Many of you recalled the lessons about EMS, and life, that he taught you over the years. Now, it’s time to share his wisdom — and please add to the list in the comments section.
- “I met Mike about 20 years ago at an EMS conference in Winnemucca, NV where he was the keynote speaker. Through the years I had intermittent opportunities to talk with Mike; he always seemed able to remember a person’s name and always willing to share his expertise on emergency medicine and education. What a loss to the EMS community.” - Jim Upchurch
- “Mike was a generous and caring human being who never talked down to anybody. Many times I’ve seen him take extra time one on one with class participants to answer questions or explain concepts in detail. His huge heart and willing spirit set an example for all his students. He touched many in EMS, building great clinicians and future leaders. In them his spirit will be carried forward to build his legacy. I will miss him a lot.” - Dan White
- “I taught with Mike for about 5 years at TCC in Tacoma in the 1990s. I learned not only how to teach from him but just how to be a better person. He showed me it was possible to balance everything - be a good educator, a good role model and a good parent all at the same time. It wasn’t easy but he sure made it look that way. My daughter spent time in our classroom as a ‘model’ for pediatric skills stations. Thanks to Mike’s influence, she is working as an EMT now and starting to teach.” — Lisa Hollett
- “Mike taught me above and beyond ‘people are people not just patients and should be treated as such!’” — Margie Bowlby
- “He took a younger eager medic and taught me as much about life as he did EMS. And when he felt I was ready, introduced me to others that could move my career along. That’s what Mike did. No matter the person, if you called on him, he helped you achieve your goals through teaching and mentoring. Mike loved his family. And if you were counted as a friend, that same love was given to you. That same heart was displayed with his willingness to help anyone. His heart was golden. Mexican food was his passion! Heck almost any food was! Rest well my friend. Watch over the 4 ladies that are the loves of your life. We will carry on and pass down the wisdom and passion you taught us.” — Doug Poore
- I-ntegrity
C-ompassion
A-ccountabilty
R-esponsibilty / Respect
E-mpathy / Excellence — Paul Edward Morris - “The first thing I ever learned from you was: You own it. If they learn you own it, if they don’t you own it.” — Leisa Tracy Pugsley