My heart breaks for the loss of "Doo-ggie". What an incredible friend and passionate soul he was. I met Mike through the guys on the annual golf trip to Missouri. He quickly engaged me and made me to feel among friends. Mike was one of those who didn't stop there, he cared. He was quick to check-in, wanted to know how life was going, cared about the influences, successes and obstacles of life, and also recognized the value of friendship by sharing of his own journey. Mike modeled servant-heartedness to me and always witnessed his faith, patience and endurance, even through the hardest of times these past few years.
I will never forget the tenacity of this man. When on the golf course, his back wrenching him in pain, he persisted in trying to find a way to swing through it, play on, and even when absolutely impossible, staying on the course to be "one of the guys." I will never forget his tenacity to advocate for himself, when the medical sciences were seemingly at their end in each direction he turned, he was there researching what was next, collecting and maintaining his records, and convinced there would be a breakthrough, if not for him, through him for others. I will never ever forget the look on his face as he returned from his Honor Flight, wheeled along in his chair by his daughter, receiving the reception of hundreds, maybe thousands, thanking him for his service, recognizing him for his battle, and celebrating his heart as a hero.
I told Mike "I love you, brother" numerous times, not because it is a new age way to great or say good bye to each other, but because Mike helped me come to know what love by and for a brother really means. See you soon, "Doo-ggie," hit 'em straight. I love you!
James Baty
February 27, 2026