Thank you so much to everyone who added to this book, sent cards and flowers, and shared their heart-felt and funny stories. It is hard to imagine the world without my Dad, he knew how to do so many things that people don't know how to do anymore, and he was such a unique person. Remember everything he taught you and pass it on--the world will surely be a better place for it. With fondness and thanks for your kindness. --Monique, Mike's grand-daughter in NY.

I will never forget my Uncle Mike making all those feathered fishing lures.  He was so special to me.  My deepest sympathy to the family.


Donna Diamond Lomeli
Vista, CA

I think there should be a life size bronze statue of "Old Man Mike" wading in Bison Reservoir while fishing,because we all know Bison may not have been there if it was not for all the hard work Mike had done.
Above all fishing with Mike will be some of the most memorable moments in my life!!!Someday well all meet again to fish!!!     Thank,s for the good times....Rick

Mike grew up with my Father (Teak Varrone) in Colorado Springs, they were best friends and fishing buddies for over 50 years. I grew up fishing Bison with Mike and my Father as a child nearly every weekend. I consider myself a “fishing machine” thanks to Daddy and Mike. Everything I learned from those two nuts I still use today. When someone asked me what I caught the fish on I tell them “Saturday”….Mike used to tease me to no end. I would ask him what he caught it on and he would say: “Saturday”….no really what was it?... “a hook” he would say. I tease my 13 year old boy the same way, he is a total “fishing machine” as well. I would fall asleep in the truck on the way to the lake and Mike would say “don't fall asleep or I'll put night crawlers in your mouth”. I woke up one time with Dad and Mike laughing so hard I thought we would crash, Mike had put a bird feather in my mouth and I had slept there like that for awhile apparently. We had so many great experiences and I learned so much over those years.
My Father came up with a fly that worked very well and became one of our “go to” specials. He named it the “peppermint stick”. Because I seemed to have particularly good luck with it Mike always called me “peppermint stick”. I think he forgot my real name!
I'll never forget Mike's warm embrace, which he was certainly not known for, the day of my Father's funeral. I'm not sure who was more devastated..he, or I. 
 I haven't been to Bison Reservoir in over thirty years, but I can still remember every inch of the shore line and God's voice in the mist that rose from the lake at sunrise. It wasn't until adulthood that I realized it was the most beautiful place on earth.  I consider myself, one of the luckiest and blessed Men in the world. I fished Bison reservoir every weekend with my hero and his fishing buddy; the craziest and most knowledgeable old fishing fart of all time.
Mike, thanks for all the memories and for teaching me how to be smarter than a trout……God's speed!

"peppermint"

Mike was a dear friend and fishing buddy for a lot of years and I will miss him.

Mike was a dear friend and fishing buddy for many years and I will miss him.

Mike was a dear friend, and wonderful fishing partner. Bison will not be the same without him.

OBITUARY

Mike Horvat

19 December, 1915 – 4 May, 2012

Swan-Law Funeral Directors

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