Mike was a first generation American from Northern Spain, Basque country cultural and ethnically, he was a blend of New York sensibilities. He father was from Asturias and his mother, Tomasa, from Vizcaya a small fishing village. They were cousins.

The family moved to New York, where Mike was born on the lower east side and had many adventures along the docks. At the age of five his father, a Merchant Marine, died at sea on a voyage.

He translated for his mother who spoke Spanish and Basque. She eventually returned to Spain and Michel was adopted and raised by his Uncle, who had a restaurant and home in Princeton, New Jersey.

Mike joined the army and conquered the world-or Southern Germany where he learned that he liked beer.

Educated at Rutgers where he studied political science, he completed his Bachelor of Administration in Business. He had a varied and interesting career always working. Among his jobs was regional manager for the Berlitz Language School. Typically, he quit Berlitz, because he sided with the teachers in a labor dispute. Eventually and ultimately, he became a financial wiz. He was a stockbroker a financial advisor with the Bank of America and a secret weapon of the IRS with a part time retirement job in collections. At one time, he also worked for Gimbels Brothers in New York and sold pianos in San Francisco.

Mike sailed, rowed and played handball. He learned to play handball in Golden Gate Park, and later joined the South End Rowing Club where he enjoyed organizing tournaments where the handball community becoming his extended family. As a result, he was inducted into the Olympic Club Hall of Fame for his efforts. He was an athlete, he rowed, hiked, ran as he got older he strolled with his dog, Ona and companion. Laurie.

He took care of himself and others with dignity, and did what was needed in a forthright and warm manner. His love of people, music, languages and humor made him an endearing companion. All who knew Mike learned to enjoy the humor he saw in everything will miss him dearly.