David Graves
Where to begin? Met Mike at MSU, and we quickly bonded both through mutual friends (Kevin Chiarizzio, Jon Lindsey, and others) and through our shared zany sense of humor. Mike played the piano for my wedding, as well as both my sisters’ weddings. He was the type of guy who could make you bust a gut w/laughter w/a single (usually highly cynical) comment or by rapid-firing one of his many non-verbal gestures. I remember a particular instance where he visited me at St Francis Hospital (summer ’85-ish), where I was admitted for an intestinal virus. He not only visited but almost got both of us kicked out for opening one of the “do not open” windows! I also remember several serious discussions we had on family, faith, and just life in general. Mike was a special person, and I only wish I had stayed in touch better when I moved away from Memphis in ’92. I was able to reconnect a couple of times when I visited — the last time for a family meal at Dixie Cafe on Poplar. I have a pic and will post it when it’s located. I was saddened to hear of Mike’s passing. The world is a bit darker w/out him, but my life is much brighter for having experienced a small part of his life.