensed version of a five-page eulogy written by a friend of Mike's who does not have Internet access, posted with permission by Judy S.:

About a month after 9/11, I was sitting on the No. 2 stool at the Wall Street Lounge, when this skinny guy wearing glasses, with a lopsided grin, sat down next to me. I had seen him before, but we never had any conversation. I found out he was a schoolteacher and a Democrat. I told him I was a Nader-Raider Socialist, and he accused me of costing Gore the election. As the weeks and months went by, our conversations ranged from politics, religion (or lack of it), food, alternative energy sources, ex-wives, our kids, and later towards his favorite authors.

I disappeared for a year thanks to a quadruple bypass and recovery time. When we next saw each other, we started up the conversation where we left off a year ago -- cars, motorcycles, bicycles, boats, sports, and of course politics. When I got tired of Mike, I would announce in a loud voice, "Well, I'm going to European Street and visit with my other friends to have some intelligent conversation!" This always got a rise out of Mike as it was intended to. Actually, I was only going home.

Mike told me he was trying to learn Spanish from some of his Latino students, so one day I greeted him with "Hola muchacho." He indignantly informed me that muchacho meant boy or young man. So the next time I saw him, I said, "Hola el macho grande hombre!" He smiled, and thank God he didn't correct the grammar.

On Jan. 30, 2009, Mike gave me two articles about the Israeli/Gaza situation. He pointed out that he was beginning to see my point of view. I thought to myself, "It's about time!" I'd been working on him for almost eight years. He also said he was counting down to his retirement this year and that by the way, he might have a pizza tonight. A beer later, I announced, "I'm going to visit my other friends and have some intelligent conversation." I went home. Mike went to eternity.

Adios amigo! Adios el macho grande hombre!

Corinne Housley

February 8, 2009

To Mike's family, I knew Mike when I was a substitute teacher at Sandalwood High School for five years. We would talk about Ohio sometimes since I was originally from Akron, Ohio. Mike would always ask for me to be his sub, and when I needed some help from my friends he even wrote a nice letter for me. He was always very kind to me. He was such a nice guy and I know that he looked forward to retirement. We use to joke because he said he was going to retire several years in a row, but he loved his students so much that in the end each year he stayed on. I just found out today about his passing when I happenned to call another teacher from Sandalwood who mentioned it. I am stunned, and so very saddened. Goodbye Mr. Rose.

Tawny, Bruno, Daniel STEWART

February 7, 2009

Wesley,
I am so very sorry to hear about your Dad. He was a very kind and generous man. He was very proud of you and didn't hesitate to tell me how you were doing each and every time I would see him. My prayers are with you and your family.

Tina Vaughn

February 6, 2009

To the family of Michael Rose--

It was an honor for me to meet you this evening at the memorial and I appreciate you welcoming me. It was so important for me to let you know that I was there with Mr. Rose after the accident, that he was held in love and prayer.

I have kept him and all of you in my prayers since that evening.

I wish you peace and love--from what I know of Michael, you have happy memories to celebrate as you honor his life and the time you had with him.

Blessings,
Tina Vaughn

Andrea Moore

February 5, 2009

Dear Rose family,
My son attends Sandalwood High and was telling me about what happened. It is with great sadness to hear of your loss. May you find peace and comfort leaning on God.
Ryan Pitkat & Family

Mary Cohick

February 5, 2009

Wesley,
Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Sincerely, Mary and John Cohick

Beverly(BJ) Johns

February 4, 2009

To the family of Mr. Rose,

My prayers and condolences are with you for the loss of Mr. Rose.
I had the pleasure of meeting and working for Mr. Rose when he called the company that I work for to clean his house.

Mr. Rose was a wonderful, caring man, very easy to work for and was always very pleasant, I am glad that I had the privilege of knowing such a fine man and I will miss seeing him.

Mr. Rose,
Your love, life and memory will 4 ever live on in the Hearts and Souls of all that know and love you.

Donna Uffelman

February 4, 2009

Wesley,
We were so sad to hear about
about your father. I know that
he loved you very much, and be
sure he is with his maker now watching over you. Call me if
you need anything.
Donna Uffelman

Parker Griffin

February 4, 2009

Mr. Mike was always there for me i loved him so much it is hard to believe that he is at rest I will always remember the times that he brought me to suns and the jags games he was like a father to me I will always miss you Mike

Mary Pratt

February 4, 2009

To the family and friends of Mr. Rose, Unfortunately I did not know Mike, but sadly I was a car behind this terrible tragedy. I hope you will take comfort in knowing that your loved on was not alone in his last moments. It sounds like you have lost a wonderful father, teacher and friend. I am so terribly sad for you and your loss.

france breeden

February 4, 2009

hi im one of Mr rose student and i know Mr rose for 3 years and he's one of the best teacher I'll had I will miss him alot i just wanna say to Mr Rose Thank you for everything that you have done to me i will never forget the good time i had in your class with you and i hope that you are in the better place I love you so much Mr rose and I will always remember you as a good teacher a good friend and like a good father for all of us Thank you Mr Rose so much

Alligator Alley Tailgators

February 4, 2009

Mike was a very nice person and had a love to teach and was looking forward to retirement. He Loved the Gators and he will be greatly missed tailgating in Gainesville. So from all of the Alligator Alley Tailgators (Kevin, Mel, Dwayne, Jeff, Mike, Porch, Scott, David) We will miss you Mike Rest in Peace and GO Gators!

Lader McFadden

February 4, 2009

Wesley, you may not remember me, but my daughter and I will always remember you and your father at the Gator game against FAMU. He so graciously gave us tickets ,and we had a blast at the game. I have had the pleasure of knowing your father for the past 15 years and can truly say that it has been a treasured time in my life. My daughter's and my heartfelt sympathy is extended to you and your family. May the peace that is only found in the fondest memories of times spent together fill your heart. May blessings and comfort beyond all understanding be yours.

Donna Thomas

February 4, 2009

Wesley, I am so sorry to hear about your father. I remember what an involved and caring father he was when you were at St. Paul's. Such an intelligent and funny man.

Becky Brown

February 4, 2009

Mike will be missed by many. He was always supportive to everyone and would do anything that he could to help someone in need. He always had a smile and made you laugh no matter what he was going through.

Yvonne Blankenship-Mendoza

February 4, 2009

I had the pleasure to work with Mike for the past 4 years at Sandalwood in the ESOL department. He was a great help to me whenever asked to pitch in with anything regarding our students. He was a very kind and caring person that has left a great void in our department at Sandalwood High School. We will all miss him.

Judy Kauffer

February 3, 2009

Mike and I were friends way back when in high school. My deepest sympathy to his son. Mike will be missed from the Athens Ohio class of 1966.

Richard Rooker

February 3, 2009

Mike was a great teacher who I was lucky to have worked with. A guy you loved to hang out with. I'm proud to say he was my friend. Some of my fondest memories include skipping work to go to an afternoon baseball game and stoping by the "Co-Z-Corner" for a cold one. I want to extend our deepest sympathy to the Rose family. Richard Rooker and Family

Louann Niznik

February 3, 2009

Mike you will be missed at school by your students as well as the staff. I appreciated all your insight and humor over the years. May you be a peace.

kenny and teri kerr

February 3, 2009

To Wes, Laurie, and all the Friends, and Associates, Mike Rose, hometown, Athens, Ohio, .. Mike was an East Side Huskey, an Athens Bulldog, and OU Bobcat, a U.S. Sailor, (U.S. Navy Vet), a Fun Guy, but never a fungae, and a very good friend, and classmate of the AHS, class of 1966.. Here's to you Mike, we miss you already..Kenny and Teri Kerr, AHS, 66, USN 1968-72, OU 1975..Anchors Aweigh.. My Boy..Take care of Blackmore and Van Dyke

Judy Stein

February 3, 2009

Mike will surely be remembered for his love of baseball, politics, his students, old cars, contentious debates, a frosty mug of beer, and most importantly, his son Wes.

My condolences to Wes and other family.

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