My summer of motorcycle vacation hasn't even started yet, but I can say that from here it can only get better. Last week, my best friend in the whole world (other than Weez) died of cancer. Mike and I had known each other since about 1973. He was my best man in '81. (1st marriage) When he moved back to Mentor in the late 70's, he stayed with me at my farm during a very cold winter while he searched for an apt. for Nanci and Stacy. That led to what our friends dubbed "condo city". Lots of nights of card playing, drinking, and my introduction to Patty O'Malley-one of the nicest people you'll ever meet and an all time favorite person of mine. Mike had the oppurtunity to move to Charlotte, NC in about '83 to buy a Goodyear Service Center and that eventually led to three more over the course of about 25 years. Mike was the kind of person who you might not hear from in five years, but pick up the phone and give him a call, and it's like you spoke a week ago. Want to go for a visit? - no problem. He and his wife Fran didn't even have to think about making you feel at home- you just felt like you belonged. Fran has had a tough road over the last 6 months. Nobody should have to go like this, and at that age. As much as I was dreading a funeral - let's face it, nobody looks forward to one- this was a bit different. A nice chapel service, and everyone over to Frans for a party to celebrate the life of Mike Hook. As I left, she gave me a big hug for coming, which made me feel like I was one of the special people in thier lives.
Thanks Mike - We'll all miss you.
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