Thursday, December 12, 2013
I wanted to say a few words about Michael. He was quite amazing in his own way.
I remember when I was about 10 years old, and we went to the CNE with Mom. Michael was 7 or 8. Tommy, I think you were there but I'm not sure. Dad wasn't with us. We took the streetcar down to the Ex and just after we entered the gate, Michael took off. We carried on and he just showed up about 2 hours later. He hung around for awhile and then just took off again. The CNE is a big place and there were thousands of people. I don't know how he did that. I would have been totally lost.
As you know, Michael had an amazing wrestling career. He went to many tournaments in Europe and he was ranked nationally at one point for his age and weight class. He almost made it to the Olympics. Eagen Bylor went, who Michael had beaten previously. That's pretty spectacular.
Michael had some pretty hard jobs, working in the mines up north, out west and even that job driving a big truck delivering lumber all over Toronto even in rush hour. I don't think I could have done that. Michael didn't care about money. Mary Kay, I think it was you who one time found a year's worth of uncashed paycheques in a desk door. He certainly wasn't materialistic.
It's very sad but I guess it's good that he didn't suffer and it was pretty quick.
I will not be coming back to Canada for the service,but I will go to the beach in Thailand and I will drink beer and Thai vodka and eat prawns and spicy Thai food in memory of Michael.
Jimmy
