Reflecting on the Death of My Dear Friend

A dear, dear friend; someone I’ve known for nearly 50 years, passed away suddenly and unexpectedly on March 5. Together we shared the love and wonder of marriages to our high school sweethearts, each blessed with three exceptional children and four wonderful grandchildren. It has been a searingly painful and reflective couple of weeks for all of us who love him. 

At my friend’s memorial, 17 people asked to speak in tribute. About 300 people (standing room only) showed up, and the outpouring of grief evolved into a character rich, love story of the man . 

Mike was a highly accomplished man by all material measures. Yet, not one of those who eulogized him focused on his net worth, titles, business prowess, or the like. However, they ALL highlighted the way Mike made them feel. The themes of admiration integrated a deep love of family and friends, a passion for fun and unbridled joy, accompanied by a background of music that usually sprung us into dance. 

All of us will have a last day at work, and of course, life. Each of us, through a combination of fate, and luck, interspersed with our own actions, experience life differently. What we ALL have in common though, is the capacity to consciously choose how we connect with others. Within our human imperfection, we have the free will to determine our action or reaction towards others, regardless of the situation. 

Mike put his life intention to work daily. From the first time I met him, he painted an aspirational picture of connecting people through living a rich life of love, family, fun and joy. His life journey, as with most of us, had peaks and valleys related to the very act of living. Through it all though, his unwavering North Star of family, love, fun and joy made him totally magnetic. We just wanted to be in his orbit so that we could be part of the dance. That is what I would define as the very highest tribute; when people are attracted to be part of our sphere.

So many things that often seem critical at a moment in time take on less meaning with perspective and hindsight. Yet in the raw moment of daily life, it is hard to be that objective. In that context though, I believe that we have the ability to be intentional in how we make others feel. If people remember us as someone who gave them a sense of love and joy, that's a life well lived. 

Thank you my dear friend, for bringing us into your circle of love and joy, and inviting us to dance with you. That gift is eternal. 

Think Big, Start Small, Act Now, 

- Lorne 

One Millennial View: There’s no summing up the magnitude of a 50 year friendship in a short blog post, however three words stick out: “Standing room only.” The idea that Mr. Delisle’s memorial was packed to the brim in the middle of a Canadian winter has me believing that all of those in attendance will continue to stand for, and celebrate the loving, positive impact that Mike had on their lives for a long time. 

- Garrett 

Edited and published by Garrett Rubis