Tuesday, September 15, 2020
Because my cousin Mike was not quite 2 years older than me and our families were so close when we were growing up, we were as close as brothers. I have many, many wonderful memories of adventures we shared while growing up in Bixby and later in college together, as well as visits during later years. Some of the most memorable were 4th of July’s with our families, our many sleep overs at each other’s houses, family reunions at Flint Creek, playing all manner of games and fun activities, overnight stays together at our Uncle Clarence and Aunt Maud’s farm, our “club house” in the overhead space of his Dad’s garage, and great fun and being spoiled at the farm of Francis and Herb. We also managed to get into trouble together more than a few times during those prepubescent years as well, such as when he broke his arm playing on the clothes line pole at Dad E.’s house (after we had been sternly forbid to play there), and both of us getting a good whipping from my Dad once when we were caught throwing rocks at cars at my house when we lived in Broken Arrow. Later in college at Oklahoma State we shared an apartment while we shared our aspirations and dreams for the years ahead. Throughout my life he has been my best friend and someone I shared accomplishments and hardships with. We didn’t see each other very often during his last years, but we always stayed in touch. A very special time was when several years ago he and Shirley came to Oregon to visit my wife Sue and I for several days. That was a very special visit for me. I loved Mike as a brother and will miss him very much. I will always remember him and the wonderful times we shared together.
John Sager
