Editor’s Note: In one of those unfortunate twists of fate, during Op Reconnect, while Bob Thompson and Pete Avis were trying locate some of their fellow recruits from R Flight of Brant 6 Squadron, Bob found out sadly that Michael had passed away on the 4th of April, 2017. The obituary is reproduced below from the Green’s Funeral Home website in Port Hawkesbury, Nova Scotia. Judging from the comments in the Guestbook, it appears he left an indelible impression on not only his Classmates but many others as well. The following is a comment made by Les Rogers who worked with him at PAC Worldwide, a custom packing manufacturing company in Ohio:
“One of the greatest I've ever met. A great mentor, a great inspiration in life, a great friend, and a teacher of so many things to me personally. He was tremendous as an employee too. We/I miss him everyday. He'll be missed for many years. His teachings will be carried with me for many years. I'm a better person for knowing him and even better in life because of what he's shown me. The ultimate example of what a great person should be! You will be missed my friend, rest in peace.”
Bob notes that Mike, or Snowy as he was known to his Classmates, was always about understatement in his words. He made his statements through his actions as a supportive roommate, friend and competitor, although his leg injury obscured that aspect of his personality. Clearly, that competitive spirit manifested in his on-track racing, based on what I can glean from his obituary. He was modest, unassuming, thoughtful and a caring person. He was definitely someone who was uncomfortable having a fuss made over him.
snowy, lower left, along with his fellow recruits from r flight 6 squadron at pete’s dad’s place. in the back is chuck donohue, and then ray mackley (crutches), guy “killer” killaby, al raymond, wayne “hoy” hirlehey, wayne “booner” boone, and pete avis (with cat)
in scarlets - snowy (middle) with hoy (wayne hirleyhey) and bob thompson
His Beloved Lotus Europa, like the one pictured here. IAN percy noted that he once drove with snowy to toronto, and remembered looking “up” at the truck hubcaps on the 401!
michael in racing jacket, along with another enthusiast tom Fraelich at Hutchinson Island, Savannah, Georgia (from the green funeral home website)