With heavy hearts we would like to inform you that Mike Barkley passed away this morning at 10:30 am. As per Mike's wishes, there will be no funeral services. Milke's wife Rita and his daughter Kelly have read the wonderful posts from all of you. They have asked us to express their gratitude for all of your kind words and expressions of admiration and friendship. The Michigan Rod Builders are offering the opportunity to give a donation to help Mike's family with expenses. For those would like to donate, please send funds, as a friend, to mirodbuilders@yahoo.com on paypal. The rod building community has lost not only a valued member, but an innovative pioneer in the our trade. Many of us have reaped the benefits of Mikes knowledge and skill. On a personal note, speaking for myself and Ann, Mike was mentor, friend and just a genuinely nice guy...taken from us too soon. We will miss you Mikey.

I was able to spend a good bit of time with this remarkable man.... I will miss our long discussions... Miss you Mike.

______________________________________
Super Tight Lines......Don



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 11/24/2013 01:27PM by Don Morse.

I'm saddened to hear the news. I feel fortunate to have met him at this years Expo. Super nice guy with a great attitude.
Regards to his famiy and friends.
He will be missed by a lot of buiders.
Perhaps the Michigan builders can set up something that will commenmorate a great builder and person so he is never forgotten.

ESFNEM Col
Port Kembla, NSW
Australia

We are diminished

Rest in Peace Mike. My thoughts and Prayers go out to Mikes Family

Condolences to family and friends of Mike Barkley. Your in our prayers. Lynn

I am deeply saddened by the News...Great man...he will be missed. God Bless you Mike!

Hello all.

Mike was a great friend to all he met and may he find peace, serenity and all the stuff he needs to work his craft in heaven.


He Is Already Missed.

Bob,

New Bern, NC.

I loved seeing Mike once or twice a year at the ICRBE or Chicago gathering. He was one of htose people you just enjoyed being around, listening to his stories, and seeing his face light up as he answerred questions and learned new things. It's great to see how many people he reached out to and communicated with and shared his passion for rodbuilding and life with.

Thank you everyone who has made a donation to help mikes family in this time of need. We will keep collecting for one more week (12/2). We will then send all the funds from the paypal account to his wife.... God bless you all for the kind words and blessings.

______________________________________
Super Tight Lines......Don

Living on the west coast, I only met Mike once at one of the ICRBE's. He was great to talk to and share info with on turning various pieces. Rest in piece Mike. You will be missed.

Terry Turner

Rest in peace Mike, you will be missed.

It is a sad day, indeed. We have lost a dear friend and shining star of this Forum.
Mike Barkley will be sorely missed by many for years to come.

My Condolences to the family

Bill - willierods.com

THIS IS A LINK TO AN OBIT FOR MIKIE, IT HAS A PLACE TO LEAVE A MEMORY OF MIKIE. THE FAMILY WILL READ AND CAN PRINT THEM OUT.
[www.molnarfuneralhome.com]

______________________________________
Super Tight Lines......Don

David Gilberg Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> It is a sad day, indeed. We have lost a dear
> friend and shining star of this Forum.
> Mike Barkley will be sorely missed by many for
> years to come.

Well said, David! RIP, Mike.

Mike was sure a good guy.

Mike has been a part of every rod I have built since the first time he responded to one of my 'newbie' questions years ago on this site. Then each time I met and watched him at the big show, my rod building skills and knowledge grew. He will continue to affect all my builds. We lost a great builder, teacher and American.