Donna and Family,

The years have slipped by since Mike left but the many memories remain strong, we shared some fun times, some challenging times and as in all parterships some disagreements. What we found that was unusual was a way to work thru the various challenges with respect. 

Lessons can be learned in all events so I share with each of you the lesion I received in Mike 's departure is don't get so self absorbed and seemingly busy to share time and conversations with those you respect.  Not in my wildest imagation did I think Mike would leave at such a young age, his drive and love of life made me think he would always be there. 

I waited too long to share time with him after our retirement from business and  we both waited too long to stay close after retirement. 

The reason for today's post is I miss Mike and wish we had been better at staying in touch after retirement and suggest you use my experience as a guide when relating to the people in your life that matter. There may not be a tomarrow for any of us..

 Mike is gone, Mike is still here, memories last forever.

Dear Papa,

It just doesn't seem the same without you.  We miss all of our fun weekends with you -- you know-- beating you at rummy cube and marble pursuit!  We can't wait to see you in heaven some day.  Please look after us until then.

We Love You and Miss You,
  JENNA, ALYSSA AND JOSHUA

Dear Donna and Family,

I find this strange and comforting at the same time. Last night I dreamt of Dad. He was telling me about everyone and then he stopped and said, "Find Donna and tell her Micheal and I have beers together and he is ok."  

This morning I found Micheal's memorial page.  Love.

Dear Dad,
It looks like I am running out of time to document words to you...Maybe because I still struggle that your fate is actually true?...Over a year has gone by, yet I still find myself breaking down to cry...How do I write a memorial or legacy to you; a paragraph, one sentence or two?  Your charismatic way was certain to brighten anyone's day! As your little girl, it was you who showed me the world...Your honor, strength, wisdom, and dreams; made those dearest to you learn how to build their own self esteem...Even when faced with adversity, broken promises, and failed plans; you rose to each occasion holding your loved ones hands...The lessons that you tried to teach, seemed just out side of my reach...Yet, you taught me to confront my fears and pursue my own personal growth and success; no matter how many obstacles or self imposed personal distress…You demonstrated  strong work ethics, perseverance, and practical approaches to hopeless situations… I believe that you saw the potential and beauty in spite of individual mutations…You captured your audience with unparalleled intellect and sarcastic humor; only at times to be humbled by those your junior…Your soul was lost at times and you often overlooked your own demons; just as storms are followed by sunshine that bring new seasons….Childhood dreams fill my thoughts; do you remember the boat ride to see the picture rocks?…The pride you showed with each of your daughter's achievements was subtle, with reason; you allowed us to grow and follow our own path; even when the balance sheets showed negative math!…My remembrance of you does not only include the toys you acquired, but the dedication and hard work that made others inspired!  I will never forget you in your fruit of the looms, dashing out into the sand to save me from doom, as my car caught fire; it was not the underwear that I admire!…I think of you often and feel your presence in my heart and life everyday; I do not care what other people say, I know you are here to be sure that the job gets done before we all celebrate and have fun!…The legacy that you have left to us on earth, compares only to the miracle of birth…Your legacy lives on deep in our hearts and miles apart….It is not what you have left behind that defines you; it is your grandchildren and the values that you enforced as true.  I know now you see my heart, the flesh will never again keep us apart…God needed  another angel to spread his wings, to help lost souls see all things…And someday, when the time is right, I will join you without a fight!…Until then, Dad; please stay close, as I truly miss you the most! I LOVE YOU always and forever; your little “Shelly”

Dear Papa,

Thank you for all the memories from visits and holidays. You were the best grandpa. We love you and miss you so much.

Hope and Big

Papa, we are not sure what to write. We loved coming you Mimi's and your house for holidays when we lived in Florida. We were hoping to have more time with you so that you could see what fine people we will become. Mom said that you would be and have always been proud of us. Please look in on us from time to time. We miss you and love you very much; we always will! When we grow up, we hope that you will always be close by. All our love forever, Hope and Brandon aka Big- your first born grandson:)

P.S. I love you always and forever Dad! Michele

Papa,
I can picture you perfectly right now, smirking as you shake your head; once again I have procrastinated up until the very last moment… one day I'll get the hang of it (hopefully.) I picture you vividly quite often, like I can pick up the phone and speak to you at anytime, I hear your voice perfectly when I imagine you picking up the phone, and anytime I have an important question you're the first person I want to call.  I don't think the reality of it has set in and I don't know if it ever will.

When I was little I remember saying, “life is so unfair.” I don't think I quite understood that statement until we lost you. I hope in your peaceful place you are able to clearly see just how much we all love you, and achingly miss you. A part of my heart left when you did. I miss you more than I can seem to put into words, and I hope I can make you proud. 

Thank you for being so much more than a grandfather. Thank you for teaching me how to swim. Thank you for vacations, advice, and being disappointed in me when I messed up. Thank you for valuing family, and instilling that in me. Thank you for motorcycle rides, embarrassing questions, and for playing go- fish. Thank you for the many life lessons you taught me. Thank you for filling a void that was in my life, even when you didn't have to. Thank you for forgiving me, believing in me, and loving me unconditionally.

Have fun up there, and look out for all these crazy folk you left behind. I love you and miss you more than anyone can imagine .

Hi Dad, 

It has been a year since you left and from time to time, I still keep thinking you're going to come back and say it was all a bad joke... or maybe just hoping. It is very difficult to let go of someone that means so much to you. I miss you all the time. 

While I still cry when I think about you, I need only to think back to that pointed grin you wore whenever you were about to say something sarcastic, or how you cracked yourself up with your own jokes, to bring a smile and even laughter back to my face and lighten my mood. 

I miss our evenings of solving the world's problems. I miss your candid approach to life and the way it helped me to keep perspective. I imagine you are in heaven drinking your martini''s and laughing that you can't get liver damage. There is no more stress and no more pain for you now. Only pure joy... the kind we can't imagine here on Earth. God has you at his side and that brings peace. I look forward to the day when I can see you again and pray you are looking over (and out for) all of us. I love you very much and am thankful for all of the closeness we were able to share. Good night, Dad

I am so sorry it has taken me so long to write to you.  I was hoping that I was living a bad dream and when I woke up, you'd be there.  I just couldn't accept the fact that God would take you away from me when we still had so much more to accomplish in our life together.  All the plans for the future we talked about; all our dreams.  Well, reality has finally set in.  I know that you are not coming back to our home.  You have a new home.  I know you are in a better place; free of illness, pain, sorrow and evil.  I hope you know how much you meant to me.  I know I didn't always show it or appreciate you the way I should have.  I wish I could have some do-overs.  I think about you and miss you every single day.  I cry a lot.  I'm trying to be strong, but sometimes, I just can't.  I hope you will continue to guide me in the right direction.  You were an exceptional man and my best friend.  The happiest day of my life was the day we became one.  We had over 22 years of togetherness.  I wish we could have had more.  A lot has happened since you left; but you know that.  You were and are the love of my life.  I am not saying goodbye.  I know we will meet again.  I hope that someday I'll understand why God needed you so soon.  Say hello to all our family and friends.  God has you in his keeping but I have and always will have you in my heart.  Remember, I'll LOVE YOU FOREVER.

Donna, We were sadden to hear about Mike's passing and want you to know that we are thinking of you and keeping you in our prayers.  Dan & Kathy

Donna and family, 
We are so sorry to hear of Mike's passing.  Our deepest sympathies. Some of our memories: Jim met Mike when building the Renaisance center. Mike was the pipefitter Gen. Forman, Jim was one of the plumber foreman.  They shared an office trailer together, while getting to know one another.  Jim was impressed by Mike's knowledge of the trade while being so young.  They often played racket ball with Dennis Dion and Charlie Gatecliff.  Jim also remembers working with you Donna, trying to solve all of Local 98's legal issues.  We remember you both as being such gracious hosts when we came to your Marco house.  Our friends are still talking about the fun boat ride and our visit to seashell island.  The last time we saw Mike he was cooking steaks for us, we will cherish these memories and we wish the very best for you in the days to come.

Donna and family,
We were so sorry to hear about Mike's untimely death.  We only met him a few times at his sister, Sandy's, northern Michigan home, but we found him to be a warm, fun-loving guy.  We know he will be missed by all of you.  We will keep you all in our prayers.  Dana and Marie King

I will miss Mike.  Mike and his family have had such an influence on me through out my life.  Mike's Dad (Big Larry) was the closest father figure I had growing up and Mike and Sandy, although cousins, were more like sibliigs to me.  Later are families grew up at the same time.  Camping with kids in diapers was someting I cannot forget.  

Later in life I treasured the family getting together on Marco. I will miss you Mike and thanks for thet first golf game of my life when you were a caddy. 

I will Love you forever

Larry

Our deepest sympathy Donna, on the loss of your life partner, Mike.
We remember him and have to smile at the joy he brought with him where ever he went.
You and Michael are in our hearts and prayers always.
Thomas and Cynthia Golema




Sorry For Your Loss Donna. Kenneth and Bridget C Hagen

Donna, 
Words cannot express how deeply sad we are for the loss of a good friend.  Tim will miss swapping stories about Michigan and 
"the good ole days".  You are in our thoughts and prayers.  Love you.

Debbie:

I'm so grateful I had the chance to get to know your father through you, your words and your love for life. I pray your grief is lightened by memories of joy, laughter and his unswerving love for you. Praying for you and for your family that God's comforting presence sustains you daily.

Hey Debbie so sorry to hear about your dad.. Im sending you a big sister hug and a prayer for you and your family.. may God hold you and confort you on this time.

My Dearest Debbie,

My heart is sadden by the sudden loss of your dad. From the photos you posted he looked like a cool, jokester with your eyes. Please know that I am praying for you and your family. 

Love you my friend,
Lisa

Donna, Debbie and Michelle, 
My prayers are with you and all your family at this most difficult time.  Mike was a great man and a great friend.  The best man at our wedding and a best friend to Larry.  I see the picture of their bowling league (Larry in the center) way back when and it brings back so many fun memories.  The picture with his best friend Pat.  I hope Mike and Pat and Larry are together having a great old time. A smile will always come to my face when I think of Mike and all the great fun we had together.  I pray for your families for strength...  Much love 
Brenda Durkin

Donna & Family: 
We just heard the news and our sincere condolences are being sent to you. Mike was an amazing man with a spirit that filled rooms. We will miss his smile. Our prayers and love are with you. 

Carl and Lisa Orkney Smith
email: smithsdream@yahoo.com

Donna, and family, sincere condolences, Mike was a good man,too soon gone to his reward......best wishes Steve Koss,past president Pipefitters Local 636

Donna,
       Our deepest sympathy, thoughts and prayers are with you and the family.
May he rest in peace.
                                          Ted and Pat Balogh

Donna, Debbie and Michele,
Our sincere sympathy to you and your family.  Mike was a good friend of mine during our pipefitting years and our families got together on several occasions.  My family will always remember the good times we had at Mike's Lake Michigan cottage and also his place on Isle of Capri.  We were saddened to hear of his death and will always remember him a generous man.  We are losing a good friend.  Our best to you and your family.
Louie and Marilyn Lemak of Traverse City, Mi.

My First & Last Day with Mike
The first time I ever spent time alone with Mike started as a typical Thanksgivings day in the Hadley household. The clan was gathering in anticipation of blissful over indulgence. I was watching the football pre-game show when Mike made his entrance, his distinctive voice interrupting the steady drone of holiday conversation. After exchanging small talk and laughs with everyone, he glanced at the television and promptly proclaimed, “I've got 2 tickets to the game today, we could still make the kickoff if we left right now (some 40 minutes from now)”, whereby he produced two said tickets from his pocket and waved them before my disbelieving eyes. I looked at Mom who was in utter shock at the thought of two empty seats at the table, I couldn't believe what I heard; “Well I guess that would be all right, if that's what you REALLY want to do…”, Dad followed-up with conditions of safety and responsibility that were readily agreed to and promptly forgotten. Three minutes later we were in his car racing for the stadium.
Mike was quick to lay out the game plan, as he weaved around car after car; “We should have clear sailing until we get close to the stadium. Our only hope for making the kickoff is to park quickly, far from the stadium and run”. He picked a free parking spot in a “colorful” part of town with barely a glimpse of the flags atop the stadium that was a long ways away. Back in the day Mike was quite athletic by nature, slender, with good coordination.  Evidently, he also had some stamina, as he popped out of the car and leaped into a full run lasting over 10 minutes, dodging both people and cars alike. I chased behind him best I could, with rapid breath, letting him “make the holes”. 
We arrived at Tiger stadium and it was just like Mike had indicated, no lines at the ticket booths, as everyone was already inside. He seemed to know right where the seats were as we wasted no time scurrying up the long ramp to the upper deck corridor. It was dark as we ascended the corridor towards our seats; we then stepped out into an explosion of sun and blue sky. We were practically on top of the field; upper deck, second row, 40 yard line. We made the kickoff! Mike gleamed wearing his contagious smile for all to see. 
The day was a blur, every play was special, Mike bought hot dogs, but more importantly he somehow made me think I was exactly the person he wanted to be with that day; I was special. This would become a common theme for Mike, going big, taking chances, inspiring others in his unique, charismatic way.
I left Michigan after college and didn't see much of Mike, yet each time we got together it was as if we saw each other all the time. I especially appreciated the last time we really talked, he told stories about my father (who had passed away several years before) and himself and how Dad was Mike's mentor during his turbulent early career, someone he could really trust. They had a fascinating relationship, such different people, yet I think they had the upmost admiration and respect for each other, something I didn't really understand until that night, something that made me once again fill pride in my father and grateful for Mike's sincere, emotional remarks. It was Mike at his best, the Mike I will always remember.
God be with you Mike,
Steve Hadley

Our deep and sincere Sympathy to Donna and family
We miss you dear friend 
Chris and Pete

My First & Last Day with Mike
The first time I ever spent time alone with Mike started as a typical Thanksgivings day in the Hadley household. The clan was gathering in anticipation of blissful over indulgence. I was watching the football pre-game show when Mike made his entrance, his distinctive voice interrupting the steady drone of holiday conversation. After exchanging small talk and laughs with everyone, he glanced at the television and promptly proclaimed,

Donna,
It is still unbelievable. We love you and are here for you. We have some priceless memories. Mike is at peace now. Our deepest love and prayers for you and your family. 
Izzy and Gene

Donna and Family, I will always remember Mike as a wonderful mentor,  a man of tremendous integrity, and a true friend.  He will be deeply missed by all the people whose lives he touched, especially mine.

Dear Mrs. Dubey, 

I would like to offer my sincere condolences at this sad time in your life. I got to know and work with Mike during the turmoil at Lovers Key Resort over the past few years. I found him to be a man of sincere integrity and one that garnered respect from all those he came into contact with both from a business and personal standpoint. Although I only knew him for a very short time, I think of him as a long time friend.

Bill Hangartner, Milwaukee Wisconsin

Dear Donna and Family,
I am so sorry for your loss.Such a truly wonderful man who always had such kind things to say to all near him.He will truly be missed by all.

Dear Donna and family,
I am so sorry to hear about Mike's passing.  It was a pleasure to work with Mike on his real estate transactions at Beach Club of Marco and Marco Courtyard Towers. He will be deeply missed.

Deepest sympathy for  the loss of a wonderful person.  Proud to have known Mike, I  respected his professionalism and integrity during our business dealings, truly an honorable man. (LKR - Black Island Management Joshua Tuyls)

Dear Donna and family,
I am crushed to hear of Mikes passing. He and I had  become great friends with huge mutual respect for each other, while resolving the Lovers Key Resort business issues.
He was a man with great vision and a sense of commitment and passion in building our on going relationship. I was looking forward to spending some quality time with Mike, but that will have to wait for another day.
This is a great loss to all of us at the  Resort and I will always hold Mike in the highest regard because of what he and I personally accomplished together.
My heart and prayers go out to you and the family. It was my honor to have known and worked with Mr. Dubey.

God Bless you All
Mike McEvoy
President
Lovers Key Beach Club and Resort Association

Larkin and I wish to remember Mike as a wonderful friend and he will be very much missed. Our condolences to Donna and the family.
Didi Wooller & Larkin Barnett

Donna, Debbie, Michele & Family
Mike and I shared 40 years of friendship and over 20 years of partnership and I will dearly miss him. 
Our thoughts and Prayers are with you all.
With Love,

I was saddened to hear the news. Mike was a sharp man with great values and I feel blessed to have had the privilege of knowing him. My deepest sympathy to you Donna. Stay strong.

Dear Donna, Bridget and I are back in Connecticut for the Summer, but were very saddened to hear of Mike's passing. He was a very good man, and his warmth, integrity, and good humor will be missed by all who knew him. He will be sorely missed around the Tiki ! You, and all of Mike's family, are in our prayers at this difficult time.

Our deepest sympathy to you Donna.  We will miss Mike so much.  He was our dear friend.  We will always be there for you.  Tex and Dee

I was fortunate to have been one of Mike's business partners. He had core values which could not permit dishonesty,deception,or sharp practices.Mike was one of those who leave an indelible mark on all whom he touched. Rest well, Mike.

We have lost another great friend who will be missed by many of us on Marco.  Donna and family, please know we are sharing in your sorrow with deep sympathy.

We were so sorry to hear about the loss of your beloved Mike, Donna.  May your happy memories of him always be a comfort to you and your family.

I am so sorry for your loss Donna. I only wish I had the opportunity to get to know Mike better. I know he was a wonderful man and a great husband. My prayers will be with you and your family.

My heart and prayers go out to you, Donna. You have my deepest sympathy and I wish you strength.

Sunni Jones

A great friend, golf partner, tiki buddy, and all around wonderful person who will be missed by those of us lucky enough to have him in our lives. Donna and family our thoughts are with you all.
Cindy Daderian and Frank Thuemmler Marco Island

Donna,Our most sincere sympathy to you and your family. We hope you find strength and comfort from all of us who love you.

Donna, In every way, we wish you comfort. With our deepest sympathy, to you and your family.

So sorry  to here the news of Mikes passing. May God  heal our broken hearts and bless  Mikes family. In this sad time of sorrow.  I will miss you Mike.    Your. Poolguy.   And  Poolgirl.      Jimmy. And. Annmarie  Sheton.   Thanks. For all the. Laughs. Around the pool

Dear Donna,

So many wonderful memories - Mike will never be forgotten.  God's peace to you and family.

You will be missed by your family and friends.  May God be with you.  
Sandy
Marco Island

Donna & Family -

We will miss our friend, neighbor and fellow golfer.  Deepest sympathies are extended to all of you at this time.  May God be your respite in dealing with such a sad loss.

Terry and Cindy Tomayko
Harbour Pointe

It is with heavy hearts we say goodbye to a wonderful man and friend.  May you rest in peace, Mike.  We shall keep Donna and family in our prayers.
John & Cathy (Hilbert, WI)

Dear, dear Donna. Lenny and I were shocked when Gene gave us the news about Mike passing away only 3 weeks after we had a beer together the day before we left. We wish you strenght sweetheart and we will miss our friend Mike.

I am so sorry for your loss. My deepest sympathy to you Donna and the family.

Rest in peace my friend.  Bob and Bobby are with you now.  You three need to stay out of trouble!!

OBITUARY

Michael L Dubey

April 15, 1948 – June 10, 2012

Hodges-Josberger Funeral Home

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