I met Mike when he joined forces with my old friend and song writing partner back in the first Joe Kool line up, Rob Smith. Rob had just split from his old band Black Jack Cola and formed Cold Cold Hearts with Craig Dong on Keys. They added Scott Wong on Drums and Mike on bass to complete the band. They went on to perform many gigs as a top caliber cover band and through the years we always talked about doing a show together sometime. That day finally came and we managed to put together a show with the Joe Kool line up at the time, and Cold Cold Hearts. Little did we know but Mike's wife had been diagnosed with Cancer that was inoperative just months before the show. We talked about cancelling it, but then all the band members from both camps agreed to turn it into a fundraiser to help send Mike's wife to Houston Texas for a shot at a treatment. Mike worked in the television and film industry as a digital editor and one of his colleagues, Tara, got on board and we sold the event out, bringing in people from the tv, film and music communities. It was one of the best shows I have ever had the priviledge to have been a part of, and it was amazing how people come together for great causes and to help friends. Mike was so humble, he was not a part of the planning and was completely overwhelmed by the support and generosity of everyone. We purposely kept him from knowing until the night of the show as we all knew it was not in his nature to ask for help, but to lend it whenever you needed it. Unfortunately, although every effort was made, Mike's wife lost her battle with cancer and passed away. She was in her late 30's, or early 40's, leaving Mike and their 2 children.
Moving forward I kept in touch with Mike through the powers of Social Media and seeing him at some various shows Cold Cold Hearts played at. We always talked about music, hockey and comical anecdotes of being bass players. I learned from Mike how to put a positive spin on writing biographies for my band mates in Joe Kool and taking a leap of bending the truth, in a comical way, to keep people interested in reading them. He was always positive and encouraged me to keep playing. For that encouragement, I will always be thankful!
At my day gig, I occasionally cross paths with Rob Smith in the office. It was in the fall of 2010 that he informed me that Mike had been diagnosed with Prostate Cancer. At first I couldn't believe that a guy in his mid 40's could have it. To me this was an older persons Cancer, as my grandfather had it when he was in his 80's. Out of respect for Mike, only a few close friends knew of the situation. He went for the treatments and all through it kept a positive attitude and outlook. I only saw him a couple of times in the last year, but maintained contact through Robbie. It was Robbie who let me know just after my birthday in May, Mikey had passed away. Needless to say, it doesn't matter how much you prepare yourself and try to come to grips with it, it still is hard no matter what. My immediate thoughts were to his kids, who just less than 2 years before lost their mother, now have lost their dad. This affected me greatly as I am a father of 2 girls not much younger than Mike's.
As the days went past, I was asked to play at Mike's memorial and sit in with his band. This was probably one of the most difficult things I have ever done, but am very honoured to have done it. The day itself was very emotional and to see his band mates play one last time for him, was amazing. We only played a few songs, but felt a presence that was strangely calming. I really can't explain it...
Over the next few months I got together with Rob and Scott to hammer out some tunes along with John Laird over at Cold Cold Hearts rehearsal space. I guess it was a way to keep playing and part of the grieving process for Rob and Scott. Got a couple of magical moments on tape from those sessions. We would always take a moment and acknowledge Mikey and reflect on something about him.
As I said at the beginning, I do miss him and think a lot about him, his story (of what I know) and my own existence in this blip of time. I am now taking precautions and getting checked yearly for prostate cancer, as it does run in my family.
Sometimes I just hate the wake up calls.......
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