Michael Bruce Ramon
a.k.a. Mikey, Big Moose, Gutter, Mr. Wonderful...
February 2007 - It looks like Mike's ash skydive will be on August 26, to commemorate the 1-year anniversary of his death and to celebrate his life. This will be in Eugene, Oregon, but details have yet to be set.
October 2006 - Mike and I had over 5 years together as a couple, mostly of wonderful memories. Looking back, I wouldn't give up any of the time I spent with him for the world. We had such different strengths and we loved learning from each other. Sure, it was a struggle sometimes, but I know for certain that I learned to love life more and enjoy living for the moment more often from my time with him. I also know he appreciated my drive and determination to accomplish new goals. Together, we accomplished many things and had great fun doing it! I will forever be thankful that I had the opportunity to truly know him and to be each other's best friend.
Everything from ordering pizza and watching TV to flying to Perris, CA for skydiving and training in the wind tunnel were amazing experiences because we did them together. During our time together, we learned about the world of skydiving, had parties at Kim and John's "front" house, went skydiving together when he had a cast on his arm, drove back and forth between Portland on weekends when I got a job there, made many off-dropzone (quasi-demo) landings, traveled to Florida several times to see family and go skydiving, he showed me several of his childhood hangouts in Sarasota, met his childhood friends, went boating in the San Juan Islands with my family (Mike jumped in the water in December with my dad - yes, alcohol was involved), moved across the country to Washington, DC, survived 9/11, the sniper and the anthrax scares while there, learned how to rock climb (after buying all the "spankiest" new gear of course), went flying together, made skydives across the country, built bookcases on the front porch, deep-fried turkeys in the backyard, spent time with my family, lost jobs, had jobs we hated, got new jobs, bought a new car on a whim, spent an entire day shopping for a new living room set, moved me to Spokane for law school, went skiing in Montana with way too few clothes, spent fun times with Kim and John in Spokane, took Ben to the park to ride the roller coaster (The Dragon), got engaged, played with Ben and Emily, and so many more things I can't even begin to recall them all. I certainly would not be who I am or where I'm at today without Mike's influence, love, patience, generosity, and friendship.
Every day I thank whatever greater power is out there that I was able to talk to Mike just a week before his death. I know how lucky I am and I know the special place we held in each other's hearts that came from being so close for so long and going through so many life experiences together. Overall, we were friends for almost 8 years and I feel lucky to have had him in my life. I know he held a special place in his heart for so many of his friends and loved ones.
Here are some pictures I thought you all might enjoy. For those of you who couldn't make it to the memorial in DC, I tried to put all of the photos I printed for the service on here so you can see them. If anyone has photos they want me to post on here as well, email them to me. Please let me know if you have any problems or comments (altitudeaddict at hotmail dot com).
May the memories you have of Michael always be with you!!! Remember to Live, Love, Laugh and Buy Three Cheeses every chance you get!!!
|
|
|
|
|
| Mike in Oregon mountains | The builder we all love | Always on the edge | Megan's birthday in Eugene, OR. | Miles, Joe, Mike and Bobby (Creswell, OR) |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
| Meg and Mike at Wright Brothers | Joe, Meg and Mike | Nick, Miles (Assman), Mikey, Megan and Dave Wright | Mike as tandem test-dummy for Howard. Always ready for a new adventure. | Mike across street from Broadway house in Eugene. These leaves all fell within a 5 minute period. Beautiful fall day! |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
| Jeff, Natali, Megan and Mikey | Mike with the tube the boys made for skydiving. | Always our favorite part of skydiving, packing. | Megan helping Mike get the air out of his canopy. | Everyone helping Mike get the air out of his canopy |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
| Before Mike's first night jump (Creswell, OR) | All set for the night jump with chem lights, strobe lights, and plenty of enthusiasm. | Mike and Dave Wright | Mike, Megan, Dave and Vanessa | Mike and Megan at the dropzone (Creswell, OR) |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
| One of Mike's early landings (Creswell, OR) | Mike and Nick flying kites. Something to do at the DZ on a cloudy day | Moving to Washington, DC and finding our way around. | Megan and Mike in front of the Supreme Court in DC | Mike in front of the Supreme Court. |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
| Megan and Mike dancing at Matt and Courtney's wedding (Sarasota, FL) | M and M | Mike and Megan sitflying in Delmarva | Mike and Megan ready to exit. | Mike in a sitfly |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
| Mike and Meg passing time playing with the camera on the road trip with the family up to New York and Niagara Falls | How many pictures can we take of ourselves? | Not a great picture, but definitely a great laugh. Another one on the great bus adventure. | Mike in front of Niagara Falls | We took the tour boat up near the falls |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
| Ready to head home | Mike and his dad, DeLee, at Mount Vernon in DC | DeLee and Mike on Mt. Spokane | Megan and Mike at a law school party in Spokane | Mike and Ben on the Dragon roller coaster. Yeah, Big Moose and Benjaben! (Spokane, WA) |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
| Megan, Mike and Michael (my lawschool roommate) in DC | Mike, Mark and Megan at our house in DC | Michael, Megan and Mike in Georgetown Ben and Jerry's | Mike on Roosevelt Island in DC | Mike resting in the sun on Roosevelt Island. |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
| I can't believe he stayed still for so long. | Megan and Mike at law school friends Sam and Karen's wedding | At the wedding, the day before we got engaged. | On top of the Space Needle in Seattle on a trip to look at wedding locations. |
Live, Love, Laugh!!!
Buy Three Cheeses!!!
"There I was, 5,000 ft...."
"Yeah, Baby!!!"