Condolences and Reflections for
Mike Veit, 40
Station 37, Desert Hot Springs, CA
Firefighter II,  CDF Fire/Riverside County Fire Department
January 31, 1964 ~ April 3, 2004

"Another Hero has joined the ranks of Angels in Heaven way too soon..."
 

I trust that he is now walking in those fields of gold..my condolences. We appreciate each and every one of our public servants laying their life on the line every day!!
Cleo Graham <cleograhamtx@peoplepc.com>
Bacliff, TX USA - Friday, June 17, 2005 at 15:20:27 (PDT)
I came across this site looking for sites with my last name. My condolences to the Veit family. Mario Veit
Mario Veit <mve049@hotmail.com>
Orlando, FL USA - Saturday, October 16, 2004 at 07:27:12 (PDT)
SAFELY HOME I am home in Heaven, dear ones; Oh, so happy and so bright! There is perfect joy and beauty In this everlasting light. All the pain and grief is over, Every restless tossing passed; I am now at peace forever, Safely home in Heaven at last. Did you wonder I so calmly Trod the valley of the Shade? Oh! but Jesus; love illumined Every dark and fearful glade. And he came Himself to meet me In that way so hard to tread; And with Jesus' arm to lean on, Could I have one doubt or dread? Then you must not grieve so sorely, For I love you dearly still: Try to look beyond earth's shadows, Pray to trust our Father's Will. There is work still waiting for you, So you must not idly stand; Do it know, while life remaineth- You shall rest in Jesus' land. When that work is all completed, He will gently call you Home; Oh, the rapture of that meeting, Oh, the joy to see you come!
the one that loves you <firetiger64@aol.com>
Perris, Ca USA - Saturday, September 25, 2004 at 21:41:05 (PDT)
Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow. :-) Carol
Carol Thomas <Carol Thomas>
- Monday, September 06, 2004 at 02:43:48 (PDT)
To the Veit Family, we send our deepest sympathy. My husband is retired from the Riverside Co. Sheriff Office and had some pretty close call. May God Bless you and your Family. Bill and Mary Frogue
Bill and Mary Frogue <sicilliangal@aol.com>
Riverside, Ca USA - Sunday, September 05, 2004 at 16:20:24 (PDT)
Mike, I have read all the wonderful memories your CDF family has written about you. There is so much love and freindship in every word. You were lucky to have such people to be at your side day in and day out. And we were, indeed, lucky to have you in our lives. You were everything described, and much, much more. My life with you in it was "the greatest". The memories growing up together are too many to count. You were also my "brother" and I will continually reach for those memories. I know you will always be there. For now, I will just say "see you later". Forever your cousin, J.J.
J. J. Fonseca (cousin) <Snookiesdad@AOL.com>
Perris, USA - Monday, April 19, 2004 at 21:22:21 (PDT)
To Mike's CDF Brothers and Sisters, I would like to thank all who have written or read these condolences. I go to this web page almost everyday just to read what has been written. Wether it be a story or how Mike touched you in some way. He could always tell me something about each shift he was on. When I read these condolences I remember what he has said about that special time or person. I know Mike has left us for know, but I know we will all meet him again one day. Again thank you, to all of the CDF family, for what you have done in your own special way to help me and the kids at this difficult time. Love Diane, Michael, Jr., and Sammantha
Diane, Michael, Jr., & Sammantha <dmveit@aol.com>
USA - Monday, April 19, 2004 at 21:11:05 (PDT)
Veit Family: I first met Mike @ the CDF Academy @ Ione during our BFC Module #8 Class (the last class to go through 1st Responder) in January of 1995. It was then that I saw Mike lead by example. He seemed soft spoken, but had a strong presence. A rain soaked, wind driven, hail storming month and a half later; we graduated. Mike was very knowledgeable and there was no doubt in my mind he would've progressed through the ranks of CDF with ease. Throughout the years we would run into each other and catch up on memories and what was new in our lives. He always spoke highly of his Family and it was obvious he Loved you all very much. I will miss Mike and considered it an honor and a priveledge to have known him. I lost my Father in March of 2001 and now I've lost an extended member of my family...my "Brother". Rest in Peace Mike. God Bless you Diane, Michael and Sam; stay strong and please do not hesitate to call if ever you need anything. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Xavier & Olga Heredia <xoxoheredia1@aol.com>
Riverside, CA USA - Wednesday, April 14, 2004 at 23:29:13 (PDT)
Mikey, (Mary) We had some real good times on and off duty, Bud, when you came to 65's there was some dought wether you could hang with the rest of us, within a short time you proved to be the same caliber as the rest of us and you knew that. when I saw you last we reminisced about the good old days, laughed a little, cried a hole bunch! I will miss you dearly , love you BRO!
Gator
Moreno Valley, USA - Wednesday, April 14, 2004 at 15:15:00 (PDT)
Brother Mike, our last visit has left an ever-lasting memory embedded in my mind. Remembering our days at 65, and all the calls we ran. My brother you were truly an inspiration, devoted and dedicated in helping others, your never-ending love for your family both at home and at the station. Now, my brother you are part of Gods firefighting team, watching over all of us. God speed… and prayers go out to your family.
Moses M Sarinana Mo <SarinanaMo@cs.com>
Galt, Ca USA - Sunday, April 11, 2004 at 14:58:12 (PDT)
Here is a little something I read at my father’s funeral, I would like to pass this on to you and your family: I am standing upon the seashore. A ship at my side spreads her white sails to the morning breeze and starts for the blue ocean. She is an object of beauty and strength. I stand and watch her until at length she hangs like a speck of white cloud just where the sea and sky come to mingle with each other. Then someone at my side says: “There, she is gone!” “Gone where?” Gone from my sight. That is all. She is just as large in mast and hull and spar as she was when she left my side and she is just as able to bear her load of living freight to her destined port. Her diminished size is in me, not in her. And just at the moment when someone at my side says: ”There, she is gone!” there are voices ready to take up the glad shout: “Here she comes!” May you rest in peace Mike, your family will not go without our family help. Chris, Theresa Kemp
Chris Kemp <duke1@linkline.com>
Wildomar, ca USA - Friday, April 09, 2004 at 15:43:00 (PDT)
Diane and family, I didn't know Mike as well as I would like to have. The short time I was around him in Battalion 3 I learned enough about him to understand your family's great loss. You see, in this buisness there is an inherent wall that people build around them. It's their edge. It's what protects them. Only another firefighter can break through these walls we all build. Mike was an exception to the rule. He had a confidence that I admired. He showed that by not being afraid to smile at someone he just met or by sincerely listening to what you had to say. I value these things. Mike lived by these things. Mike didn't need these walls, his personality commanded respect. From my family to yours, we will pray for you. If you need anything, anytime, just ask. Your extended family is here for you. Don Ayers
Don Ayers <redlts@msn.com>
Beaumont, Ca USA - Thursday, April 08, 2004 at 22:00:56 (PDT)
One day, after returning from a call, a firefighter noticed a little girl in front of the fire station. She was wearing a red plastic fire hat and sat in a small red wagon with a garden hose and small ladder attached to the wagon’s sides. Pulling her makeshift truck was a dog and a cat. Surprised and delighted the firefighter approached the little girl to talk to her but as the firefighter got close, the firefighter noticed a long string the little girl was holding. Following the string the firefighter was startled to see that the other end was attached to the most sensitive part of the tomcat’s anatomy. Feeling the urgent need to council this new recruit, the firefighter smiled and said; “Hey there young firefighter, this is sure a great truck you got here.” The little girl beamed and smiled back at the firefighter. The firefighter continued; “Nice hose, and a strong ladder too. You’ve done a fine job, but can I give you a small piece of advice?” The little girl nodded. “You’d get a lot more speed and power from your truck, if you take off this string and tie the cat’s collar to the handle.” The little girl thought carefully for a moment and with a very serious face looked back at the firefighter and said; “Yeah, I would but I’d lose a really cool siren.” Not long after Mike and I became friends we started the tradition of send each other funnies like this joke through the email. What makes this particular joke special to me is that it tickled Mike to no end. For days after, all I would have to do is call out “meow” and Mike would just start giggling or out-right laughing. Soon whenever we greeted each other or called each other on the phone, the conversation would almost always start with “meow”. Of course we would get strange looks from passersby but that didn’t matter. We were having fun and that was the basis of our relationship – fun. Over the next year, everyday was a new discovery or new story from Mike. He’d talked about his stint in the Army and the different jobs he held down before and while he waited to be hired full time here at the Fire Department. One of my favorite stories was about this dark-haired beauty that worked in a doctor’s office. He said that she had these big beautiful eyes and that he desperately wanted to meet her. So he arranged a meeting through a relative. They dated for a while but according to Mike, Diane took a stand with him and announce; “You’re not going to find anyone better than me so what are you waiting for?” Given this powerful and obviously true statement and being a sensible man, Mike married Diane. Now Diane you’ll have to forgive me about that story because, when us guys talk to each other, we can’t always distinguish between fact and fiction. We just naturally believe it all, but regardless if the story is true, partially true, or an out right fabrication, one thing I am completely sure of is the fact that Mike loved you and his children. He marveled at your strength during his illness and basked in your love. He told me on several occasions that he didn’t know what he did to deserve you and how grateful he was to have you by his side, especially after his operations and during chemo. He told me how proud he was that Anthony joined the Army and how well Mike Jr. and Samantha were doing in school. In fact, last summer, we talked about putting together a special science project for the kids. It was an atomic cloud chamber. Boy you should have seen Mike’s eyes get as big as saucers when I described this cool little experiment. Well Mike was all gun-ho and I feel bad that we never got around to do the experiment because I think that building this device was more for his benefit than it was for his kids. I have and I will sorely miss my friend but every time I start to feel the pangs of grief, I close my eyes and I see him laughing and if I concentrate hard enough, I can hear his laugh and all is right again with the world. In closing, I want to thank Diane for allowing me to steal some of the precious time she had left with Mike. Diane, I want you to know that I can never repay you for giving me the opportunity of being part of Mike’s last days on earth. He was, without a doubt, a good husband to you, a good father to your children and my friend. Thank you
Michael Elkins <mike.elkins@fire.ca.gov>
Corona, CA USA - Thursday, April 08, 2004 at 16:19:03 (PDT)
Mike, I will miss you and I will never forget you. I am so sorry that I could not have seen you in your last days here on earth but I will look forward to seeing you again someday. You were a good friend to me from the day that we met and I will always remember your kindness and caring attitude. Rest In Peace Bro!
Anthony Bertrand <anthonybertrand@hotmail.com>
Redlands, CA USA - Wednesday, April 07, 2004 at 18:20:14 (PDT)
Mike and Family, As I sit here and read about all the wonderful things you did while on tour with us. I ask myself, why someone so good to all of us had to go so soon. Well my question was answered when I stopped thinking selfeshly and realized that the most important person to all of us needs good people around him also. God needed you and has plans for you in heaven. I am so confident that you will out-do everyone in heaven as you did on earth. We will miss you always and never forget you. We love you and your family. Love always, Your brother Silvio "Jake" Lanzas
Silvio Lanzas <cdfjake@cs.com>
Riverside, CA USA - Wednesday, April 07, 2004 at 09:31:22 (PDT)
For my brother Mike and his family- Mike was the first partner and brother I knew when I came to Riverside 9 years ago. I feel blessed for the time I was allowed to spend with him. Some think it is the day you are born which matters. I believe it is the "dash" from the day of birth to death which matters. Mike your "dash" 1964 - 2004 was much too short, but within that time my friend you possessed values many will never know in their lifetime....compassion, loyalty, kindness, honesty, trust,dependability, inspiration, enduring optimism, just to list a few. In my presence you always had a smile on your face and a song in your heart. You are a beautiful person & I am honored to have stood beside you in the line of duty. Be proud of Mike - he has lived his life in a way which no one can speak badly of him. How many of us can say the same for ourselves? Rest in peace my brother & friend, until we meet again.
Michele L. Camper <michelesurfnfire@aol.com>
Big Bear City, Ca USA - Tuesday, April 06, 2004 at 21:25:41 (PDT)
Hey Mike, I am so thankful you were my partner at station 48 for almost 7 months, you taught me so much, I am so thankful I was able to work with you. May you rest now. Until we meet again. Anna Anderson
Anna Anderson <annamal@firedept.net>
Riverside, CA USA - Tuesday, April 06, 2004 at 20:34:28 (PDT)
Mike, The world has lost one of the best, you will never be forgotten. As many have said your great attitude in the face of adversity will be your legacy to all of us. To your family, you will always be a part of our family. God speed my friend. Rick Griggs, Station 51 - El Cariso
Rick Griggs <rick-griggs@cdffirefighters-riverside.org>
Temecula, CA USA - Tuesday, April 06, 2004 at 13:12:10 (PDT)
Hey Mike, I remember being with you in Laughlin last July, sitting by the pool talking about life and old times. Not one time did you complain about your illness. Your only concern was your family and everyone else, like always. I remember seeing your smiling face while you were winning on the craps table, thats how I will always remember you, happy and always positive, no matter how bad anything was.It was a blessing spending time with you in Laughlin. I know you are in heaven smiling down on your lovely family, rolling some dice across the table. Mike, I will see you again, I love you brother. And Diane, there will always be a place in my heart for you and the kids. Thanks for letting me have Mike as a Friend for the last 12 years while working for CDF. My prayers are with you. Rocky McMorris Station 34 Winchester
Rocky McMorris Ststion 34 Winchester <cdfflame@adelphia.net>
Hemet, CA USA - Tuesday, April 06, 2004 at 11:17:12 (PDT)
I will never forget the time I shared with Mike in the Perris ECC while he was assigned there. Mike epitomized the "can do" spirit of CDF. While he had no ECC experience, Mike always jumped right in whenever the chips were down and made great things happen with his hard work,determination and positive attitude. While Mike's physical body is gone, his presence will never be forgotten. Mike epitomozed my favorite saying in life "Life is only 10% of what happens to you, 90% of life is your attitude and how you handle those things that happen to you". Mike had such a positive attitude and worked so hard to maintain it to the very end. I pray for God's grqace for his family.
Tim McClelland <Tim.McClelland@fire.ca.gov>
Beaumont , Ca. USA - Tuesday, April 06, 2004 at 10:17:36 (PDT)
I would like to send my deepest heart felt condolences to the Veit family. I never personnaly had the opportunity to meet Mike but what I have heard about him from others indicates that he touched the lives of many. At times like this when sorrow is so great, words fail to convey the depth of our love for our brothers and the pain we endure at the passing of one of us. The Fire Service is a big family and even those we do not know are our brothers and sisters. We send all our love and pray that the lord will continue to give the Veit family his comfort in this time of mourning and express our knowledge that Mike will continue to be with us. With all our love Sage F.F.S.
John Gonzales <FireCpt28@msn.com>
Temecula, CA USA - Tuesday, April 06, 2004 at 09:01:58 (PDT)
As I sit here and try to remember every little moment I had with Mike, I keep asking myself: "Why do all of the best have to go?" I only wish I could be as good as he was. I've known Mike since we attended Crafton Hills Academy #26 in 1990, back then thinking that we would never get to be permanent firefighters with CDF. What a dream! I remember Mike's spirit, vigor, and constant enthusiasm when Ray Shaw would say "Squad 5, hose and Ladders.." Well, we made it through to graduation, what a proud day. No more morning aerobics training! We both went on, up the CDF ladder, in different directions, but bumping into each other on fires, overtimes, and later, on the phone during his time in the ECC. It seems like just yesterday he relieved me at station 34. I remember staying over past shift change to share a few memories, and a few cups of good ol' fire station coffee. Just a couple of 'old school' Engineers, singing the praises of our HME engines. Mike, you will be sorely missed, but I'm sure you will have plenty to do, watching over all of us, in ways that firemen especially know. When to back out before that room flashes over, when to push it a little to get to the top of that ridge, and when to get in the burn. At these times guys like Mike, and Kenny, and Bob, just to name a few, are all there to grab you by your collar and say "What're you doing, dummy?" To the Veit family, I thank god for the time I shared with your Mike. I'm proud to have known him. God's Word has a verse that's special to me that I'd like to share with you. Matthew 5:16 "In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven." God bless the Veit family. Matt Colvin - Bautista Camp
Matt Colvin
San Jacinto, CA USA - Monday, April 05, 2004 at 21:49:01 (PDT)
R.I.P. My brother, your example will live on in all of us years to come...
Russ
Moreno Valley, ca USA - Monday, April 05, 2004 at 19:06:03 (PDT)
Diane, we in Battalion 6 would like to convey our condolences to you and the family. We will miss a loving brother who we have the honor to know. He is as stated by many, "A Firefighter of Firefighters" Though we will miss his physical present everytime we respond to a call, we know he will be right next to us in spirt smiling ear to ear,watching over us and keeping us safe. Mike will be missed, and never forgotten. God speed Mike till we meet again.
Battalion 6 Family
Coachella Valley, CA USA - Monday, April 05, 2004 at 16:33:12 (PDT)
My condolences to the Veit family,My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Art Gonzalez <Agonzalez@pacbell.net>
Burbank, CA USA - Monday, April 05, 2004 at 12:40:37 (PDT)
PRIDE, COURAGE, INTEGRITY, LOYALTY....For those of you who never had the pleasure of knowing Mikey, these are the words that would come to mind when thinking of him. What Mike lacked in golf skills he made up for in being a husband and father. Diane, Michael, Sam.......I want to be sure you know that he loved you guys more than words could ever explain. When I think of an Angel these are the qualities that I think of, and that is Mike's new role in your lives now , as an Angel. Mike Veit...A great Husband, Father, Friend and fireman Godspeed brother you will be missed
Mark Oakley, Dan Hebrard--RVC Station # 38
Riverside , CA USA - Monday, April 05, 2004 at 11:32:40 (PDT)
I will miss Mike's sense of humor and the professional and positive way he went about his job. The fire service has again suffered a great loss with Mike's passing. To the Veit family, my prayers and thoughts go out to you. May God watch over and protect you always.
Tom Drayer <tom.drayer@fire.ca.gov>
Moreno Valley, CA, CA USA - Monday, April 05, 2004 at 11:02:05 (PDT)
Mikey, my brother, my friend you were an example to follow. You lived your life with a happy heart and always put others before yourself, I will miss you more than words can say. Diane, Mikey was my brother which means you guys are family, and family takes care of each other. If you ever need anything I will be there. Mike, I know you will be taking care of us from above. God speed my brother, until we meet again.
Kelly Becker <firekel@msn.com>
temecula , ca USA - Monday, April 05, 2004 at 11:00:41 (PDT)
Mike's Family- I am sorry for your loss and know there will be a huge hole in your lives. Mike was a firefighter for me at Station 3 way back in his career and later we wroked together in Bat-10. When I heard of his death, many things quickly came flooding back from my time with Mike. As I look back, I can see all the great things he did and lives he touched(young Vounteers) while at Station 3. A few even work as brother and sister firefighters now. From his love of Baseball to being a "local" in Perris, he was a great guy. A huge loss, one I hoped never would happen. Martin Gill
Martin Gill <fire7fish@aol.com>
Big Bear, Ca USA - Monday, April 05, 2004 at 10:34:15 (PDT)
To the entire Veit family, I am truly sorry for your loss and my prayers go out to you and your family.
Joe Taylor
Victorville, Ca USA - Monday, April 05, 2004 at 09:49:09 (PDT)
My first year with CDF and our first day working together. You filled me with so much insight about our department and the importance of brotherhood. The knowledge you shared with me carried me to whom I am today...A permanent Fire Fighter for CDF/RRU/RVC You and I have many friends who have shared such moments with you, those moments will never diminish. Thank you for being an inspiration to me..."Let's get it on."
Jason Holman and Family <nofire2big@yahoo.com>
Beaumont, CA USA - Monday, April 05, 2004 at 08:52:02 (PDT)
Mike, for the time we worked together as FFII"s, to when we went to the FAE academy together, side by side, you were an inspiration,never did I see you down, no matter what came your way. I will miss you and look foward to seeing you again. You are a true "Brother" to us all. Watch over us, keep us safe as you did on earth. To Diane, and the kids, be proud of a great man, father, friend. We will all miss him, but remember he is still with us. God speed Mike.
Kerry Smith <cdfhg2881@msn.com>
Hemet, CA USA - Monday, April 05, 2004 at 08:44:18 (PDT)
Diane, My prayers go out to you and your family. Mike was a truly beautiful person. This is a loss to us all! God Bless you and your children.
Maddy Lopez <kyllian@hotmail.com>
Moreno Valley, Ca USA - Monday, April 05, 2004 at 08:14:07 (PDT)
Dear Mike, Your positive attitude, your smiling face, your ‘bald head’ are all part of the image we will always remember .. Sleep well in GODs hands. The Creation of the Firefighter by "Author Unknown" When the Lord was creating Firefighters, he was into his sixth day of overtime when an angel appeared and said, "Your doing a lot of fiddling around on this one." And the Lord said "Have you read the specification on this person? Firefighters have to be able to go for hours fighting fires or tending to a person that the usual every day person would never touch, while putting in the back of their mind the circumstances. They have to be able to move at a second's notice and not think twice of what they are about to do, no matter what danger. They have to be in top physical condition at all times, running on half-eaten meals, and they must have six pairs of hands." The angel shook her head slowly and said, "Six pairs of hands...no way." "It's not the hands that are causing me problems, " said the Lord, "it's the three pairs of eyes a Firefighter has to have." That's on the standard model? " asked the angel. The Lord nodded. " One pair that sees through the fire and where they and their fellow Firefighters should fight the fire next. Another pair here in the side of the head to see their fellow Firefighters and keep them safe. And another pair of eyes in the front so that they can look for the victims caught in the fire that need their help." "Lord" said the angel, touching his sleeve, " Rest and work on this tomorrow." "I can't, said the Lord, "I already have a model that can carry a 250 pound man down a flight of stairs and to safety from a burning building, and can feed a family of five on a civil service paycheck." The angel circled the model of the Firefighter very slowly, "Can it think?" "You bet," said the Lord. It can tell you the elements of a hundred fires; and can recite procedures in their sleep that are needed to care for a person until they reach the hospital. And all the while they have to keep their wits about themselves. This Firefighter also has phenomenal personal control. They can deal with a scene full of pain and hurt, coaxing a child's mother into letting go of the child so that they can care for the child in need. And still they rarely get the recognition for a job well done from anybody, other than from fellow Firefighters." Finally, the angel bent over and ran her finger across the cheek of the Firefighter. "There's a leak", she pronounced. "Lord, it's a tear." "What's the tear for?" asked the angel. "It's a tear from bottled-up emotions for fallen comrades. A tear for commitment to that funny piece of cloth called the American Flag. It's a tear for all the pain and suffering they have encountered. And it's a tear for their commitment to caring for and saving lives of their fellow man!" "What a wonderful feature Lord, you're a genius" said the angel. The Lord looked somber and said "I didn't put it there." Mike you were all of these things and more, you will be missed greatly by all those who knew you, and all that should have. Steve Vaughn, CDF RRU/ RVC
Steve Vaughn and Family <steve.vaughn@fire.ca.gov>
Riverside, CA USA - Monday, April 05, 2004 at 08:12:16 (PDT)
My heart is deeply saddened to hear of Mike's death. I send my deepest condolences to Mike's family, friends, and co-workers in RRU. I did not know Mike, but I have heard nothing but good about him. I have heard that he never said a bad thing about anyone and that he was truly a Firefighter's Firefighter. I am sure that Mike has set the example for a lot of us. Again, CDF Fire has lost another family member and we will all be at a loss. I for one am proud that Mike chose to belong to the CDF Fire family and I want to thank his wife Diane for sharing him with us and letting him be part of our family as well. Rest in peace my brother...You have done your job well and now watch over a very proud wife, daughter, and son.
Brian Kornegay <oneputt@pacific.net>
Ukiah, CA USA - Monday, April 05, 2004 at 01:24:01 (PDT)