I knew Mike since grade school. After high school we both worked in different auto shops he a body man, me a mechanic. My sister had a '64 VW bug. Mike and I painted it pink and purple. It was 1972, that was what people did in 1972. Anyway I arranged for my sis to sell it to Mike. Mike: “Beau, you’re a fair man.” This statement, I didn’t realize it until now, this / Mike’s statement INFLUENCED ME FOR LIFE. I have lived my life trying to live up to his words.
He used to refer to my father as “Boss”. Just out of respect. YEAH, my old man dug it! Young blue collar, body shop mechanic referring to the old salt as “Boss”, ! Hell yeah!
He had been in the Virgin Islands, moved back to PA, got in touch w Larry. I was coming up to PA for a few days, looking forward to catching up after 20 years. Darn the luck, bad timing: he was gonna be gone for that time, so we wouldn’t be catching up. REGARDLESS: he gave Larry the keys to his Bronco for me to use while I was in town.
I asked him to be my son’s godfather. I maybe mixed up the responsibilities of a designated foster parent w that of a Catholic Godfather. I thought if anything happens to me and my bride, that I could depend on Mike to raise my son. Whether that a good decision or not, thank God it never necessary to have been tested, but that is how highly I thought of this man.
I txt msg'd him on Mon Sep 13, he was being prepped to have surgery the next day. We spoke v2v on Wed or was it Thu, he sounded positive, didn't wanna talk much, over-use his air. he was looking forward to being himself again Active, helpful, self-sufficient. That was it, we never spoke again.
He was a good friend, a good man. Somebody I could count on. This guy was dependable. Good man, and I lost a good friend.
If Mike Wenk was your friend, you had a good friend! and I'm sorry for your loss, too.