The Battle Family has
received over 300 letters and
poems about Michael. Over 50 of those appear on the following
pages. Please be patient while these pages load.
I met
Mike through Brian Keddle in grade 3 at Margaret Jenkins;
we were 7 years old. From the second day I knew Mike we were
friends for life. Our friendship grew into something that
was unbelievably wonderful. Mike was my friend, and my brother.
Michael always had it
with the ladies. From day one he was it. Of course I was a
bit jealous, but I got over that. The 5 of us Mike, Josh,
Chris, Brian and I went cruising on Friday nights. Oh, those
were the days! One of many times, a carload of girls would
pull up beside us and wave. Well of course all of us waved
right back. But not Mike, he always played it cool, and sat
back with one hand on the wheel and the other out the window.
The girls looked around us and waved us to sit back in our
seat and we did. They looked right at Mike like they were
in a trance, I think if was that blond hair and the unforgettable
smile. Well as usual we got gypped. Mike would pull over get
their numbers and we would all stay in the car like scared
cats. When he came back we all asked if they asked about any
of us. I would like to thank the Battle family, but most of
all two people, Stella and Martin, Mike's Mom and Dad. I would
have never gotten to have such a wonderful friend if it were
not for you two. 22 years of smiles, jokes, and hugs and laughter
is what I will remember. Never an argument or a harsh word,
and he always had a shoulder for a friend to cry on. John
and Deanna I just want to say that Michael was very proud
of you two, he often mentioned you both in our conversations.
I last talked to Mike two days before he passed away, I was
supposed to meet him on Monday for coffee. The phone conversation
was short but we told each other that we missed each other,
and that was the last time I talked to my friend Michael Battle.
Mike you are always in my mind and heart. I love you.
Your friend Christopher Wells Narver.
Mike
It all stated in the karate school where I had just become an
instructor. The guy I had been assigned to teach that day was
going on about how he would rather have a male teacher, as he
thought a male would be capable of teaching him better. A few
days prior to this I had taught Mike and we had hit it off right
away. He dubbed me "Kenpo Kim" and the name stuck.
Mike overheard the conversation that day and came over and told
the guy that he was honoured to have me as a teacher and that
he should be too. The guy took one look at Mike who was twice
his size, shut his mouth and the lesson continued. That day
Mike won my heart and our friendship began.
He always said we were
good friends because we understood each other. What I understood
was that he was a sincere, honest, life loving man. Everyone
wanted to be around him because of his incredible spirit.
His laugh was so infectious that you couldn't help but laugh
yourself. He was special and everyone could sense that.
I've always bragged
to others about my friend Mike, who knew what life was about.
He showed people what was important and taught them that life
was about being unique and fulfilling your dreams.
So now I sit here in
London, England miles away from everything and everyone I
want to be with. The best I can do is send my love, which
doesn't seem like quite enough. I still have 6 more months
backpacking through Europe, in which I will do in Mike's honor,
with his spirit. I know he will be watching over me, protecting
me. I will never quit bragging about my friend Mike.
I love you buddy and
I will never forget you.
Kenpo Kim
To: The
entire Battle Family, (near and far)
At this most saddened
time, I am forced to reflect on the past --- and suddenly
I am not so sad. I don't think I could fill a hand with the
number of sad times spent with Michael. He filled everyone's
hearts with happiness and love. He brought smiles with him
wherever he went, and he was always happy to share them! As
a family, you are now joined by many new faces, some familiar,
some not. But we are all here for you for one reason--- Our
eternal love for Michael. Together, we all will find the courage
to overcome every challenge…even this. I believe that
when you trust the process of life it always leads you in
the right direction. Michael has lead us towards that path…now
it's up to us to follow it.
You are all such a blessing to me and everyone who know you.
With the deepest sympathy, I will be with you through this.
All remembered…forever.
Love Lexie
(Original handwritten)
Dear
Mr. & Mrs. Battle, John and Deanna Apr. 20,2000
We are so very saddened
to hear of the news of the loss of Michael. He was a very
special young man who touched many hearts. We have many fond
memories of the boys at Hollywood Park and the hours spent
in our home with Michael visiting, babysitting and helping
deliver Katie's pups! Michael always had a great smile and
a big hug when we would meet over the years. He will be greatly
missed by all
Sincerely John, Toni,
Neil, William and Ian Parris
