Mike was known by many of his friends as "Tuna." He was also well known for hiking the football over Mark Buckley's head during the muddy championship football game against Drake High that allowed Drake to score a two point touchback that won the game for Drake 2-0.
He was my first love and I watched him evolve into a college graduate and the last time I saw him he and his fiancee (later wife) were at Zack's in Sausalito on the night of my Bachaelorette party. I stayed in touch with his oldest sister and Mike had a career in the Marines and had three beautiful daughters.
Tragically, he was killed piloting a test helicopter that had mechanical issues along with his crew.
Last summer, I had a mini-reunion with his brother and sister, and all I can say is, Mike died a hero serving our country along with his crewmembers and I can't remember high school without remembering hugging Mike when he got off the team bus covered in mud and sweat but we were so excited and it was just a fun time to be a teenager.
Mike was a great friend. I spent a lot of time with him in football, wrestling and Hi-Y, and generally looking for ways to get into trouble. He got the nickname Tuna one day at football when Coach Payant said his blocking technique look like a fish, or a chicken, and I blurt out, "chicken of the sea... Tuna" and it stuck. Mike took the blame for the high snap in the end zone that resulted in a safety against Drake, but the punter...... Also, two other players missed two attempts at a field goals with seconds to play from a very short distance that would have won the game. All of us shared in the loss, to an inferior team, which still baffles me. Perhaps the victory over #2 state ranked South San Francisco the week before left us with too many key injuries...
I saw Mike several times after graduation on visits to Marin, and while he was a flight instructor in the USMC he flew a trainer to Texas to visit us. Mike was flying dangerous heavy lift Sea King helicopters off of aircraft carriers. I am very proud to have had him as a friend and think of him often.
When I recieved the news of Mike's passing it stopped me in my tracks. As John stated I rememeber the day Mike got his nickname "Tuna". All the TL games and matches we shared. The afternoons playing pool at his house.When I returned from my tour of duty we hung out together and I believe the last time we were together was at his Wedding. What a wonderful man Mike was and a true friend he was to all he met. God Bless you Mike for serving you Country proud.
Diane Deen (Toci)
Mike was known by many of his friends as "Tuna." He was also well known for hiking the football over Mark Buckley's head during the muddy championship football game against Drake High that allowed Drake to score a two point touchback that won the game for Drake 2-0.He was my first love and I watched him evolve into a college graduate and the last time I saw him he and his fiancee (later wife) were at Zack's in Sausalito on the night of my Bachaelorette party. I stayed in touch with his oldest sister and Mike had a career in the Marines and had three beautiful daughters.
Tragically, he was killed piloting a test helicopter that had mechanical issues along with his crew.
Last summer, I had a mini-reunion with his brother and sister, and all I can say is, Mike died a hero serving our country along with his crewmembers and I can't remember high school without remembering hugging Mike when he got off the team bus covered in mud and sweat but we were so excited and it was just a fun time to be a teenager.
John Weekley
Mike was a great friend. I spent a lot of time with him in football, wrestling and Hi-Y, and generally looking for ways to get into trouble. He got the nickname Tuna one day at football when Coach Payant said his blocking technique look like a fish, or a chicken, and I blurt out, "chicken of the sea... Tuna" and it stuck. Mike took the blame for the high snap in the end zone that resulted in a safety against Drake, but the punter...... Also, two other players missed two attempts at a field goals with seconds to play from a very short distance that would have won the game. All of us shared in the loss, to an inferior team, which still baffles me. Perhaps the victory over #2 state ranked South San Francisco the week before left us with too many key injuries...I saw Mike several times after graduation on visits to Marin, and while he was a flight instructor in the USMC he flew a trainer to Texas to visit us. Mike was flying dangerous heavy lift Sea King helicopters off of aircraft carriers. I am very proud to have had him as a friend and think of him often.
Larry Collins
When I recieved the news of Mike's passing it stopped me in my tracks. As John stated I rememeber the day Mike got his nickname "Tuna". All the TL games and matches we shared. The afternoons playing pool at his house.When I returned from my tour of duty we hung out together and I believe the last time we were together was at his Wedding. What a wonderful man Mike was and a true friend he was to all he met. God Bless you Mike for serving you Country proud.