Hi Mike, This is Phyllis Cochran again. I'm sure you don't remember me, but like everybody else, I knew who you were. I, too, am very sad to hear of your health issues. All I can say is 'Hang in there!' because you never know what the future may bring. I live in Tempe and practice oriental medicine. Strengthening qi channels wouldn't hurt, and it might help. You are welcome to give me a call anytime. My cell is (480) 326-7570.
Thanks for that wonderful story, Ed. Don't forget when we would empty the cleaning spray bottles and fill them up with root beer. Those were some messy fights !
Getting back to the game in question- We played Westwood that night. We won !
Ed & I got to spend a little time with Hutch this week. As he's said, his body is failing him, but his mind & sense of humor are alive & well! We reminisced, sharing memories & stories from the last 45yrs. It was wonderful spending time together as old friends. We love you Hutch.
He allowed me to write this update as his own energy is waining. He enjoys reading all this site has to offer.
We're in hopes that he can attend our THS Class of '69 Reunion, October 24th & 25th. Gail, Vicki & I offer our services as R.N.s & we come cheap, right girls?
Thanks for the update Diane. I have a meeting planned with Hutch, this AM.
I am really looking forward to spending some time with him. I know that Hutch appreciated your visit, and conversations, immensely. Thanks for helping to bring him peace of mind, and fortitude in this journey he is taking. There is so much truth to the saying 'You can't make old friends.' I suspect we will all be learning that lesson in the coming years. I treasure my memories of my senior year in high school, and Hutch, stars prominently in them, as do you and the rest of the varsity cheer line. Hugs to all who read this
Thanks to all of you who posted stories about Michael. He lost his battle with heart disease yesterday, Oct. 6th He so wanted to go to the reunion. Your stories really meant a lot to him in his last month and he read them many times. I am sure he will be with you all in spirit at the reunion.
I tried to contact Mike after one of our reunions. Someone provided his email, and I reached out - below is his reply - sort of my story related to Mike, from him:
Aloha Mike:
Mahalo ( thank you in Hawaiian ) for taking the time to write me. It certainly brings back alot of memories.
We were pretty inseparable in 8th grade at Gilliland. I remember riding on the seat of my bike while you pedaled, and hanging on to you. I remember going to your house, and all the aromas from your Mother's sauces. I remember in 9th grade how you were bumped to JV in football because you were so big. I started to change into a basketball geek and we slowly went our separate ways. I thinkt that you started hanging with Goullad and that gang. I also remember our 8th grade band with Louie Chino. We were going to be the next Stones, except you were the only one who could remotely play an instrument. Do you still foolaround with the guitar ?
I am very happy that your life turned out as beautiful as it did. Kids used to pick on you because of your size, but you were always a gentle giant deep down inside.
Hello to you all....I am Annette Hutchings, Michael's wife of 17 years and the mother of our two fabulous children Danielle and Zachary. I am saddened to tell you all that Michael will not be attending your reunion. He is finally rid of his pain and has gone to a better place. Michael had been living with his family daughter, son and myself. It I a very difficult time for us all, and well as you. It is a very difficult to grab all the heart ache that one feels when a family member passes. I know that he has enjoyed all your updates.
Michael passed away at home, at 5:20PM Monday October 6th, with his son and hospice at his side.
Hey Mike, I have been reading how great of a basketball you were in high
school.I just want everyone to know that I'm the one who taught you in the
fifth grade. Go Jaguar
To MIke's family and classmates.I'm sorry for lost for the passing of Mike last week.Yestderday I posted on your message board [ not knowing that he had passed away] about us playing basketball in the fifth grade at Ritter in 1961.There were four off us[Mike,Ken,Glen and myself] we call ourself the Jaguars.We would play basketball at every break and lunch.Although I having seen or talk to him for over 45 years.I always remember him and always will.
We're glad you wrote in Al. We know Hutch would have loved the story of your basketball playing as kids.
There's a recent picture of Mike under the 'Look at us Now' tab on our site. It was taken just days before he passed.
I believe his family will find comfort & joy in any continued stories about him.
