Dearest Family and Friends,
It is with sadness and joy that I write this letter. Mike was diagnosed with prostate cancer five and half years ago and has been battling recurring metastatic cancer for the last five years. We have had wonderful doctors and he has gone through every available palliative treatment.
Our lives these past years have been filled with the happiness of noisy Powers family get-togethers, trips across country (driving of course!) and the joy of quiet moments sitting on our patio watching “our” sunsets and wildlife in our backyard. We have truly enjoyed every precious minute of these last few years.
If there is one description of Mike it is that his biggest love in life has been family. He always worked his schedule around being present at the multitude of baseball, soccer, football, and basketball games for the boys, and gymnastic and diving meets for the girls. His second love was coaching our sons (and countless other boys) in baseball – from T-ball through summer college leagues.
He spent our sons’ college years and then their pro-baseball years driving around the country to see them play baseball and his happiest weekends were when he could watch two boys in the same vicinity and drive back and forth to see four or five games in one weekend.
These past years have had the added joy of having all of our grandchildren nearby. Mike loved having them spend the night and crawl into bed with us in the mornings, taking them out to breakfast, attending their baseball, soccer, football and basketball games as well as dance recitals and gymnastic meets, and all the other millions of things that grandchildren do to bring so much joy.
We are entering the last few days of having Mike with us and his faith has been strong throughout. We have spent time praying together and have shared intimate moments of faith as well as shared memories of our 45 years together and our wonderful family.
All of you know Mike has always had an infectious laugh and his Irish sense of humor and wonderful personality have drawn others to him. So as we close this chapter, I would like to invite you to enjoy a few pictures we’ve posted and help us celebrate his life by sharing any memories you might have.
Our family joins me in thanking all of you for all of your prayers and support.
With love and prayers to each of you,
Missy and Family
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| Baby Mike with Mom and Dad |
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| Baby Mike |
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| Riding a horse, age 4 |
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| Brothers and sister, Carmel Beach 1970 |
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| Mike, Dad, Brothers and Beloved Mother and Sister 30 years later |
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| Mike standing in front of the "dugout" and the batting cage after first game - UC Santa Barbara, May 1970 |
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| Mike posing, last few minutes as Gaucho #4 - UC Santa Barbara, May 1970 |
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| As Mike wrote in our album, "The Impossible Accomplished" - Mike during the second game with a whole package of Conwood Chewing tobacco in his mouth. Note: Bob Royster in the foreground. UC Santa Barbara, May 1970 |
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| Mike and Missy at the baseball stadium, San Francisco Giants, Decatur, IL, 1971 |
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| Mike and Missy wedding, November 1971 |
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| Mike (center) and brothers Dave and Steve- Circle K baseball, summer 1975 |
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| Greg's baptism, Carmel Mission 1981 |
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| John's law school graduation, San Diego 2004 |
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| Visit from Seattle and Boston cousins, 2009 |
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| Mike and Jeff, Tyler's baptism |
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| Tyler's first birthday |
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| Tyler's first birthday |
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| Hangin' in the pool with the grandkids |
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| Mike and Missy at Tyler's first dance performance |
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| Tyler's first soccer game |
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| Thanksgiving 2010 |
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| Carmel Beach |
Missy and Valerie,
ReplyDeleteI am so so so sorry to hear this news.
Valerie ... In all the times I have ever been near your dad, I don't think I ever some him not smiling. Infectious laugh, for sure. In fact, now that I take time to think of it, everything I have always loved about you, I see in him. You have his sense of humor, natural smile, likeability (if that's a word) and strength.
There is something so special about Daddies and daughters - I don't doubt that Dave and Abby have the same connection as you and your dad, me and my dad.
I hope you area able to be with him as much as possible and I hope that he is pain-free and in peace. One thing is for sure - if anyone in this world has anything to be proud of, it's your dad. What a beautiful family he has raised and hopefully you can smile knowing that his heart must be absolutely full of joy.
Love you and miss you Valerie. Please send my regards to Jeff, as well. Would love to see you next time I am in Arizona.
Take care,
Carrie
What a wonderful collection of a wonderful life! My thoughts and prayers are with you and your amazing family. May God be with you and bring you peace. Love to you all!!
ReplyDeleteJanelle Hicks
Thanks to all our friends who have been so kind in providing us with comfort, kind words and prayers.
ReplyDeleteA huge, heartfelt THANK YOU goes out to you all. God Bless!
John Michael Powers, Jr.
My heart goes out to everyone reading this blog and to all those affected by this. Uncle Mike is the most generous and welcoming man I know. I was lucky enough to meet him and his amazing wife Missy, their five wonderful children (and spouses), and their adorable grandchildren, when I moved out to Arizona for college. Go Sun Devils!!! ;)
ReplyDeleteUncle Mike is my dad's first cousin (or if you want to get technical; my grandfather's brother's son).It is because of him, and his family that I was able to survive so far away from home during my four wild years in college.
One of my first memories of Uncle Mike was when he and Missy picked up my parents and me from the Phoenix Airport. I remember feeling so overwhelmed about starting college, being in the hot desert and nervous about transporting all of my luggage; but the second I saw Uncle Mike's cheerful smile I was able to relax. I'll never forget the ride back to their beautiful house in Scottsdale, in his big explorer, with the AC blasting, watching the first of many breath taking southwestern sunsets.
I can recall several holidays/birthdays, or Sunday family dinners that I was lucky enough to attend. Besides the exquisite home cooked meals, the conversations were all so natural and fun. Not only did us Powers’ look alike but we all have such similar personalities.
I especially enjoyed when Uncle Mike would dig out our huge family tree that was literally as long as the dining room table. It was so cool to learn about all my ancestors and actually put faces/memories next to the names I used to just read.
It was because of Uncle Mike that I also had the coolest, bright red 1995 BMW. He some how talked my dad out of purchasing me a safe/reliable clunker because he insisted that I needed to fit in out there by driving a nice looking vehicle. He couldn’t have been more correct! Every time that car needed work, Uncle Mike was so generous to lend me his Mercedes! One time I was borrowing it I got a parking ticket and another time some idiot backed into me in a drive thru. I almost died of a heart attack both times but when I told him about each instance he just laughed about it. He assured me that that stuff didn’t matter and as long as I wasn’t hurt…the rest can be fixed.
During my senior year I was in a bad car accident and was hospitalized for a week because of it. It was even harder being so far from my immediate family then, but Uncle Mike and Missy and their kids stepped up more than I could have ever imagined. They brought beautiful flowers to brighten up my room, magazines and snacks to help past the time, and thoughtful cards wishing me back to a full recovery. They visited me as much as possible which meant the world to me.
It is for all of these memories (and then some) that I will be forever grateful for. I have yet to get back to Arizona and even keep in touch with my Arizona relatives which I regret more than ever now. But I just wanted to let Uncle Mike and Missy and everyone else know that my family and I are all thinking and praying for you all during this difficult time. We miss and love you more than words can describe.
XOXO x infinity
Elise Powers
My heart breaks to hear about Mike. You are all in my thoughts during this time. What a wonderful family! I am blessed to have known such loving people. Continue to remember all the great memories, and celebrate a life well lived.
ReplyDeleteLove always,
Kent Cunneen
When I think of Mike I think of his smile and infectious laugh, amazing wife, incredible children and grandchildren and his astounding love of family and GOD! I recall many a good time and laughs he provided us at many gymnastics functions. Those were some fun times!
ReplyDeleteMy thoughts and prayers are with each and every one of you every step of the way. Thanks Missy for your beautiful tribute to Mike and testament of love! Memories are the legacy love!
Love,
Linda Fowlkes
As Missy said, Mike was devoted to his family first. I will never forget that Mike always presented Missy with roses on each of their children's birthdays as a sign of his appreciation and love. It is one of the sweetest gestures that I will never forget.
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry that Mike and his family had such a hard road these last few years, but he has created a life time of precious memories that will live on through his family forever.
My prayers and love to you! Cookie
Rachel, Luke, John, Chloe and I are so very sad to hear the news. What a great man--we are truly blessed to have know him.
ReplyDeletePJM
We are privileged to know Mike, Missy and the wonderful Powers family. We go “way back.”
ReplyDeleteWe fondly remember the influence Mike had on our son Matt, back in his Little League days. Mike helped Matt become a pretty good little baseball player. But, Mike taught Matt more than just the finer points of the game. He also helped bolster a young boy’s confidence in himself, an even more important life lesson than how to stare down an inside fastball.
Please tell Mike we’re praying for him. He’s a virtuous man, fighting the good fight. The late John Paul II once said, “Have no fear of moving into the unknown. Simply step out fearlessly knowing that ‘I am with you,’ therefore no harm can befall you. All is very, very well. Do this in complete faith and confidence.”
We know that Mike, Missy and the whole family take hope in the love and mercy of God and comfort in the devotion of their wide circle of friends.
With great affection for the whole Powers family,
Arlee & Phil Motta
I will always remember Mike as a robust, happy, fun-loving family man. He always seemed very happy to see me and I knew it was genuine, and it put a smile on my face each time. Since day one, he has always welcomed me in like I was already part of the family. He always asked about Romeo, and thought he was the funniest dog! I was always looking forward to hearing what kind of trouble Romeo got into when Greg and I were out of town!
ReplyDeleteHe and Missy did a great job raising 5 kids;they are all amazing, good-hearted people. Mike will be truly missed, especially at Greg and my wedding..it is so sad that he won't be there, but he will absolutely be there in spirit.
The entire east coast Powers family is sad to hear the news of Mike's illness and passing. We are so grateful of Mike, Missy and their kids for all they have done for us. We attribute Elise's success at ASU to the love and care she received from her Arizona family. On our many trips out west we were welcomed and made to feel right at home. Mike as the ring leader gathered the clan and made sure everyone was having fun as well as planned our adventures. There was a great connection to the family and we were amazed at the similarities in looks and personalities of the family members separated only by thousands of miles. As the saying goes, "He would give you the shirt off his back", Mike did exactly that. Bruce wears many of them but his favorite is the Arizona Wildcats ( sorry Elise). When Missy speaks of the times with Mike on the patio, I am thankful that my family got to enjoy that piece of tranquility with them. We had the privilege of attending Mass with Mike and Missy and witnessed first hand their deep Faith. It is our hope to live up to his legacy in terms of maintaining a happy family and living life to the fullest.........Please know that our hearts weigh heavy right now and you are in our thoughts and prayers. Love to you all, Ellen, Bruce and the girls.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful way to describe not just Mike but the whole family. Mike was a big teddy bear, so nice, so fun and always with a smile. Great guy, great friend and a great neighbor. He will definitely be missed by all the friends and people he came in contact with over the many years. Sorry for your loss, but we all gained so much from Mike.
ReplyDeleteWe want to extend our deepest sympathies to the Powers family. We were very saddened to hear of Mike's passing. We were honored and blessed to have met him and to have been received with such a genuine and warm smile and wonderful personality. Mike listened to my stories about attending Red Sox games with true interest and laughter. I'm so glad he enjoyed sitting Romeo who in his own doggie way shared a mutual fondness toward Mike. The posted pictures tells a lot about Mike's love of family and baseball, a beautiful and wonderful legacy.
ReplyDeleteOur deepest sympathy to the Powers family. We are fortunate to have been a brief part of his life.
ReplyDeleteGregg and Connie Nelson
Powers Family:
ReplyDeleteI knew Mike for over 40 years. We played ball together at UCSB. In subsequent years, we met regularly at our alumni game and shared meals, stories, laughter and lies. This Big Teddy Bear lived larger-than-life. He was a great family man-- a wonderful father, husband, coach, grandad, friend, and business professional--a "salesman's salesman," we in the profession would say.
Mike lives on through his wonderful wife, Missy and his extended family. We will dearly miss him. Such a kind, loving, intelligent, thoughtful and wonderful human being.
The Sleep Family sends it's love, thoughts and prayers to the Powers Family. We will always hold Mike in our hearts.
Larry Sleep aka Sleeper
I would like to thank everyone for the great memories that have been posted on here and for the outpouring of support my whole family and I have received over the last few weeks. I know my Dad's bright and loving personality will carry on through everyone who got to meet him and for that we are all truly lucky.
ReplyDeleteWith Love
Greg Powers
Missy & Family:
ReplyDeleteIt's still sinking in...the laughter and love that Mike shared with all of us will surely be missed! Thanks for setting up this site so we could look back at the fun years with him at UCSB. Mike's passing is a reminder of how precious friends and family are, and that we should not miss opportunities to enjoy them. Our Gaucho gatherings will continue, and Mike will surely be remembered. Love and prayers from the Gunthers, John & Diane.