Michael's Memory Wall
We encourage you to share your most beloved memories of Michael here, so that the family and other loved ones can always see it. Share your favorite stories or comment on those shared by others.
Mike was definitely one of the good guys. He was a great leader who instilled confidence and inspired. Mike was a talented, patient, enthusiastic teacher who changed many people’s lives, including mine. A day does not pass that I don’t encounter something that I learned from Mike about birds, or plants, or appreciating nature. A few years ago, on a trail in west Michigan, we happened upon a plant that I had never seen before. American Columbo is a large, spectacular plant in the Gentian family. As our group continued down the trail, Mike cemented the COLUMBO lesson for me. He turned back toward us, and with an index finger raised and a twinkle in his eye said “Just one more thing!” I would give anything for just one more thing. But I am confident that I will be seeing my friend on every trail ahead.
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Nancy Kautz
October 2nd, 2024 at 2:03pm
As a member of Fernwood Botanical Garden, I enrolled both my son, Peter, and daughter, Sarah, in Nature Camp in the 1980’s. How fortunate we were to have Mike introduce our children to the wonders of nature that surrounded them. To this day, although in their 40’s and early 50’s now, they still often refer to the stories - and facts - that Mike instilled in their hearts. Thank you, Mike. And to his family, we offer our sincere condolences.
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Kathy Rossow
August 17th, 2024 at 10:17am
Mike was a driving force in shaping the person that I am today. His teachings, along with the vision at Seven Ponds, and all of the people that I came to know and love during my time there are without a doubt some of my fondest and most impactful moments in my life. As I searched for identity and an area of study that resonated with me in college, I recalled times at day camp as a kid and how happy I was to sit on the A frame bridge while we pished at nature center residents. These memories led me to pursue a degree in the natural sciences and eventually intern with the crew at SPNC in 2011. Mike (and the naturalists/staff) cared a lot about providing me with essential tools that I'd go on to rely upon heavily - one of the biggest being an ability to understand and communicate the importance of nature in all of our lives! His approach to outdoor education, stewardship, and general world outlook have stuck with me over the years, and I have repeated those lessons to myself and others over the years. Mike's legacy is that of timeless energy looping through the world - from the soil in beneath our feet and into the wingbeats of the red-breasted nuthatch. We love you Mike.
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Grant Clarkson
August 8th, 2024 at 11:27am
Mike was a kind, gentle and intelligent man. He was loved, respected and everyone I have met who knew him spoke highly of him. He left a lasting impression on our family as did Gayle and Alex. Our deepest condolences. The Tocco Family
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Joseph Tocco
August 8th, 2024 at 8:12am
Mike changed my life!! Because Mike took a chance and hired some middle-aged, nature nut, I was able to fulfill a dream I never thought possible. From the beginning, as I began my years as an intern, Mike taught me so much. I loved how science was so important to him. Mike would remind us to question sources and never take information for granted. And he made learning fun! Whether it was teaching taxidermy to his motley crew, taking folks to his favorite birding haunts, or a special protected fen to learn endangered plants, Mike had a gentle way of teaching. He has influenced so many and brought joy to a multitude of nature nuts. He will be remembered. He made Seven Ponds one of the premier nature centers of Michigan. All I can say is THANK YOU MIKE.
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Lois Rheaume
August 7th, 2024 at 7:38pm
For over 50 years, we have been honored to call Mike and Gayle, our dearest friends. So many good times filled with laughter and teasing. Mike teaching us about all things in nature: plants, birds, animals. We stood up in each other’s weddings. We’ve cried over each other‘s losses and rejoiced over good times. Within our hearts and our memories, Mike, whom we dearly loved, will remain with us always. RIP Mike.
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Mary Ellen Klein
August 6th, 2024 at 12:54pm
Growing up and having Mike and Gayle in our lives was fun. Mike had a laugh like no other person I know. His laugh could get you laughing. He was always so wonderfully nice to my sisters and I. When they moved back to area it was like picking up where we all left off. I will always have the good memories of Mike.
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Jennifer Corley
August 5th, 2024 at 6:24pm
Mike has been a friend and mentor to me, for almost thirty years. He helped me to understand and appreciate how ALL of God's creation is important. How it all fits together perfectly. I could never thank Mike enough, for all the knowledge he so willingly shared, sometimes several times in one day! I so enjoyed when he would say "Keep those questions coming!"
Tricia Thompson
August 6th, 2024 at 10:21am
