from Gary Richardson upon learning of Michael's passing:

It is a shock to the system to learn of Michael’s passing, via FB no less. (And that goes for Rindy and Sondra, too.) Nevertheless, I am grateful that FB allowed us all to reconnect and share with each other once again over these last few years.

Michael was a dear WSHS friend and underground culture (as we knew it then) collaborator. In our senior year, together with Audrey Yanke, we imagined ourselves a teen “Mod Squad.” Neither Michael nor I are black (and Audrey wasn't blonde), but we did compete between ourselves for the role of Link. I think he ultimately won because he was so open to encompassing other worlds and cultures. Plus, he had the cool factor down or at least on display more than I.

Likewise, he could throw down some papier-mâché for a homecoming float, pull off a drag performance in the HS variety show and almost anything he set his mind to do including editing our HS newspaper.

I respond with great grief that we will not ever yet again meet each other in person, but I am filled with joy that we ever did in the first place. He was a beacon that helped me find my voice in my adolescence.

My condolences go out to his immediate family and his newfound family in Sri Lanka.

God only knows what pranks he has left in heaven.