Michael “Mike” Van Buren

I've never met Mr. Van Buren, but I've worked with his daughter Maggie for a number of years. I've read some of the postings, finding them very interesting, how after you've led your life, the little acts of kindness where you made a difference. I think, as parents, the legacy we can aspire to is raising successful, good children. In that regard, knowing Maggie, the legacy is secure. My condolences to the family.

Mike and I went to high school and college together. We helped each other study for those awful history exams, for which neither of us were well suited. Our moms knew each other well, although our families were not close. We lived pretty far apart by the standards of those days. Mike was a big kid and a good athlete… very smooth. On the other hand, I was younger than most, super-skinny and a very late developer. Mike was on the basketball team and I was last to be picked in gym class for half-court basketball games. Whenever I got the ball, two or three guys would pounce on me in the full knowledge that I would dribble off my toe, let the ball get popped from my hands or travel. I had to rebound because no one would ever pass the ball to me. I couldn’t blame them. Yet, I loved to play any competitive game. One day in senior gym, Mike was on the opposing team and I somehow got the ball near the free throw line. In typical fashion, I saw Mike coming for me and as I tried to be quicker in my dribbling, I actually became slower. In my mind, my fate was predetermined. Panic had set in, and it was just a matter of a second or two and I’d be embarrassed again by losing the ball. This time, however, Mike stayed in front of me in a defensive position without actually going for the ball. He looked me in the eye and said very calmly, “Dick, just relax.” He backed off a half step and that let me pass the ball without it getting intercepted. Those of you who went to WHS know how brutal and competitive sports were. When it came to winning, there was no such thing as an act of kindness. Yet that’s exactly what Mike gave me; an act of kindness. I remember that moment like it was yesterday. In fact, it changed my life. I became much better at basketball as well as other sports. I played basketball in leagues for more than 10 years after I moved to SoCal until I messed up my knee. By now, I had gained some height, put on some weight and was actually being picked first in pick-up games because I could usually get the rebound and pass it to the shooters. Every time I got the ball, I said to my self, “Dick, just relax.” All sport is a metaphor for real life. I had my own business since 1969, and when a deal would start falling apart or a client became upset I said to myself, “Dick, just relax.” Those three words have been gold! As I had moved to SoCal right after Carroll College, I hadn’t communicated with Mike since graduation. Thankfully, Ron Gamber and Gary Siedschlag convinced me to attend our 50th 1962 Class Reunion (the only one I’ve ever attended), and Mike was there. The morning after the reunion, Mike, Gary and I had breakfast together before joining others for brunch. Before Gary arrived, I was able to tell Mike the above story and to thank him for his kindness and let him know what a difference he had made in my life. Of course, he didn’t remember helping me out. It wasn’t a big deal to him at all at the time. But I remembered, and being able to thank him after all those years gave me great joy, and I hope it did the same for him. Mike was a wonderful person. With deepest condolences to Mike’s family, Dick Brock

Everyone at General Parts was very lucky to have worked with Mike. When he would stop by the office after his retirement we always asked him to "come out of retirement." He will truly be missed.

Mike always greeted everyone with a smile at the weekly Blackshirt breakfast. He was interested in everyone. Mike will be missed.

great memories of playing baseball with Mike and brother Terry for dad coach Rip. Riding in Chevy convertible.

So sorry to hear about Mike's death. I graduated also in the class of '62 and my husband graduated from Carroll which is where I met him. My condolences to his family and friends.

Mike was a dear friend. We would sit next to each other at all the Blackshirt breakfast mornings. In high school we were a team when I raced hydroplanes. We played together on the Biewers Shoes hardball team which his dad, Rip coached. I will truly miss this classmate and friend. My prayers go out to his entire family. ~ RIP Mike ~ We will meet again..........Coach Luther

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.