Mike "Got It."

Doug and I first met the Buchanan family through our children; their Julie and our April. Our girls were 18 months old when they became instant friends on their first day at Des Moines Cooperative Pre-School. We have always maintained that Julie, ("Jules" to us,) taught our late bloomer April how to walk! As fate would have it, Judy and I also felt a close bond. The conversation started between us that day 28 years ago, and it has blessedly and thankfully never stopped. Mike and Doug first met during a Dad's night at pre-school to carve Halloween Pumpkins. Their camaraderie was quick and easy, with Mike giving Doug a bad time about his "Michelangelo" creation over Mike's own more rudimentary version of the Jack-O'-Lantern! :) As their list of common interests began to reveal themselves, there was never a shortage of conversation between them; a recent one being about the twin diesel engines in our boat! I remember his question to Doug of, "What are you runnin' in there anyway?" Mikes eyes lit up at Doug's answer; "Cummins QSM-11's." And then the conversation went to a place where only two men with a love for the "mechanics" of life could take it, while Judy and I discussed the latest news of the families. We met while we were beginning our families. Throughout the years we have shared in life's joys, sorrows and difficulties, and have had many conversations concerning all aspects of these. Mike was fond of stating; "They don't get it!" Mike was referring to those who in his opinion had their priorities misplaced! Mike's formula for life was fairly simple; to live and love with total and complete abandon. To Mike, it was never about the destination. It was about the journey. We have never known anyone who inhaled life with such force, strength and passion. Simply stated, Mike "got it." In our opinion Mike inhaled 3 lifetimes in his 52 years. His passing leaves us with a depth of sadness that is palpable. But his legacy of how to live life will never leave us. His spirit will be with us in every glance of Mt. Rainier and every trek in the kayak. I am reminded of a favorite quote that is hanging in our home;

"In the end, it's not the years in your life that count. It's the life in your years."
Abraham Lincoln

We are and will be forever grateful that we were born in a time where our families share the same world. Some would say this was serendipitous, but with the Buchanan and Williams families, I would have to say that Destiny has played a part. And for Judy and I, the conversation will never stop. Our love to you all. The Williams. Lori, Doug, April, Grady, Maria and Griff.