In Memory of my Buddy Mike

This is for my buddy Mike, who passed recently. I didn't know Mike for a long time. But you would swear I did. After he moved away for work we still kept in touch. Mike was Awesome! The kind of person you would be lucky to meet once in a life time. It was my honor to be called his friend and neighbor. Mike loved life, his beautiful wife and his awesome family and pets. He was a gentle soul. I got my first digital camera about a month after I met Mike. These are some shots from that short time we were neighbors. I wish I had more experience with my camera at this time as I am not crazy about these pictures. But for memories they will do. I love and miss you Mike and I will forever. I hope to meet you again one day.

Michael A Kratz (June 15, 1948 - Jan. 14, 2010) It was an honor to be your friend. Rest in Peace Buddy! I miss you! Mike was that once in a lifetime friend. It was an honor for me to be his friend and neighbor. Mike was just awesome. I don't get close to people in such a short time as I had done with Mike. Every night we would meet outside with the dogs, have tea or coffee and play with the dogs, solve the world's problems and just shoot the breeze. In the mornings, Mike would knock on my door to see if I was awake yet and we would have a cup of coffee before he headed out to work. I had just moved into my apartment, on Mike's birthday and the rest is history. He has a lovely wife Laura, who is just as awesome. And 3 daughters whom I never met, because they have their parents genes these women must be just as awesome. I did however, meet his two furry daughters and they were and my furry son were best buds.<br />
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this is my second post today, I couldn't concentrate on my photography or anything else today, so I made this collage of Mike, using the photos I had. (I had just gotten my first digital camera as you can see in the photos.) Mike was supportive of me learning photography. Actually he was supportive and encouraged me to do whatever it was I wanted to do. He helped build and put the ramp outback so I could go out into the back yard. (Major thing for me!)<br />
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Rest in peace Mike, I will remember you forever! The world lost a hero, friend and an awesome person. Your light will shine brightly in the heavens! I'll look for you there, until we meet again!

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Michael A Kratz (June 15, 1948 - Jan. 14, 2010) It was an honor to be your friend. Rest in Peace Buddy! I miss you! Mike was that once in a lifetime friend. It was an honor for me to be his friend and neighbor. Mike was just awesome. I don't get close to people in such a short time as I had done with Mike. Every night we would meet outside with the dogs, have tea or coffee and play with the dogs, solve the world's problems and just shoot the breeze. In the mornings, Mike would knock on my door to see if I was awake yet and we would have a cup of coffee before he headed out to work. I had just moved into my apartment, on Mike's birthday and the rest is history. He has a lovely wife Laura, who is just as awesome. And 3 daughters whom I never met, because they have their parents genes these women must be just as awesome. I did however, meet his two furry daughters and they were and my furry son were best buds.

this is my second post today, I couldn't concentrate on my photography or anything else today, so I made this collage of Mike, using the photos I had. (I had just gotten my first digital camera as you can see in the photos.) Mike was supportive of me learning photography. Actually he was supportive and encouraged me to do whatever it was I wanted to do. He helped build and put the ramp outback so I could go out into the back yard. (Major thing for me!)

Rest in peace Mike, I will remember you forever! The world lost a hero, friend and an awesome person. Your light will shine brightly in the heavens! I'll look for you there, until we meet again!

animals dogs Elly fauna friends Jasper Libby Mike Kratz people pets 2010 181 laura_kratz caity meggie

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In Memory of my Buddy Mike