Condolences and Reflections for
Michael Versluis, 51
Azusa, CA
August 17, 1950 ~ October 21, 2001
"A Great Man and Good Friend, gone to Heaven..."
To the Versluis Family, Friends we send our heartfelt sympathy. May God Bless and Keep all of safe. Bill and Mary Frogue
Mary Frogue <SICILLIANGAL@AOL.COM>
Riverside, Ca USA - Saturday, December 29, 2001 at 16:41:04 (PST)
It has taken me a long time to be able to come to this site and read
what people have writen about my dad. It is still hard for me to believe
that he is gone. I wanted to say thank you to all of you that came to the
funeral and to those of you that have been there to help us through this
difficult time. I have been told that it will get easier as time goes on
and the pain won't be as strong. I don't understand how. My dad was a young
man that went to soon in my eyes. However I do believe that we each chose
our path in life and I guess that God really needed him now. My dad has
always been a big part of my life and he is missed everyday. Meagan takes
his picture everywhere that she goes and on the clear nights she looks
up at the stars and talks to him. She understands that he is in heaven
and she knows that he won't be coming back and yet it is easier for her
to go on with her day than it is for me. Go figure. I know that losing
my dad has been hard on everyone that knew him and not just the family.
I love you daddy and you will always be in our hearts and our lives.
Christine Dossey <jcmbdossey@aol.com>
Upland, Ca USA - Wednesday, November 14, 2001 at 22:13:19 (PST)
Mike was not only a good friend but, the best father in law a man
can ask for. I can never say that Dad didn't like me for the fact that
none of the "horror stories" never happened to me unlike the guys before
me, and I cannot say that Dad didn't trust me because he gave me his most
precious gift...Christine. Through both of our children's birth dad was
the one there with me, and when I wasn't there for Bernadette's birth he
drove to the naval base in San Diego to pick me up, and sped all the way
to the hospital. I still missed the birth but, I made it, and I'm here
now. I guess now I really have no choice but, to talk to god because he's
the only one that can relay the message to Mike that I need help understanding
his daughter, and my daughters too. I love you Dad.
Jeff Dossey <Dossey@management.com>
Upland, Ca USA - Sunday, November 04, 2001 at 22:18:04 (PST)
Mike Versluis - Mike has touched many hearts leaving a memory in
each one as he has gone before us. What a precious gift from a spirit filled
with love that he was. Just as God calls us First to love one another just
as He loves us. God didn't promise days without pain, laughter without
sorrow or sun without rain. But God did promise strength for the day, comfort
for the tears and a light for the way, And for ALL who believe He answers
their faith with everlasting love. God has called Mike and holds him near
yet, let us continue in love for God will soon call us by name. To Roberta
his Mom, you can know in life your son was truely loved and in death he
is loved by His creator, the Lord God Almighty. To Sharon his sister, God
gave you a precious brother to share a life with so you would not grow
up alone. In his death your heart is filled with memories where nothing
can touch. We have all been blessed as each heart groans in the pleasure
of knowing such a special love. Mike has left us his greatest gift, love.
Betty McCutchan <boopsu@msn.com>
Cape Coral, FL USA - Thursday, November 01, 2001 at 08:50:56 (PST)
Mike...what can anyone say about Mike in just a few words? It's
impossible! Mike was a part of my life for 30 years. He moved into the
neighborhood as a young adult when I was only about 5 or so. A few things
I will always remember about Mike are the scetches of streakers on the
sides of his white van. Oh how that shocked us neighborhood kids! I remember
his big, fluffy, white dog Dutchess. As the years went on, Mike brought
more to our neighborhood - Ceci and David, and then along came Chrissy.
The Versluis family weren't just our neighbors, they became our FAMILY.
We built strong relationships that will last forever. I remember Mike's
temper - OH BOY! But he only had a temper when he was showing his love
for family and friends. One time he threw a beer can at a speeding car
and it hit the windshield. The car NEVER came back! Mike came to my rescue
one summer night when my dad got sick. Apparently I ran out of the house
screaming and I ran across the street to the Smith's for help. Mike heard
me and ran outside to help, only to realize when he got to the curb, he
was in his boxers! But he was there. I've never seen a man love a dog the
way Mike loved Muggs. The dog was his best friend these last years. Through
all his gruff exterior, there was a helpful, loving man. He was a good
neighbor and friend who we've shared many memories with. When Mike got
sick, it was very hard to see him in such a state. But he made sure to
send Christmas cards every year. Even years when I hadn't sent them. That
shows how much he cared, in all his pain and suffering, he remembered us.
I plan to plant a rose bush, Mike's favorite type, in the spring in memory
of a man I was so fearful of as a child, but grew to love and respect as
an adult. Thank you Mike for giving of yourself and sharing your life with
us all. We are blessed to call you our friend, our true friend. May God's
peace, love and grace be with you and may God Bless those you've left behind,
that their hearts may heal quickly and they may continue the love you shared.
We love you.
Diane Dutter Balanzategui <momidi@pacbell.net>
Azusa & Palmdale, CA USA - Wednesday, October 31, 2001 at 16:56:14
(PST)
This is to Mike's family, his Mom, Roberta, and Sister, Sharon,
as I remember them over on 1st Ave. in Chula Vista, Ca. I only remember
him as a little boy, but I am Brian's Aunt Susie, and always remembered
what good friends they were. Yes, we really only have one or two special
friends in our life time, and for that we are very lucky. Mike was that
to Brian. My heart is heavy because I know the ones that have to grieve
so for losing him. But God promised us in "Revelations, 21;4", that in
Heaven God will wipe away all tears, and there will be no more sorrow.
What a blessed hope we have and peace in that verse. So for all his family
I pray that you will find peace that God gives us in His word, and know
that someday in Heaven we shall know one another again, and meet those
we've lost. My condolences to all Mike's family., Brian's Aunt Susie Krystek
Susan Krystek <spkrystek@fda.net>
Chula Vista, Ca USA - Friday, October 26, 2001 at 12:13:59 (PDT)
While my heart is so sad,I think back less than two years ago when
my heart was hurting and the first time in my life I did not know what
to do,I looked up and thru my tears I saw a man.This man I had not seen
for many years and wasn"t really sure "was this my cousin Mike"? YES, IT'S
MIKE! He came to me with those loving arms,and sweet smile on that face
of his.It seems that we spent all that afternoon together.Knowing how sick
he was,I thought to myself "NOW THIS IS A WONDERFUL PERSON". I remember
Our nomans land between 1st. Ave. and 2nd.Ave. in Chula Vista,Ca. Were
we all hung out,and what a wonderful childhood we all had together,gathering
up friends along the way.I love you Mike.Thank You for all the love you
give.You will be missed so much and always in our hearts.Two trees have
been planted for you,one in Washington state where the beauitful country
is full of wildlife,the other in Hawaii were it is peaceful and loving.I
LOVE YOU,YOUR COUSIN GAIL LEE.
Gail
Roose Nelson <gailnelson@yahoo.com>
Kehei,Maui, HI USA - Friday, October 26, 2001 at 11:10:18 (PDT)
Mike a true friend & sidekick will be missed but not forgotten.
My belief is when Mike first become ill Saint Peter locked the gates and
said we will wait for Mike. When the time came Mike road in a golden sports
car to the head of the line. It was nice for Saint to drive the car for
Mike. It is just a belief but it is mine. Hope to see you someday. Miss
you old friend.
Wilbur Johnson <WILLJ2@prodigy.net>
Apple Valley, Ca USA - Thursday, October 25, 2001 at 15:34:06 (PDT)
I have lost the only brother I have and my heart is heavy with sadness.
I can only hope that in the next life I could be so lucky as to have a
brother like Mike. He was one of a kind with a heart as big as gold. Your
Loving Sister, Sharon
Sharon Butcher
<gr8lvng>
Weed, Ca. USA - Wednesday, October 24, 2001 at 20:07:42 (PDT)
In one's lifetime, there is only one person that you can call your
Best Friend. Mike was that person to me. Mike was the brother I never had,
and I know he felt the same way about me. He was the type of person that
was always there when I needed him. He was always there when anyone needed
him. That is the type of person he was. He was a great family man and a
true patriot. My heart is heavy with sadness and will be for a long time,
as I feel I have lost a part of my family as well. My deepest condolences
to all of Mike's family and friends. We have all lost a great man. I will
miss you Mike. I love you. You will never be forgotten.
Brian Kornegay <oneputt@pacific.net>
Ukiah, CA USA - Wednesday, October 24, 2001 at 14:29:56 (PDT)