For those of us that knew Michael
Daly ('71), I'm sure you were as shocked as I was hearing of his sudden
passing November 2001. 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 attend 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 to inform us that the data in his directory
was incorrect, it seemed he had tried to call or email someone and the
phone number or email was bad.
The first reunion I attended was Boston '88. Mike was my classmate in
Bangkok and the first person I saw when I arrived at the hotel in
Boston. 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 future reunions and I know I speak
for everyone in saying that a true friend of all ISBers has passed on and
is greatly missed!
Presently my need to reconnect continues to grow stronger as I reflect on
events such as September 11th, as well as my friend Michael's sudden
passing. I think it is important to remember how precious life is, and how
valuable our friends are.
Many of you may 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 because you just never know what card life will deal next and when.
I had planned on not attending the 2002 50th anniversary in Bangkok
because of reasons that seemed so trivial to me now. I changed my mind and
attended the 50th Homecoming in Bangkok with my 18-year-old son, and then
the of course, the 2002 "Hot Fun in the Summer Sun" Phoenix
reunion. I am fully registered for the 2004 Incredible Summer Bash Reunion in Florida
and challenge you all to sign up as well.
My thoughts and prayers continue go out to all of Michael's family and
friends especially his wonderful children.
Till we see you again old friend,
Sawadee Khrup!
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