Mike was killed in a motorcycle accident in Yellowstone Park where he had a summer job. He was very talented musically, especially playing the piano. Mike was the first person to introduce himself to me when I moved to Topeka and started school in the 8th grade. He made my entry into a new school much easier, and I have always appreciated his helping me. I still think of him from time to time wondering what his life would have been like, had he lived.
I remember Mike very well, actually beginning in kindergarten. I think of him still whenever I have graham crackers & milk - with the grand kids these days. He had a great sense of humor & the best laugh ever!
Mike and Gwen lived across the street from me when we were growing up. We were together almost daily until till I moved to another house in 5th grade. Mike and I remained friends through college. I remember the day he was killed in Yellowstone as if it were yesterday. I still think about him and miss him. He was the brother I never had. This picture was taken a few months before he left for Yellowstone.
Mike was (and Gwen is) a dear friend. We entered the music department at Washburn together after graduating from HPHS. His kindness and empathy for the frustrations we were going through as new music majors were invaluable; but most of all his sense of humor pulled us through as we prepared for ear training and music theory classes as well as performance juries. He is sorely missed and I think of him often.
Mike was the best!!! He was a big part of my life growing up and I'm so thankful for that. Mike always had the best personality and his smile was wonderful. I so wish he could be here with the rest of us on our upcoming 50th reunion. Mike was someone you would never forget, he loved to make you laugh! He will always remain someone that stands out in your memories.
Mike, Gwen and I grew up together. I cannot think of school, music, church, Brownies, and many other activities, without memories of Mike (and Gwen). I think the most fun in high school we had was when we did "Fiorello!". There were many other wonderful times and I, too, remember the day Mike died. It was just not true. What a fine person he was. I will be seeing you again, Mike.
This is from Mike's sister, Gwen. I am living in New Mexico and won't be getting back to Topeka this year for the reunion. I have read and appreciate your thoughts about and memories of Mike.
Bob Dennison
Died in 1966
John Manley
Mike was killed in a motorcycle accident in Yellowstone Park where he had a summer job. He was very talented musically, especially playing the piano. Mike was the first person to introduce himself to me when I moved to Topeka and started school in the 8th grade. He made my entry into a new school much easier, and I have always appreciated his helping me. I still think of him from time to time wondering what his life would have been like, had he lived.
Daryle Hensley (Coleman)
I remember Mike very well, actually beginning in kindergarten. I think of him still whenever I have graham crackers & milk - with the grand kids these days. He had a great sense of humor & the best laugh ever!Dianne Wilder (Gibb)
Mike and Gwen lived across the street from me when we were growing up. We were together almost daily until till I moved to another house in 5th grade. Mike and I remained friends through college. I remember the day he was killed in Yellowstone as if it were yesterday. I still think about him and miss him. He was the brother I never had. This picture was taken a few months before he left for Yellowstone.
Linda Maag (Perney)
Mike was (and Gwen is) a dear friend. We entered the music department at Washburn together after graduating from HPHS. His kindness and empathy for the frustrations we were going through as new music majors were invaluable; but most of all his sense of humor pulled us through as we prepared for ear training and music theory classes as well as performance juries. He is sorely missed and I think of him often.
Janell Greer (McPherson)
Mike was the best!!! He was a big part of my life growing up and I'm so thankful for that. Mike always had the best personality and his smile was wonderful. I so wish he could be here with the rest of us on our upcoming 50th reunion. Mike was someone you would never forget, he loved to make you laugh! He will always remain someone that stands out in your memories.
Marci Fuller (Huffman)
Mike, Gwen and I grew up together. I cannot think of school, music, church, Brownies, and many other activities, without memories of Mike (and Gwen). I think the most fun in high school we had was when we did "Fiorello!". There were many other wonderful times and I, too, remember the day Mike died. It was just not true. What a fine person he was. I will be seeing you again, Mike.
Gwen Byers
This is from Mike's sister, Gwen. I am living in New Mexico and won't be getting back to Topeka this year for the reunion. I have read and appreciate your thoughts about and memories of Mike.