last update 2/17/2016
new poem added
From:
Beverly and Myron Hansen
Best Neighbor Ever!
The world, and our small neighborhood, has lost a wonderful person. I still can't look out my window not expecting to see Michael's ever-smiling face across our fence.
Michael selflessly took care of his neighbors. From snow removal, to keeping a vigilant eye on neighbors who were out-of-town, he was always there. I especially appreciate how he watched out for my mother, while she was still with us. She thought the world of Michael.
Who wouldn't?
Soar high, Michael. We miss you.
Beverly & Myron
From:
Valerie Salt
Michael and Ruthann kept hoping we could go for a glider flight together, but time got in the way. He was always full of worth while solid advice. He & Ruthann introduced me to several wonderful eateries, such fond memories. They were always both working with the gliders and going way beyond the expectations as so many agree. They were a well-synchronized team.
He will be sorely missed, yet at the same time I am sure he will always be at Ruthann's side although she cannot see him there. He loved her too much to be anywhere else.
- Godspeed until we all meet again!
From:
Wade Carver
Mike's passing
Dear Ruth Ann & Family: Mike Povinelli's passing, what a loss! He was a great friend, person, human being and man.
I met Mike over 20 years ago in Southern California, we were in support group together, there was instant connection and bond. We would go out to eat afterwards, share about life and laugh at our experiences. Mike was genuine, good listener and caring.
One of my fondest memories of Mike, was one late summer California day we spent at his Moreno Valley home hanging out with his beautiful pit bull "Ben" and enjoying the great weather. Mike was a big animal lover and cared about people. Sadly the last time I saw Mike in person was when he came to Novi Michigan in 1999, we had lunch at Chili's and hung out at his hotel. Mike was so happy and grateful to have Ruth Ann in his life. Mike was like a big brother to me that I never had, kind, loving and passionate about what he believed in. I still remember fondly when talking to Mike on the phone, he'd always wrap up with "Love You Man" and he meant it.
I will miss his laugh,smile and zest for life. He loved his NY Yankees and I'll think about him every time I watch Yankees baseball.
The Obituary and photos were wonderful! My heart, prayer and positive thoughts go out Ruth Ann, family and friends. Mike will be missed. He's up in Heaven right now with his loving dog "Ben" at his side!
Love You Mike,
Your Friend Wade Carver
From:
Mike Royal
Michael didn't only know how to make young people feel welcome and appreciated. His big warm smile and twinkling eyes worked on the older folks as well. It was always easy to sense that he was having fun and enjoying life. He was into sharing and had so much to give.
Competent and capable in his chosen fields of endeavor, he was also smart and very well informed in so many areas. I met Michael when we flew together in his earlier days at Delta. It was always a pleasure to fly with him. He did his job perfectly and was such good company during long hours crossing our beautiful country that he loved. On one occasion, when I showed up for a simulator check-ride rather "up-tight" and tense, truly dreading what would be several hours of pain and misery (as I was supposing), to my pleasant surprise, Michael was there to be my partner for the check. His big smile was the best thing about that day and, thanks to his excellent preparation and performance, the check was not a problem. I still "owe" him for that day.
Later, when I was approaching retirement from Delta, and had decided to try soaring as a possible hobby, it was such a pleasure to run into Michael and Ruthann at Morgan. They have been anchors of the soaring community in Utah as well as sharing so much with the youngsters through the CAP programs. It has always been uplifting to be around this bright and positive pair. Tow pilots are very aware of who they are towing, and it was always a pleasure to tow the "pros" like Michael and Ruthann. They have been so generous with their time and talents that our whole community has been lifted to a better place. I will always regret not having taken the time to go to Heber to take Michael up on his offer to fly with him in their beautiful new ship.
We'll all miss Michael deeply. None of us will miss him like Ruthann will miss him. My hope and prayer will be that she feels our love and caring through this awfully painful adjustment to her life and dreams
From:
Dan Thirkill
Michael P. Memories
Michael Povinelli: A ‘Mensch’-, a man of integrity and honor. He was one of the good guys. A person you could talk to, admire and trust. Well skilled, sharp-witted, filled with compassion.
I remember well a conversation we had where he spoke of his belief that the world was filled with two kinds of people, givers and takers. Michael with his heart of gold, generosity and warm spirit-, unquestionably a giver. You are missed my friend.
From:
Judy Siu
Passing of time
It's been a year since Michael wrote a wonderful obituary for my husband, Leonard - Michael's father-in-law. Michael was so wonderful to all of us at that time and now, I grieve for him and Leonard. I'm so glad he and Ruthann found each other!