Dear friends & family,

It is with tremendous sadness that I must inform everyone that Michele passed away peacefully at home this evening with her family at her side.

No flowers please.

We will be setting up a memorial fund to support her favorite charity, Canine Companions for Independence. Details will be announced soon.

In a final act of community service, Michele arranged to donate her body to medical education. 

Michele and I met in 1968 and began an immediate courtship while I was in the USAF and she was a university senior. We married in 1970 and we celebrated our 50th anniversary this year. There are so many happy memories!

Michele's career with the US Postal Service took us all over the country, including her study for her Master's Degree at Stanford University that included an international study trip to China, Japan and India.

Michele had a smile and a laugh for everyone, especially if a glass of wine was involved. 

Her true passion came in retirement when we connected with Canine Companions for Independence. We raised our first puppy in 2002 and have now raised 10 puppies. The real delight has been the many wonderful friends we have met through our association with CCI.
Another amazing connection happened in 2005 when our neighbors asked us to help start a Lions Club. We both became charter members but then we discovered that Lions Project for Canine Companions for Independence existed. We became involved in this nationwide effort to raise awareness and funding for CCI through Lions Clubs and have both served as president of the foundation.

We have traveled the USA in our motor home and the world via cruises and great tours with family and friends. We've seen parts of the world we never imagined. It has been truly enjoyable.

Now I have to learn how to live without her. But she taught me well and with the help of family and friends I will honor the life of my dear wife.