Remembering Michael Daly (�71)
The Need to Reunite and Celebrate Feels More Important than Ever Before
By: David Wilkerson �71
For those of us that knew Michael Daly (�71), I'm sure you were as shocked as I was upon hearing of his sudden passing this November. I will always remember Mike's strong sense of family and his devotion to his children who he was so proud of. Mike was a charismatic, fun loving man, who lived everyday as if there would be no tomorrow.
Mike was an early pioneer in the Class Rep system, volunteering his time and boundless energy beginning in 1986. He was a key player in the organization and central to the success of the �88 Boston reunion. Mike's strong connection to ISB carried through in his efforts with the ISB Network. For Mike, there was no excuse great enough in his relentless quest to get people to a reunion. Michael loved the ISB Network and all it stood for. In fact, Mike never missed one single reunion in my 13 years. His desire to reconnect with ISBers, whether it was at a formal reunion, mini-reunion, or just passing through a city was contagious. On many occasions Mike would call me to inform me that the data in his directory was incorrect, as he had tried to call or email someone and the phone number or email was wrong.
The first reunion I attended was Boston �88. Mike was my classmate in Bangkok and the first person I saw upon arrival. At all of our reunions he was the Captain of Fun, never a dull moment with Mike at the helm -- and never a lack of Mekong. I can't imagine not seeing Mike�s face at our next reunion in Phoenix. I know I speak for everyone in saying that a true friend of all ISBers has passed on and will be greatly missed!
In light of the recent events surrounding September 11th, as well as our friend Michael Daly's sudden passing, my need to reconnect continues to grow stronger. I think it�s so important to remember how precious life is, and how valuable our friends are.
Many of us feel that there will always be time for �the next reunion�-- maybe it will be closer to home, etc. One thing I am sure of, and I know Mike would agree, we need not put off reconnecting one more minute. Call your Travel Agent, go online and book a ticket to Bangkok, to Phoenix, or better yet, BOTH!
I had planned on not attending Bangkok because of reasons that now seem so trivial. I will be attending the ISB 50th Homecoming in Bangkok with my 18-year-old son this January, and of course Phoenix in August.
My thoughts and prayers go out to all of Michael's family and friends. Thank you Dan Grandi for letting us know about Michael. I know in his final moments he felt at home with his family and a few of his closest ISB friends.
Till we see you again old friend,
Sawadee Khrup! |
