Goodbye to Mike
It was an emotional day and even with the frigid cold and snowy weather, so many came to say goodbye to Mike. They shared memories, stories and hugs with Rosanne, Kim, Tim, Patrick and Ali. There were tears, laughter and the sweet smiles of Griffin, Quincy, Cami and Mason trying to understand exactly where Grandpa was.
Patrick wrote a beautiful memorial to his Dad that I would like to share with everyone:
Michael J. Kiniry, I love you. I’ve been thinking about this very moment for 11 years, when I had to say goodbye to you. I never thought the day would ever come, but it has. It was one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do, as well as one of the easiest. I didn’t want to see you sick anymore. It had gone too far. And now you are all better.
I must say, you made quite an exit. You controlled every minute of your final hours. Waiting for all of us to arrive. And slowly you let go as each one of us said goodbye to you. I will never forget that moment as long as I live. It was amazing.
There will simply never be another guy like you. You were a loving, caring husband, who did everything for your wife. Except for when it was time to buy her a new car. Mom hated every single car that you brought home. And we had to hear about it!! But it was fun. I liked all of the cars you brought home, no surprise there. You were the best father to Kim and I. We can’t thank you enough for all of the things you did for us over the years. I’ve also heard what an amazing friend you were to so many people. Everybody loved you. That’s because you would do anything for your friends and family. You were always there for them, helping with whatever they needed. You told me that one of your goals was to be liked by everyone. Well, I think you succeeded.
Lets talk about 212 Indian Trail. You made our home such a great place to grow up in. It was the house all of our friends wanted to hang out at. Just like you wanted. The pool. The basketball court. The back porch. The bowling machine and pinball machine. We made great memories there. We had the best family parties. I always looked forward to the Fourth of July as did you. And I can’t forget to give a shout out to your garage. You had so much shit in that garage. But I must admit, now that I am older, there was some really cool stuff in there.
Today as we say goodbye to you, even though we won’t be seeing you anymore I know you will always be with us. Watching over us. I am sure you are having one hell of a time up there. I bet the line of people waiting to greet you was a mile long. You can tell me about it one day. Until then, I will never forget you Dad. I love you.
Patrick Kiniry
