Some of my fondest memories when I was younger was Mike as a soccer coach. I can't imagine having to control Brian and I on a soccer field. He did it with the best of spirits and taught me life lessons that have stuck with me. We would have practice once a week then usually have a big dinner at the Buchanan's. Those were the simplest of times yet the best. I will miss Mike but always remember him with love and respect.
Jared
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
What a great loss...
ReplyDeleteI have similar fond memories of Mike and the entire Buchanan family. Mike actually asked me to help him coach soccer one year even though I wasn't very good:). He truly saw the best in people in a very real, genuine way. He wasn't afraid to tell you the truth - if you were doing something wrong or could do better he would be the first to let you know. But, he always did it with a smile and that great big laugh of his.
As a kid, I grew up just down the street from the Buchanan's and would often be outside in the front yard when Mike would drive by in his little car honking his horn with true purpose. He would pop his head & half of his torso out of the driver's side window and inquire about everything: how's the family? how are your grades? did you send in your college applications yet? what are you waiting for! Even though those drive by conversations only lasted less than a minute at a time, you knew that no matter what you did, Mike was always watching out for you.
As I grew older, I would run into Mike periodically around town and he would remind me of how his family was doing and always ask about mine. He was so proud of each one of his kids, grandchildren, and his adorable his wife. Yet, despite all the love and admiration he held for his own family, he somehow always had a little extra to go around...