Michael "Dawgbite" Powel (1958 - 2008) |
| fare thee well, fare thee well, we love you more than words can tell... |
Remembering MikeGet 'Er Done!Please share your fond memories of Mike by adding to the guestbook. You may need to refresh this page to see your comments. If you have any photos, audio recordings, or videos of Mike, please contact us.
Saw an ad for a Vassar Clements concert and thought of my friend Mike. He played w/him. That told me how good Mike was. Although we never met face to face we were close. So close in fact we called each other brother. As fellow survivors of clergy abuse we didn't have to do friendship the normal way. We just knew after a few conversations we "got it". I miss my brother but believe I'll see him someday. I know he's in heaven because he went through hell on earth. Thanks for this page. He was a special guy and I'm blessed to have known him. Miguel Prats Katy, Texas - Sunday, March 05, 2017 at 15:30:04 (EST) Love you. Love y'all. We are everywhere, and at peace. sb Sarah B. and little big boss cat Here and There, NY - Monday, November 02, 2015 at 10:28:23 (EST) Dear Pope Francis, GOD doesn't rape children only satan does priests that rape children are satanists they don't deserve your mercy victims of rapist 'priests' every corner of every city, in every country in the world - Thursday, September 24, 2015 at 11:41:08 (EDT) Chaminade is featured in this current article by the Guardian about the upcoming US papal visit. It was Mike who got it all started exposing clerical abusers of the Marianist religious order at Chaminade. He laid the groundwork for the many that followed. http://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2015/sep/10/pope-francis-us-visit-catholic-sex-abuse Helen McGonigle Brookfield, CT - Friday, September 11, 2015 at 13:14:12 (EDT) Thanks Mike, 20 years so far! :) LC - Monday, July 27, 2015 at 19:52:31 (EDT) HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAWGBITE! WE SURE DO MISS YOU. LCR - Wednesday, June 10, 2015 at 12:47:26 (EDT) We will never forget. CLR Florida - Friday, May 01, 2015 at 14:47:58 (EDT) "Love is outside of time." -Tom Casey Love to all, year-round. Sarah (and Bossy the cat) Oceanside, NY - Saturday, October 26, 2013 at 16:26:57 (EDT) So Mike's birthday was just a few days ago, followed by Logger & Mike O's which we used to celebrate together. Today I find myself in St. Louis, a town where I've only been once before, with Mike to testify in his case against the diocese here and Chaminade school where he was wronged. I can't express what I'm feeling, I don't even understand it myself. All I can say is that I remember and I'll never forget. Tami Simms-Powel St Petersburg, FL - Thursday, June 13, 2013 at 23:25:02 (EDT) Miss you Mikee. So many songs we hear we think of you. Love. Tom and Louise St. Pete, FL - Wednesday, February 27, 2013 at 14:05:34 (EST) I met the "Dawg" in a que waiting for the Northeast Regional Amtrak train in Union Station Washington, DC sometime in the winter of 2005. We stood next to one another in line and started the normal chit chat, "where are you headed, what do you do" , blah blah.... Michael, dressed in a long black trench coat, well groomed and reeking of a politico square jaw, quickly opened up and told me he was here attending a conference for sexually abused children, and that he himself was an ambassador for these children. I, then all of 25 naive years of age, asked "gee, how did you wind up in that line of work". Slightly embarrassed, Mike chirped back with a pat on my shoulder and a wink of his eye, we then boarded the train. I was headed to NY, he back to CT. We assumed seats directly next to one another. The first 1/2 and hr was quiet, he reading a paper and myself listening to music. We then chatted about music on my IPOD, the nature of my trip (which was to see Ratdog at the Beacon on the upper west side) and life. We quickly struck a cord as he was a lifelong Dead aficionado and music maestro to the Nth degree. I remember so much of this conversation, b/c Mike was so gravitating, so interesting, and such an amazing communicator. Mike and I covered so many topics on this 3.5 hour train ride my head was spinning when I got off. We covered, music, sobriety, family, travel, fun and of course his mission: prosecuting sexual predators and protecting the helpless scores of children that lie in the shadows, unprotected and afraid. At the time, Mike was most interesting to me in that he was so knowledgeable about, and clearly had an inside track, music that I was genuinely interested in: Bluegrass, Country, and of course the Dead. He told me about his new found love for John Mayer, "man that guy rocks it", he would say. Vassar Clements, Tony Rice, I could hardly believe it at first. After all, these were some of my favorite picking influences. I never heard Mike play but from what I understand (and self admitadly) he could really tear. Once we arrived in NYC, Mike left me with his phone number as I did mine with him, he would continue on to CT. I wouldn't have thought I would ever talk to the guy again but boy was I wrong. As soon as I arrived in New York I instantly told everyone I was visiting about him. I called my then girlfriend (now wife) within the hour and unloaded, trying to regurgitate everything I could remember that he was telling me. For the next few years, I would talk to Mike weekly, and for long stretched almost every day. He would always tip me off to some recent stash of music that had been released online somewhere, and cordially extended and invite for myself and girlfriend to come down and visit. He would always end the call by telling me he loved me, which I thought was cool, especially knowing that his time here on earth was limited and that the conversation we were having could easily be the last. Years later while visiting an elderly grandmother in Sarasota, I reached out to Mike, full well knowing that he was sick and there may not be many more opportunities to see him. We arrived sometime in the Spring and called him. He was excited that we were enjoying the warm weather, however was not ready to see us at that time. To this day I don't know if Mike was too sick or embarrassed to see us at that time. I was slightly disappointed but quickly understood considering the circumstances. We never talked again after that call, but for the 3 or so years that I was blessed to know him, Mike made a lasting impression on my life. I heard of Mikes death from his friend from CT, that he lived with for stints when he would return home, I can not remember her name for the life of me, if you are out there, feel free to reach out, it would be nice to talk to you after all of these years. Mike, RIP, your memory lives on, and things are clearly being accomplished in your absence. Your legacy is very strong, and I miss you and think of you often. See you on the other side. Drew Takoma Park, MD - Tuesday, February 05, 2013 at 20:43:22 (EST) I met the "Dawg" in a que waiting for the Northeast Regional Amtrak train in Union Station Washington, DC sometime in the winter of 2005. We stood next to one another in line and started the normal chit chat, "where are you headed, what do you do" , blah blah.... Michael, dressed in a long black trench coat, well groomed and reeking of a politico square jaw, quickly opened up and told me he was here attending a conference for sexually abused children, and that he himself was an ambassador for these children. I, then all of 25 naive years of age, asked "gee, how did you wind up in that line of work". Slightly embarrassed, Mike chirped back with a pat on my shoulder and a wink of his eye, we then boarded the train. I was headed to NY, he back to CT. We assumed seats directly next to one another. The first 1/2 and hr was quiet, he reading a paper and myself listening to music. We then chatted about music on my IPOD, the nature of my trip (which was to see Ratdog at the Beacon on the upper west side) and life. We quickly struck a cord as he was a lifelong Dead aficionado and music maestro to the Nth degree. I remember so much of this conversation, b/c Mike was so gravitating, so interesting, and such an amazing communicator. Mike and I covered so many topics on this 3.5 hour train ride my head was spinning when I got off. We covered, music, sobriety, family, travel, fun and of course his mission: prosecuting sexual predators and protecting the helpless scores of children that lie in the shadows, unprotected and afraid. At the time, Mike was most interesting to me in that he was so knowledgeable about, and clearly had an inside track, music that I was genuinely interested in: Bluegrass, Country, and of course the Dead. He told me about his new found love for John Mayer, "man that guy rocks it", he would say. Vassar Clements, Tony Rice, I could hardly believe it at first. After all, these were some of my favorite picking influences. I never heard Mike play but from what I understand (and self admitadly) he could really tear. Once we arrived in NYC, Mike left me with his phone number as I did mine with him, he would continue on to CT. I wouldn't have thought I would ever talk to the guy again but boy was I wrong. As soon as I arrived in New York I instantly told everyone I was visiting about him. I called my then girlfriend (now wife) within the hour and unloaded, trying to regurgitate everything I could remember that he was telling me. For the next few years, I would talk to Mike weekly, and for long stretched almost every day. He would always tip me off to some recent stash of music that had been released online somewhere, and cordially extended and invite for myself and girlfriend to come down and visit. He would always end the call by telling me he loved me, which I thought was cool, especially knowing that his time here on earth was limited and that the conversation we were having could easily be the last. Years later while visiting an elderly grandmother in Sarasota, I reached out to Mike, full well knowing that he was sick and there may not be many more opportunities to see him. We arrived sometime in the Spring and called him. He was excited that we were enjoying the warm weather, however was not ready to see us at that time. To this day I don't know if Mike was too sick or embarrassed to see us at that time. I was slightly disappointed but quickly understood considering the circumstances. We never talked again after that call, but for the 3 or so years that I was blessed to know him, Mike made a lasting impression on my life. I heard of Mikes death from his friend from CT, that he lived with for stints when he would return home, I can not remember her name for the life of me, if you are out there, feel free to reach out, it would be nice to talk to you after all of these years. Mike, RIP, your memory lives on, and things are clearly being accomplished in your absence. Your legacy is very strong, and I miss you and think of you often. See you on the other side. Drew Takoma Park, MD - Tuesday, February 05, 2013 at 20:17:26 (EST) Mike, was thinking about you today and missing you much. I'm so glad we were friends, and really, still are even though your gone to a better place..... Eugene Samolewicz Pocono Pines, Pa - Wednesday, January 16, 2013 at 10:13:27 (EST) NOV 8 2012 - Our dear friend Mike's fight to change the name of the Easton CT park that is currently named after his childhood sexual abuser is actually being voted on tonight by the Easton CT town council. You can add your voice and help to continue Mike's fight by visiting the Rename Toth Park page, where you will find links to contact the Easton Connecticut town commissioners. Easton residents want accused predators name off park God Bless You Mike, We LOVE and MISS YOU SO MUCH!!!
Love you, buddy. Sarah and Bossy Oceanside, NY - Thursday, October 25, 2012 at 22:33:30 (EDT) Another year gone by and you are in my thoughts still. I miss you. YCP Karen G French Monroe, CT - Sunday, September 16, 2012 at 11:51:53 (EDT) Another year gone by and you are in my thoughts still. I miss you. YCP Karen G French Monroe, CT - Sunday, September 16, 2012 at 11:51:36 (EDT) Another year gone by and you are in my thoughts still. I miss you. YCP Karen G French Monroe, CT - Sunday, September 16, 2012 at 11:51:25 (EDT) Yep. Love you, buddy. Heck of a few weeks. Always close at heart. Lots of love, y'all. -sarah and miss bossy, who's a tough one, just like her pop sarah b. Long Island, NY - Friday, October 28, 2011 at 06:15:25 (EDT) we think of you
we miss you
we love you
Happy Birthday 2U CLR Terrapin, - Friday, June 10, 2011 at 16:02:00 (EDT) The Bridgeport decision was a checkmark in the WINNING column against your abusers. Many THANKS to Helen and the team for continuing to fight the fight even after Michael passed away. Tami as well for helping. It is lovely to see you retaining Michael's namesake, a testiment to the love you had shared. Michale Powel, you got-er done. Your efforts continue to reap rewards and are helping to protect the children and out the abusers. Your Best Friend In The Whole Wide World, - Wednesday, March 23, 2011 at 12:46:00 (EDT) Congrats to Michael and his family for the Bridgeport settlement! As Martin Luther King said "The moral arc of the universe is long, but it bends towards justice." David Clohessy, Director, SNAP, Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests, (7234 Arsenal Street, St. Louis MO 63143), 314 566 9790 cell(SNAPclohessy@aol.com) david clohessy st. louis, mo - Monday, March 21, 2011 at 13:12:24 (EDT) Today in St. Louis Michael's message is being heard loud and clear. Michael, children will be safer because of your efforts. Your other goal of this man being known to the world as an evil chronic abuser, whose evils were being hidden & suppressed has been accomplished... Published Date: January 12, 2011 - prominent human rights activist today began a legal defense of her allegations of sexual abuse lodged against a former US priest living in Bangladesh. Former Marianist William A. Christensen, who was last year stripped of his priesthood and expelled by his congregation, is suing Rosaline Costa, coordinator of Church-based Hotline Human Rights Bangladesh (HHRB), who accuses him of sexual abuses of young boys in Bangladesh over a period of many years. He claims Costa has defamed him and is claiming damages of 100 million taka (US$1.4 million). The parties appeared today in court in Netrokona district, about 159 kilometers northeast from Dhaka. Christensen arrived in Bangladesh more than 20 years ago after being accused of sexual abuse, along with Brother John J. Woulfe, in the American state of Missouri. “William abused me sexually from 1996 to 1999 and as a result I became physically and mentally ill,” Umar Faruq Jinnah, 25, a Muslim from northwestern Bogra district said in a statement in response to an inquiry into the ex-priest’s behavior. “He had good relationship with my family and gave me lot of money, good food and valuable goods to silence me.” The former priest founded the Institute of Integrated Rural Development (IIRD), an NGO working for rural poor, in 1987 and holds the position of advisor and fundraiser. Costa claims that Christensen used IIRD development works as a front to sexually abuse a number of boys aged from 12 to 18 years. “He molested a number of non-Christian boys over the years and we came to know about 30 cases. He silenced them with money and also intimidated some of the abused,” Costa told ucanews.com recently. “In 2007 I questioned him in private about sexual allegations but he became very aggressive, reacted negatively and denied everything.” Costa approached the Marianists through the US superior Stephen Glodek, based in St. Louis, Missouri, requesting Christensen be recalled from Bangladesh, at least temporarily. Glodek initially refused to do so. “The Marianist general council in Rome and the superior in US were negative on the first approach, because the letter of accusation didn’t have enough evidence,” Costa said. Then, on 28 April 2008, Glodek emailed Costa requesting names and addresses of the alleged abuse victims. “I’m writing to inform you that we are beginning here to look into the allegations of sexual abuse and financial mismanagement that you describe in your letter,” he wrote. “We’ll immediately contact them and begin the investigative process according to our USA guidelines in these matters.” The matter was taken to apostolic nuncio in Bangladesh, Archbishop Joseph Marino, and Dhaka Archbishop Paulinus Costa, who is the president of Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Bangladesh (CBCB). The two prelates called Christensen personally, but he denied the allegations and accused Costa and IIRD staff of maliciously blackening his name. Despite repeated follow-up telephone calls, Christensen refused to answer further questions by the archbishops. The Vatican instructed the nuncio and Dhaka archbishop to conduct independent investigations resulting in Christensen being found guilty of a number of sexual abuses while working with IIRD. “William used to keep one or two [boys] as aides with him and eventually abused them during day and night,” one witness, Asfaq Hossain, said. “He’s a hypocrite and I demand his punishment.” On November 22, 2010 the apostolic nunciature in Bangladesh informed Christensen in writing that Vatican’s Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith and the US province of the Marianists had expelled him from the priesthood and the congregation with the provision of an appeal against verdict within 10 days of the letter. Bangladesh’s six Catholic dioceses then issued a letter to their parishes not to allow him to perform any priestly ministry. Holy Cross Bishop Moses Costa of Dinajpur expressed deep concerns over the alleged sexual abuse of minors by the priest. Bishop Gervas Rozario of Rajshahi in a letter to apostolic nuncio stated, “I wonder why and how the superiors of this religious man allowed him to stay alone and to go on doing any such thing embarking on the strength of his money.” Inquiries by ucanews.com reveal that Christensen arrived in Bangladesh with verbal permission from Church authorities and began without any formal written permission. Christensen denied all allegations when contacted by ucanews.com and refused to discuss the matter. LCR - Wednesday, January 12, 2011 at 13:00:44 (EST) Lots of love to all who visit here, year 'round. Sarah B. and Bossy Long Beach, NY - Tuesday, October 26, 2010 at 23:56:46 (EDT) rip rip rippin' in heaven, evermore LCR - Tuesday, October 26, 2010 at 10:47:17 (EDT) Gone but not forgotten. Listening to Mike's oh-so-special notes on old cassettes, remembering how special he was. Mama T St Pete, FL - Monday, October 25, 2010 at 23:00:45 (EDT) MGS7705: No day goes by that I don't think of you. I continue your fight for the children and hear & feel you in my heart. You changed my life for the better, through your love & support. You will always be a part of me. "Thanks Kiddo" YCP Karen Monroe, CT. - Wednesday, June 30, 2010 at 10:35:31 (EDT) The sun is shining, birds are singing, and I hear a mando off in the distance. C Terrapin Station, - Thursday, June 10, 2010 at 11:28:25 (EDT) Happy birthday, Mike! Love you. And big love to everyone who keeps him close at heart, the best of him woven into the music of their day to day. Sarah B. and Bossy the cat Long Beach, NY - Thursday, June 10, 2010 at 04:26:48 (EDT) So many things remind me of Mike all the time and memories of him drift in. He drew many small pictures of Jerry when he came to my office. I like to think Mike moved to Tulsa.... Tom Clark St. Pete, FL - Thursday, April 29, 2010 at 19:10:24 (EDT) We Love you Mike and think about you DAILY. We can feel you around us and miss you more than words can tell. We are so thankful that the media is finally reporting on the outrageous abuse and coverup by the catholic "church" on the abuse of millions of children around the world. The sad fact is is that it is SYSTEMIC and reaches to the very top levels of the organization. I know Mike will never give up the fight for justice for all the children. He is fighting even harder up in heaven than he could here on Earth. I pray for you victims of the pedophiles everyday, and hope that you can find the strength that Mike did and add your voice to the fight for justice. Jesus warned us against those who would sin in his name, and to quote Bob Dylan, "EVEN JESUS WOULD NEVER FORGIVE WHAT YOU DO".
That's great, Miguel! Thanks for keeping up such an important fight. I have done some letter-writing locally re: a case (in support of throwing the book at a clergy member who did some kids terrible harm). He hasn't been sentenced yet. A recent, unfortunately similar case over in England landed the victimizer 13 years in jail. With any luck, the hammer of justice on this side of the pond will come down as hard, if not harder. Wishing all reading these words the best of what life has to offer and strength to endure the rest. Sarah Long Beach, NY - Wednesday, March 17, 2010 at 21:10:03 (EDT) After not doing anything regarding victims of clergy abuse, I have decided to do a press conference in Houston on St.Patricks day about the problems of the Catholic church in Ireland in memeory of Michael Powel. Noone fought harder, longer and through the pain of cancer harder than Michael Powel. His music and spirit will always live and inspire people! Miguel Katy(Houston), TX - Friday, March 05, 2010 at 17:21:58 (EST) SignPostKid - Monday, October 26, 2009 at 18:47:54 (EDT) God Bless ya' Uncle Mike! We miss you. Laura Asheville, NC - Monday, October 26, 2009 at 10:25:14 (EDT) It's been quite a year. Nothing but love to everyone who reads this. Bossy's doing great. I'm hangin' in like a rusty fish hook. A little better than that, actually. :) Mike and I last spoke by phone on 10/24/08, a little after 9 p.m. He knew how loved he was, and was grateful to those who cared for him. Thanks to everyone who loved Mike. He taught me some really important things about life and love that I keep with me always. Joy of music, dance and love, sarah Sarah Long Beach, NY - Sunday, October 25, 2009 at 21:06:59 (EDT) Happy birthday to me. Love you, Mike. :) This is a picture of Bossy: http://photos-d.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v1976/216/54/679742086/n679742086_1624131_3511.jpg Sarah and Bossy Long Beach, NY - Thursday, July 02, 2009 at 14:43:23 (EDT) Mike really enjoyed this set, last summer: http://www.archive.org/details/paf2008-08-02.km184.v2.flac16 (you can stream it, if you like) Happy birthday, Mike! Love you. Sarah Long Beach, NY - Wednesday, June 10, 2009 at 15:56:52 (EDT) Happy 51 Mike, we miss you so much. :( Hope heaven is rockin' and you are showing Jerry a thing or two on the guitar... x o x o LCR Asheville, NC - Wednesday, June 10, 2009 at 11:45:59 (EDT) Happy Birthday Michael, We Love and Miss You More Than Words Can Tell... Your Friends Everywhere, USA - Wednesday, June 10, 2009 at 11:31:26 (EDT) Love you, buddy. Every day and always. "... such a long, long time to be gone and a short time to be there." Every moment shared a blessing. -Sarah and Bossy, bagoonie queen Sarah Long Island, NY - Sunday, February 15, 2009 at 02:10:07 (EST) Michael, Although we never met face to face there is noone I ever called brother that meant more to me than you. We first met in 2001 at the height of the clergy abuse scandal in Boston. We met over the phone but I'll never forget how you called many media outlets in San Antonio TX as I dashed over there to do the first ever press conference for victims of Catholic clergy abuse in that city. From that day on I knew you were a doer and not just a talker. We fought to get Toth park in CT renamed. We fought for the truth to come out in St.louis MO where I was abused. We fought together over and over and over to make the Catholic church and the world safer for kids. You lost your faith in religion but I kept my faith in God. We disagreed but you never held it against me. I knew something might be going down when you told me you were really getting tired and didn't know how much longer you'd still be around. I'll never forget telling you at that moment, "Bro, I know you don't believe in God or religion much anymore but I KNOW in the end you will be in heaven because you have done your time in hell here on earth". So many memories. So many laughs. So much love between two guys that never met. I will miss the encouragement and the brotherly put downs you were always putting on me but I know someday we'll finally meet. I'll just follow the sounds of a guitar or mandolin and we'll finally meet. Love You Man.Always will. Miguel Prats Katy, TX - Tuesday, December 16, 2008 at 15:41:43 (EST) I was tracked down by Michael's detective work near the end of 2003. Both Michael and I were delighted to hear from one another since we both wanted the same accomplishment, the changing of the name of a park. Shortly thereafter, I met Michael and his attorney Helen. From there we compared our stories and what I knew concerning our complaint to a certain backwards Town in Connecticut. But, our complaint and witnesses voices only fell upon the deaf ears of the town’s officials. I am sure Michael informed you of all the rest. However, anytime I observed Michael at one of these meetings with the Town he always showed a strong presence as a person that would never settle for a loss, clearly refined, with a spirit of conviction one rarely has the opportunity to have seen in a person. But when I looked into Michael’s eyes there was truly a hurt I could see, which went deep into his heart. After this we always kept in touch by E-mail and many long telephone conversations where I became to know a man of purpose and a deep inner drive that no one I knew could compare it to. I am fortunate Michael found me that day through his investigation. I was rewarded in my life to have known him. Now, he is in the Hands of God out of pain and full of happiness. He leaves his trust with the people who stood by him as God’s Angels to continue his “Fight” having his hopes and dreams come true. It is our "Fight" now to right all the wrongs Michael ever spoke to us about. I truly wish I could have heard him jamming with his friends. Sincerely, Les Eckert Les Eckert Fayetteville, North Carolina 28306 - Monday, November 24, 2008 at 18:53:08 (EST) I met Mike in Costa Rica. He taught me how to deal with the adversity of life. Love Ana Ana Lorena Costa Rica - Saturday, November 15, 2008 at 17:47:42 (EST) Mo Anam Cara / Box>Eyes. Love you, Buddy. Good teeth in! :) -sarah b. and bossy, four-legged queen of marching orders Sarah B. Long Island, NY - Friday, November 14, 2008 at 17:46:48 (EST) While I did not know Mike personally, I knew and admired his mandolin playing. Through a mutual friend, I would often inquire about him, as his music touched me so much in the early 90's. I was very saddened at hearing of his passing, as we were talking about Dawgbite and the old Swinger Days on St. Pete Beach while at Mag Fest. I know that heaven will be ringing with sweet, sweet songs. My heartfelt condolences to his family and friends. Andrea Gulfport, FL - Thursday, November 13, 2008 at 10:57:11 (EST) Safe Journey Michael Powel, Our heartfelt condolences, we extend to all his family and friends everywhere. Tony Rice and Family Tony Rice and Family - Wednesday, November 12, 2008 at 14:39:23 (EST) Well Mike, It has been a couple of weeks since Pat approached us at Katiki and let us know of your passage from this life. Performing at that moment almost became somewhat surreal as the floodgate of memories opened up. Every song from that point forward became the essence of your spirit. Your creativity and musical energy always fueled the passion that Logger and I will continue to strive for in our music. I will never forget the old days on IRB jamming on 18th Ave. and then picking at your place with Leslie. Those were magical times. The countless gigs at the Red Lion, Greenstreets and the Yellow Fin (opening for the Swingers) will be forever embedded in my heart and mind. And of course, there was our performance with Vasser when none of us knew the words to the Hobo Song. Your playing was like no others and I'm honored that I was a part of that musical journey. I love you Mike, and as you used to always tell me "Keep on the Sunny Side" Kristen Kristen Largo, Florida - Monday, November 10, 2008 at 19:49:10 (EST) Well Mike, for a week and a half now I have been collecting my thoughts and memories of you, with and aside from, the awesome mandolin playing you did with the Swingers. One of my fondest ones, involving the power and magic of music, is when we all took a camping trip, in 1991 I guess, up to Ginnie Springs in North Florida. It was me, Ed, Sid, you, Bobby Henn, and more people than I can remember. Little Missy, Ed & Sid's daughter, was in one of those swingin' chairs as a baby and she is 18 now, so it was quite some time ago. We were all up late and partyin' in our Grateful dead way when the park ranger told you, not in a mean way or anything, to stop playing your mandolin because it was now time for everyone to settle down. Well, you started playing for him in that sweet way that you always had and you could tell that it was quite painful for that old Florida cracker to have to tell you to stop. I think he said something along the lines of, "I like your music a bunch, but them's the park rules after 11", but he paused for some time and listened before he actually left and had to shut the pickin' totally down for the evening. It is such a cool memory of friends no longer here and how music and the FL woods kept us happy and sane in this world. Oddly enough, I've never been to Ginnie Springs since, so that memory of it hasn't melded with any others and is still so vivid for me. Thanks for it and the last time I saw you selling your ticket outside of Dark Star Orchestra at Jannus Landing in March of "08. You yelled "Kelly" and I was so happy and surprised to see you. When you told me you were going to Amsterdam, I couldn't believe that you were taking a trip of that magnitude and I must have thought you were healthier than you were and that we would have you here for much longer. I was blessed to see you and talk to you that last time, to know you, to witness your courage and to hear and feel your wonderful music! Going to see great music helped me so much when I was worried about Robert and your fine playing was a balm to all of our souls. Kelly Helenihi Palm Harbor, FL - Monday, November 10, 2008 at 12:48:39 (EST) It was my honer and pleasure, you will allways be with me. Let's keep it on the sunny-side my friend. Love ya. Logger - Saturday, November 08, 2008 at 09:46:45 (EST) I got to know Michael in the course of my work a few years ago. I found him to be engaging, intelligent, kind, and a true gentleman in every sense of the word. But gentle-hearted though he was, no one was a stronger or more ferocious child advocate than Michael. Aside from music, his passion in life was justice and the protection of children. I am quite saddened by his loss. But I know the world is a much better place for his having been here. Rest in eternal peace, dear, dear Michael. Jan Kraft Westport, CT - Wednesday, November 05, 2008 at 15:51:10 (EST) MY HEART JUST HIT THE FLOOR. I MET MIKE WHEN I FIRST MOVED TO FLORIDA IN 93. WE USED TO GO SEE HIM PLAY WITH THE SWINGERS. I GOT TO KNOW MIKE PRETTY WELL AND SPENT MANY NIGHTS HANGING WITH HIM ON OFF NIGHTS AND AFTER SHOWS. I LOST TOUCH WITH HIM AFTER HE GOT MARRIED. I ALWAYS WONDERED WHAT HAPPENED TO HIM, I SORRY TO HEAR HE GOT SICK. I REMEMBER A GREAT GUY AND A HELL OF A GUITAR PLAYER. SUCH SAD NEWS, I HOPE HE'S JAMMING IN A BETTER PLACE. MY THOUGHTS AND LOVE TO EVERYONE THAT HE TOUCHED. -JEFF JEFF WILLIAMS ST PETE BEACH , FLORIDA - Saturday, November 01, 2008 at 16:39:38 (EDT) Mike, You helped me bring my mandolin and guitar playing out of the closet, and you encouraged me to sing, too. I'm forever grateful. Linda (Darlin') Muentener Saint Petersburg, FL - Saturday, November 01, 2008 at 13:22:30 (EDT) I'll miss you brother....thank God i have all the memories.when you moved in next door we became lifetime bro's,you and the swingers would pick in the front yard,the whole time smiling,you were the best.also,the days when you were a cross country trucker.Dawgbite i'll miss you man....till we hook up on the other side.keep on keepen on! willie Z Treasure Island, FL - Saturday, November 01, 2008 at 10:28:53 (EDT) mike was a good friend who i was fortunate to get to know better over the couple years he fished in my backyard.We will miss him alot his music and conversation meant alot to me. KEEP ON FISHING MICHAEL LOVE YOU randy,marcia and demitris randy hayward stpete, florida - Saturday, November 01, 2008 at 08:54:33 (EDT) Hey Uncle Mike ;) - I cannot tell you how much it meant to me when you came to the hospital and played your mandolin for us. That was the scariest time of my life and you were right there. It broke our hearts when your BT was diagnosed. You and Tami went through so much together. I am so glad you are now free of pain, both physically and mentally. Noone should have to suffer as you have. I will never forget you and will miss you my whole life. Friends like you are rare, you only get a few in a lifetime if you are lucky. Thanks for all the great music, the great conversations, and for introducing us to Vassar. You were amazing in so many ways and our best friend in the world!
Love, It is an honor to call you my best friend Mike. I will so deeply miss our phone calls and the constant humor you brought into our lives. Amidst all your health struggles and life challenges, you remain a shining example of God's love. Whilst occaisionally grumpy, you always looked on the bright side of life. Your music brought together many people, including my bride to me, and ultimately our family. It was you Mike. It was you. I love you Mike Powel, a.k.a King of the Shillelaghs << some rise, some fall, some climb to get to Terrapin >> C Asheville, NC - Thursday, October 30, 2008 at 21:42:35 (EDT) |
Vassar Clements, Mike Powel, and Tony Rice backstage at SpringFest in Live Oak, Florida. |
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