Saturday, January 25, 2020
Mike and I grew up together in Paris, IL and lived 3 blocks apart. We were good friends through high school. We both discovered tennis about the same time, at a reasonably young age and since he lived right across the street from the tennis courts, we were always there playing. We continued to play tennis together through high school and played on the high school team together. He played #1 singles and I could hardly ever beat him, so I was #2 singles. I always admired his competitive spirit. I have fond memories of his family, especially his mother Louise, who raised Mike, Freddie and Bob while operating a beauty parlor in her home. His sister Louanne (Lou) and Art would visit Mike and family from time to time. It was always interesting to learn about their lives in Chicago. After high school, I went away to college and we lost touch with one another. I knew that he joined the Marine Corps and later went away to Australia to live. I think living in Australia was a dream of his. Mike and I had a tennis hero that we admired. No, he was not an American, he was Rod Laver (The Rocket) and the pride of Australia, who at 5'7" tall could beat everyone in those days. After college I moved to the Chicago area and wondered if Mike was still living in NSW, but I did not know where. My brother Tip is still a friend of Mike's brother Bob. I recently visited my brother in the Phoenix area and he showed me Mike's obituary. I was shocked to hear that Mike had passed away. Today, while watching the Australian Open (AO) , I thought about Mike and I went on-line, just typing in his name and New South Wales where I was directed to this site. Thank you Margaret for sharing the photos of Mike on this site. I send my heartfelt condolences to Margaret and all of Mike's Family and his friends. He will be missed by many. May he rest in peace.
