Michael Anthony Dampf

Mike had so many good traits; it is difficult to determine which ones describe him best. He was strong, tough, loving, honorable, and hard working. I think more than anything else though he loved to make others laugh.

Mike was a loving brother to all his siblings and had many friends. Mike loved people and people loved Mike. He always seemed to be having a good time no matter where he was. My father gave everyone nicknames, Mike was “Michael Andy Truck”.

Mike loved to build and create with his own hands. Construction was his passion. He was an excellent Plumber and Framer. He was always determined to do things the correct way and avoid short cuts. Mike became a general contractor once my dad had retired and ran a successful business for the last 14 years, remodeling homes. Our Father always told us there was nothing more satisfying than building something with your own hands, and Mike took that to heart.

As kids we were always getting into something. We always worked as paper boys and had jobs in the local pet store or gas station. This allowed us to buy our own bikes, mopeds, go-carts, motorcycles and minibikes. We spent many days working on them and riding them down in the riverbed, making dirt tracks and jumps. Mike loved the beach. I have many fond memories of riding our bikes to the beach with friends and riding the waves on our boogie boards.

In more recent years we spent a lot of time going out to concerts and comedy shows or just hanging out barbequing. Whenever Mike was around, I knew we’d be laughing. He was always quoting a line from some movie or acting out a comical routine to get a laugh.

Beyond the humor, he was always protecting the ones he loved. Mike reminds me of the Archangel Michael of whom he was named after.

Mike was spiritual, fearless and wise. He had an ability to see things in a simple way, cutting through all the BS, and sticking to what is important. As the archangel Michael cast the demons from heaven, Mike would always provide a simple straight forward clear path on how to approach issues with our foes.

Though losing him so suddenly is painful, perhaps God needs him now to protect the gates in heaven. Only God knows why Mike was taken so soon, but we must trust in His divine wisdom.

Let us remember all the good things that our brother and friend did for us. He was very wise and was always the provider of good advice. He made our lives better, and that’s how he’ll be remembered.

Keep the good times.