Saturday, October 26, 2019
/public-file/568/Ultra/07183c28-1dfb-480f-9706-a34157a094b6.jpg
I worked with and later for "Big Mike" for several years, first at Bartell's, then Jet-Sew, Bartell's a second time then finally for Mike when he and John Tyler opened Central Precision on Route 69. Mike was always ready to help out a fellow worker or employee. I remember when I went to interview with Mike and John at Central Precision, Mike asked me what I needed for pay, I told him what I thought was fair and he said: "I'll tell you what, I'll give you $X per hour which was $1 more an hour. He laughed as my jaw dropped and asked me: I'll bet you never had that happen before, where someone offers you more than you asked for!". I must say no I had not and have not since. That story continues in that shortly after I was offered a job at Bartell's for a 3rd time for even more money and benefits, but having been laid off 2 times from there already, and I felt an obligation to Mike and John for taking me on and treating me very well I stayed for several years. Both of them treated me very well and even when things got slow they kept me on and told me not to worry things will be okay.
Mike was a pragmatist and when a problem arose he came up with a sometimes unique solution but he never fretted over the little things, and he had some great stories sayings he told me over the years that I still relate to others.
I now live in Nevada and was in Rome two weeks ago for a family reunion and I stopped by where Central Precision was located on Success Dr. and saw it had closed, and figured he and John had retired and wished them luck in my mind. I had limited time available so I did not have opportunity to try and find where he lived to visit.
Mike was a great guy and I will remember him and his big personality!
Rest in Peace
