Michael Joseph Daly ~ Class of 1971
Departed ~ 11/01 ~ Details unknown
The Capitan of Fun! All tuckered out! Accolades as a class rep!
Tribute
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 na Khrup! DAW
Please send pictures (old and new), anecdotes, articles, stories and tributes to isbeings at gmail dot com
Paul Horgan ~ Class of 1971
