A Tribute to Mike Mackovich
My Crazy Parkinson’s Life
A Tribute to Mike Mackovich
Just seven days ago we gathered in this same room to mourn the loss of and celebrate the life of John Shaw, a fellow boxer and friend. Sadly, we have returned one week later to mourn the loss of another friend and fellow boxer, Mike Mackovich. It is with a heavy heart I write this; yet I feel blessed to have known Mike and to be able to share my thoughts with you.
Mike Mackovich, I really don’t know where to start. I guess first things first, there’s quiet, then there’s Mike quiet, he brought new meaning to the phrase “a man of few words”, just think the opposite of me. But lucky for Mike I could talk enough for the both of us, so we were good.
Mike was a Pacific Northwest boy, born in Pe Ell, Washington, that town name looks like clue from Wheel of Fortune, he would always spell it out because it is so unique. Since I had lived in Vancouver Washington for a short time, we had that Pacific Northwest connection. But our bond went much deeper than that, we both had foot problems at the same time, so we pissed and moaned to each other daily. My pain was caused by a torn ligament in my foot; Mike’s on the other hand was from walking hour after hour as a hospital security guard. I felt bad that Mike had to have a part-time job after retirement, but those feelings would soon change.
One day we got on the subject of what Mike had done throughout his career. He told me, when he retired, he had been plant manager for Bridgestone Tire and Rubber’s aviation tire division, with 300 people under him. I thought, plant manager/security guard, what was I missing, so asked, “why are you working at the hospital?” Mike said “since I retired, I don’t know what to do with myself”. I could not believe it; I worked my whole life just to retire, that was my stated goal from 1st grade on. I told Mike, “If they came up with a cure Parkinson’s tomorrow and told me, I would have to go back to work I’d be pissed,” he actually cracked a smile, but I was serious.
Now he piqued my interest, I decided what Mike needed was a retirement life coach, I happened to be available, so I volunteered. Our first session started with the question “do you have any hobbies”? He answered “no not really, I used to golf”. I thought now we are getting somewhere. Then he completed his thought, “but I quit because I used to be pretty good and I won’t enjoy myself if I can’t play at that level “. I thought “oh great, a perfectionist too”. But low and behold, he started back golfing only to hurt his back, so it was back to the drawing board.
It was time for plan “B”, any other interest’s I asked? “I used to fly planes but I can’t fly anymore”, I said oh contraire, “how about model airplanes, you build it yourself, put camara in it, and fly it. I see them all the time at the Silver Bowl, they’re really cool,”. Nope, a swing and a miss, strike two. But I never let up on him, every time I saw Mike and I mean every time I saw Mike, I asked him if he bought a model plane yet, he would just crack a little smile, and I would move on to next subject, it was friendly reminder that I tried.
Whether Mike knew it or not he was funny, I will give you an example. Martie’s daily question was “are you punctual”? simple enough. When it got around to Mike, he said he was indeed punctual, the group burst out laughing, he was always running late, he kind of grinned and probably thought it was over, but like Yogi Berra said, “it ain’t over till it’s over”. As luck would have it Martie would provide me with the perfect opportunity to have some fun. Martie was buying everyone a RSBGV t-shirt and because I am so clever Martie asked me to give everyone a nickname to be printed on the back, thank you Martie! Mike’s nickname was, drum roll please, “ON TIME”! Every time he wore that shirt it cracked me up and the fact he even wore it cracked me up, I am laughing even as I write this.
Mike was very quiet, yet you knew how much he liked you not by his words, but by his actions. If Mike happened to show up On Time, he’d come over to me and we would chat. And after class he would wait for me just to shoot the breeze as walked to our cars. I enjoyed talking to Mike about his Army days, business trips to Japan, and of course his beloved Washington State Cougars.
The last time Mike came to class, I asked him about the model airplane (I told you), then I switched gears. I said “you should get a drone” and Mike asked why? Without answering his question, I asked if there were a lot swimming pools in his neighborhood, he just gave me a look of confusion? That’s when the two Touro university volunteers standing nearby listening to our conversation bust out laughing and then Mike’s light bulb came on, and he just grinned, it was classic Mike.
I was devastated when Martie told me about Mike, this one was close to home. I had spent many, many hours with Mike, we had fought side by side for years and that fighting forms a strong bond. I knew Leonard was providing support to Mike and his family during this time; so, I was able to get updates on Mike’s health, it was heart breaking. Every time Leonard and I spoke I told Leonard, please let Mike know I am thinking of him, because I was, every single day.
Imagine my surprise when I turned around at our Christmas party and there stood Mike. I so happy to see Mike, it was unexpected surprise. Also, a surprise was seeing Mike wearing a Christmas sweater with little blinking lights. It was as if the clock had been turned back. We made small talk, then Mike told a story about his induction into the Army it was almost surreal.
I was talking to Mike’s daughter and she expressed her appreciation for the love and support that our group provides. She said that RSBGV was very important to her dad, and it was his idea to come to the party. Her eyes filled with tears as she spoke about being in Vegas due to “Dad’s health issue”, it all became real again. I turned to Mike and we hugged, knowing Mike was not much of a hugger, I knew this was good-bye, I whispered into Mike’s ear “take care of yourself”, we looked at each other and smiled, it was time to go our separate ways.
That guy in the Christmas sweater with the flashing lights that walked out that door was bravest person I ever met, and I am proud to have fought by his side. Godspeed Mike, you quietly made the world a better place Love You.
Mark Hitechew