Condolence: Hello, I just found this, and I am so sorry. You may remember from years ago, Carol, that your parents, Charles and Mary, were good friends with my parents, Bill and Alma. May you find peace at this season with good memories of your son.

Condolence: Tom & Carol, We just learned of the tragic loss of your son. The magnitude of the loss of a child is too great for us to imagine. Our prayers are with you and the family. Please know we pray for you and wish you whatever comfort is possible through your loss. May God bless you all...........

Condolence: I'm the son of Barrett Ryan who recently shared her condolence to "Tomato" and his family.
I've known Tomato since I was three or four years old. Anytime I've been at the Philadelphia Folk Festival, he'd be there; he was sort of like a Folk Fest uncle, if you will. Mike was such a fun person to be around, always sharing his hilarious stories and shouting "I tell you what!" Undoubtedly, I have shared some memorable moments with Tomato and he will certainly be missed.
Peace & Blessings,
Your pal,
"Neb"

Condolence: I just had the pleasure of meeting Mike this year... Tomato! At Fest, on Parking Duty. He sure made that last shift a joy. I'm shocked and saddened to have so suddenly lost a brand new friend in my life. My prayers are with you and your family.

Condolence: To Mike's family, I have had only the pleasure of knowing Mike for a couple of years through Matt and Jen Green. I know the hard work he was trying to do with himself the past few months because we talked either on the phone or here on the computer nearly every day since June when my mother past away and I was up at all hours of the night feeling so bad for myself and he always talked to me if I needed that little more time. In fact we probably talked about more things not knowing each other from the very beginning than one would expect. He has many friends and people that loved him you can see that from the Face book responses to the news. As he told me about my mom and I know even now it still feels like my heart is an open wound, it's a far better place if it can't be the way you want it here. My hope is that all those loved ones have beautiful angel wings and watch over us here until it would be our time to see them again. He had a heart of gold to me and a perfect gentleman. I send you my deepest sympathy and will be praying for you on Wednesday. With heartfelt sympathy, Liz Yoder

Condolence: I want to express my condolences to Mike's family. As you know, we, as his Philly Folk Fest family always called him Tomato. He will be very missed and loved for all time by every one of us. We have so many good memories of him to hold dear in our hearts. No one else in our group could incite laughter like our dear Tomato. He was at every festival that my children Ben and Elliott were at. If you ask my six year old daughter, Elliott who her favorite person at Fest is, she will respond 'Tomato'. He will be with us every time we get together, camping or not. Thanks to his family for creating such a lovable character that will stay safe in our hearts and minds. All our love, The Oterson Family--Barrett, Steve, Ben and Elliott

Condolence: Dearest Family of Mikes,
Words cannot fully express the deep sorrow I am feeling for your family during this difficult time. I got to know your son Mike through my brother Buck who was a dear and good friend to your son. Your son was to my husband also named Mike a very dear friend, we too reside in Barto and considered Mike a neighbor of sorts. He came over and helped us move a playground for our three children Jared,age 10, Morgan,age 8 and Ethan age,6. He was always willing to help and give a hand in whatever way he could. Our children loved his jokes and stories and he was always so jolly and brimming with wonderful personality. I too enjoy bike riding and we would always talk about going on a bike ride together, I am sad to say we never did get the chance. Verno would always tell me stories of his sister's children whom he loved dearly. He would always tell me, "Make sure you call me when your son Jared is selling hoagies for scouts and he would always say keep the change and use it towards his camp fund when I would deliver his hoagies" How I loved just talking to your son, and just being in the presence of such a generous and warm spirited person. Two weeks ago I chatted with him at the CVS in Pennsburg he was with another friend Tim and he gave me one of his amazing bear hugs and he was just radiant and smiling telling me how things were going so well for him, I have been praying for your son for some time to have peace and joy in his life that were everlasting. I will remember him how I saw him that day in CVS, looking radiant, and his smile just beaming. What a joy it was for us to call your dear son our friend.We will forever miss him and are feeling a tremendous loss along with you all, may God Bless and sustain your family during this difficult time, my prayers are with you.
Sincerely, Jill (Reed)Hendricks

Condolence: Mike and I worked together in the summer's at the Green Lane Reservoir. Mike would make me laugh every time we had a shift together. Between his funny stories and descriptions of everyday life to his mannerisms or just the way I would see him running down to the dock when I boat came in, he always put a smile on my face. I ran into Mike last Thanksgiving when out with my family - I was so happy to have the opportunity to catch up and get a big hug from him. We reconnected on Facebook and I would check up on him to make sure things were still good. I was so sad to hear the news of his passing and wanted to let you know that he was such a wonderful guy - thinking of him now still brings a big smile to my face. He will be missed!