Morgan and Maddie,

You don't know me and I'm sure our paths will never cross but,
I met your father very briefly in 2003 while he was working at FLETC. My first impression of him was that of a person who others constantly wanted to be around. He was a fantastic instructor and natural leader. His stories were so intriguing, and he could immediately capture you with his brilliance and experiences. As a young deputy, I instantly admired him.

I don't recall other instructors or even fellow students the way I can remember Mike. That's the kind of influence and impression your father had on people. I feel privileged having been around him, if only a short time, but I regret not getting to know him further. My prayers are with you.

Mike, you will be missed by many.

Dear Morgan and Maddie

I am deeply saddened to learn of your loss. I met your father through the SCA in 1988, when I was living in Chatsworth, California. I would get together with Mike and other SCA/law enforcement friends weekly for dinner, where they would regale me with stories of their more peculiar arrests during the previous week. One particular evening, they were investigating a disturbance at the top of a steep, bolder-strewn hill in Chatsworth. After a long hike to the top, in the dark, they found a group of kids up to no good. When they announced their presence, of course the kids scattered in the dark. In the telling of the resulting chase, a la Keystone Cops, your father was at his best. He was charismatic, charming, and terribly, terribly funny. At a time in my life, when I was shy, tired, and very alone, Mike was a rock. His faith, wisdom and kindness have stayed with me to this day.

God bless you both, and may He and your father watch over you all your days,

Lee

I have a couple of stories I’d like to share about Michael. Michael was always a good source of comic relief. As my wife, June, mentioned earlier, we were doing a big renovation on our 980 square foot house and it was a really stressful time in my life. Half of the things that went wrong, did. I didn’t even want to tell June half of the stuff that went on because I didn’t want to worry her.

But one day Michael drove up in his Expedition with lights flashing and drove up onto our front yard (which was a pile of dirt back then) and yelled in Spanish “Stop Immigration!” A lot of our Hispanic workers started to run away from the house. I had to run after them and convince them that everything was okay. It’s just my wacky friend, Michael. I still chuckle when I think of it.

Another story, I’d like to share is when my wife was giving birth to our first son, Tristan, at Huntington Hospital in Pasadena, CA. At this hospital, they just take care of the mother‘s needs. So I hadn’t eaten for twelve hours and I was really hungry. Michael was thoughtful to drop by and drop off a sub sandwich. Your Dad was one of a kind and so missed, he had a child’s heart with an adult job, a Federal Marshal. I can’t find the words to truly describe your dad as he brought more to my life than I can describe….

Michael Plotts was a friend, a brother, and an uncle, he loved my boy, Tristan, who is now 7 years old, Tristan and your dad bonded right off the bat and they truly enjoyed each others company. I can’t thank your dad enough for his love for my boy and for the love he had for his own two girls Morgan and Maddie. I knew he would make a great dad from the moment I met him. I just hope that I inspired him to have you two girls and I hope that you don’t ever forget the man that brought you into this world… My promise to Michael was that my home was his home and that his kids were my kids and my kids were his kids… I loved your dad as a brother but most of all as a friend not related in blood but in spirit…. My heart hurts for the loss of your dad and I can’t express my heart felt loss any more than the loss of my Pop pop.

The artist in your father did not match his aggressive job title as a Federal Marshal, but his heart was true to his family and friends. Anyone that crossed paths with your dad knew that they had met someone of great character and even mind. Your father had a great love for Military History both new and old, I am sure his friends from the military have expressed this.

The best way to grasp the true heart of your father is to look within you both Morgan and Maddie as he left his mark in both of you. I just hope that some day you can come and see the Braggs in Pasadena and share your dad with us as I know he dwells in both of you. I just hope that the two of you forgive me for crying when I see the two of you with your Mom ….

I will truly miss you, Michael. You were like a brother to me and your time on earth was way too short.

Sincerely, Matt Bragg

Dear Morgan & Madeline,

I went to college with your mother, and she would sometimes come to visit me in San Francisco. On her last visit, she brought someone she wanted me to meet-- your father Michael. We had such a nice time-- he told us all about the consulting he was doing for a video game, which we thought was really cool. We talked about lots of other things too, but what I remember most was that he was very smart, friendly, engaging and handsome. Most importantly, though, he was very sweet and attentive with your mother, and it was clear how much they loved each other. I was so glad to have met him, because it made me happy to know that your mom was cared for and cherished, and deeply in love. I hope all of you are able to hold that love he had for you in your hearts forever, and take strength from it throughout your lives.

With wishes of peace--

(The corrected version)

Dear Morgan, Maddie and Barbara: I am writing this for you girls in particular. I've already written to your mom and shared our broken hearts, and I have waited a long time before writing this. It's so difficult to know exactly what to write. Something that will let you know the kind of person he was and how much I miss him. But I will try to, so you may know him as I did. Your dad knew me as Sir Strider. Well actually, as "the Earl, Sir Strider of Duramen, know as the Persistent". How's that for a mouthful? I was his Knight and he was my Squire. That was a long, long time ago and it was one of the best times of my life. I had several squires and a large Household of wonderful people that played together in the SCA. We played like we were in the middle ages, running around like knights and ladies, fighting and dancing, and generally just having a good excuse to have fun. But our Household was more than just pretending to be crazy folk in armour and funny clothes. We were honorable and were "real-time". That meant that, I believed we could make those knightly elements live in our lives everyday, not just when we played. Our 'House', as we called it, did all kinds of things together. We went to tournaments of course, but we also camped and backpacked, hunted, climbed mountains, went to the beach and just hung around at my place. In fact, sometimes it seemed like nobody ever went home. Your dad loved to drop by and just hang out. I ran a tight ship and expected everyone to be real examples of what chivalry meant. We of Duramen, which was the name of our Great House, lived by a sworn fealty that said in part that, "what a person did well made 'them' look good. What they did poorly, made 'us' look bad. A person's behavior is watched and judged constantly, not just when we act cool, but just as much when we goof. We are seen when we are happy, and when we are not. If we wanted people to respect us, then we need to be respectable. I tried to show what true Knighthood felt like How a person should be kind and just, chivalric, honorable, physically fit and capable to lead when needed. I found that all people like feeling secure and protected, and we should give that to others whenever we can. We developed life skills that I hope were carried through the rest of our lives. I know it worked because I watched as these people grew up. Your daddy too. That was way back when he was in college.I loved your daddy. We all called him Michael-san. He was ‘One of my boys’ and he was special. Very special. He was an artist too. I don't know how much of his art you have, but I have a couple of pictures and etchings he gave me, of interesting people he saw at tournaments. I have been blessed all these years because I was his friend. A true, loved, honored friend. I wish I knew you. Your dad and I always intended to get together again. He even talked of possibly moving you all to Seattle, which isn’t too far from where I live. Just north of a town called Shelton. We did meet again a few years ago. I went to a really big tournament where there were Kings, Queens and royalty all over the place. I was standing, watching Court when a man jumped out of the crowd and actually ran right across the middle and dropped to his knees in front of me. Of course, it was your dad. He never did anything partway. I hadn't seen him for ten years and in one moment; it was like we had never parted. He had been Knighted by then and had a pile of awards and honors to his name, but he treated me as a King, right there in front of all those others that actually were. Your father was one of the most honorable and true men I have ever had the privilege to know. He fought for right the way a real Knight would have. He was an officer in the military, a policeman, a US Marshal, an artist, a Knight, a Husband, your Father and My Friend. I wish so much that he could have shared his life with us longer. I will never forget him. Not as long as I live. Now I will have to take his place for a moment, because he would have asked me to, just as I would have asked him to.Be the young ladies your daddy would have wanted you to be. Grow up strong and healthy and beautiful. You have all of your Mommy and Dad's intelligence and abilities, so use it them wisely. The world is yours if you just reach out and gently draw it to you, nurture it and your love. Learn the feel of God and how he gives you freedom. You don't understand right now, and I don't either, because he would have taught you so much. I do know he loved you and your Mother with all of his heart. There is absolutely, positively no doubt. As you get older, if you ever need or just wish to reach me. Do! I am findable. You are Household and family, and I would love to meet you. Until then, grow well, I am Your Friend, Strider Klusman and my most beautiful wife Pam. (I call her Sunny because she brightens my day.)

Dear Morgan, Maddie and Barbara:
I am writing this for you girls in particular. I've already written to your mom and shared our broken hearts and I have waited a long time before writing this. It's so difficult to know exactly what to write. Something that will let you know the kind of person he was and how much I miss him. But I will try to, so you may know him as I did.

Your dad knew me as Sir Strider. Well actually, as "the Earl, Sir Strider of Duramen, know as the Persistent". How's that for a mouthfull? I was his Knight and he was my Squire. That was a long, long time ago and it was one of the best times of my life. I had several squires and a large Household of wonderful people that played together in the SCA. We played like we were in the middle ages running around like knights and ladies. Fighting and dancing, and generally just having a good excuse to have fun. But our Household was more than just pretending to be crazy folk in armour and funny clothes. We were honorable and were were "real-time". That meant that, I believed we could make those knightly elements live in our lives everday, not just when we played. Our 'House' as we called it did all kinds of things together. We went to tournements of course, but we also camped and backpacked, hunted and climbed moutains, went to the beach and just hung around. In fact, sometimes it seemed like nobody ever went home.
You dad loved to drop by and just hang out. I ran a tight ship and expected everyone to be real examples of what chivalry meant. We of Duramen, which was the name of our Great House, lived by a sworn fealty that said in part that, "what a person did well made 'them' look good. What they did poorly, made 'us' look bad. A person's behavior was seen and judged constantly, not just when we acted cool, but just as much when we goofed. We are seen when we are happy, and when we are not. If we wanted people to respect us, then we need to be respectable. I tried to show what true Knighthood felt like. How to be kind and just, chivalric, honorable, physically fit and capable to lead when needed. I found that people like feeling secure and protected and we should give that to others whenever we can. We developed life skills that I hope were carried through the rest of our lives.
I know it worked because I watched as these people grew up. Your dad and too. That was when he was in college and ROTC, (that is schooling in how to be an officer someday).

I loved your dad. He was special. Very special. He was an artist too. I don't know how much of his art you have, but I have a couple of pictures and etchings he gave me, of interesting people he saw at tournements. I have been blessed all these years because of how much I felt from him. I was his friend. A true, loved, honored friend.
I wish I knew you. Yur dad and I always intended to get together again. He even talked of possibily moving you all to Seattle, close to where I live. We did see each other a few years ago. I went to a really big tournement where there were Kings, Queens and royalty all over the place. I was standing, watching Court when a man jumpped out of the crowd and actually ran right across the middle and dropped to his knees in front of me. Of course, it was your dad. He never did anything partway. I hadn't seen him for ten years and in one moment, it was like we had never parted. He had been Knighted by then and had a pile of awards and honors, but he treated me as a King, right there in front of all those others that actually were.

Your father was one of the most honorable and true men I have ever had the privilage to know. He fought for right the way a real Knight would have. He was an officer in the military, a policeman, a US Marshal, an artist, a Knight, a Husband, your Father and My Friend.
I wish so much that he could have shared his life with us longer. I will never forget him. Not as long as I live.

Be the young ladies your daddy would have wanted you to be. Grow up strong, healthy and beautiful. You have all your Mom and Dad's intellegence and ability, so use it well and wisely. The world is yours if you just reach out and gently draw it to you, nurture it and your love. Learn the feel of God and how he gives you freedom. You don't understand right now and I don't either because he would have taught you so much, but I know he loved you and your Mother with all his heart. There is absolutly, possitively no doubt.
As you get older, if you ever need or just wish to reach me. Do! I am findable. You are Household, and I would love to meet you.
Until then, grow well,
Your Friend,
Strider Klusman and my most beautiful wife Pam. (I call her Sunny because she brightens my day.)

Barbara, Morgan and Maddie:


I first met Michael in 1999 when I joined the USMS. There are so many fond memories that I can recall having worked alongside Michael both in court and on ART hits. When it came to tactical expertise, no one else was more qualified to execute an ops plan than Michael.

I looked at Michael not only as a colleague but as a mentor. His wisdom, humor, guidance and spirit will be with me forever.

Ive since left the marshals service but I want you to know that the world is truly at a loss without his presence.

I look forward to that day when we meet again, until then buddy GOD BLESS YOU!

I only met Michael twice but have strong memories of him.

The first time we met he took me out of a restaurant to look at the gadgets and guns in the back of his 'G-car'. He was funny, slightly intimidating, very kind and clearly tougher than me.

The second time we stayed with you for a week. It was Morgan's Birthday and we'd come to see the Presidential inauguration. Michael made us welcome, handmade party decorations, discussed politics, art, history and travel; all while expending twice the effort we were fighting for his health. He was as close to the perfect gentleman as I've met.

As the best of him lives on in our memories, and in you, he'll be with us forever. I'm honored to have known him.

One of my fondest memories of Michael, and I have many, is at the delivery of Morgan. When she was born you could see the pure delight and joy in his eyes and strength in him as he beheld her and how gently he held her. Additionally, the full joy and love he had in his eyes for Barbara everytime he looked at her. Michael was one of the few men that ever was attentive enough to come to all Barb's OB appointments and really share in the pregnancy. A great, great, man.

Mike had a beautiful sense of humor that pervaded all his interactions. His paintings could bring tears to your eyes and I treasure the gift of his art that he gave to me as thanks for delivering Morgan. What a beautiful family you are.

I met Mike in seveth grade. We were friends throughout school. We staged a sword fight in a french cafe at open house in 11th grade. I think we destroyed most if not all of the decor in the place. Mike was one of the few friends who took the time to write to me when I was stationed thousands of miles from home. The return address would be something like, "The black knight with the huge broad sword, guarding a bridge he doesnt even own..." We both became police officers in different departments. We traded insults and war stories for years until we lost touch. I was never even able to come close to Mike's brillance with the english language or his rapier wit. It has been several years since we talked but knowing he's not out there somewhere makes the world a far smaller place.

There are no words that can console or assist in your grieving for your amazing father,husband, son, brother and no doubt friend and comrade. He is of such a strong spirit he is always always with us.

I met him and his family in Italy when we were kids, 1968 or so. Even back then he was a leader and fighter. His mother Yone and my mother are close friends. He got what he is from his mother. She is an amazing person who gave Michael that gift. I think of Michael often to let his character influence me to be a better man.

Just to have met him would have changed your life.

My deepest condolences, to your children and wife Michael. And to Yone, Jimmy, and Tootsie thank you for the very fond memories that Michael was always involved in.
God Bless.

William Myers

To Barbara, Maddie and Morgan,

It is hard for me to express what Mike meant to me or how his passing impacted so many lives. I first met Mike when he was an instructor at the Marshals Service Training Academy, and I would visit to watch the recruits or teach a class.

What struck me about Mike was the way he interacted with his students. It was obvious he cared deeply about them and wanted to do everything he could to instill a sense of honor and courage in every person he taught. His focus was tactics and officer safety. He used his time on the streets of LA to bring real life experiences into the classroom. Those stories made the experience both fun and dramatic. You never knew what Mike would say next.

Later, I had the extreme pleasure of having Mike come to work for me. Mike was an Inspector in the Office of Internal Investigations. He brought the same excitment to his work there as at the academy. Mike would regularly get a new case and within minutes, be in my office espousing the lack of virtue of the accusation. (He was always in favor of the deputy until he proved them wrong. Then he was a bull-dog who would not let go until he got every shred of evidence he could.)

When Mike underwent his first operation in Florida, I traveled down to offer any support I could. In the following days, I spent a lot of time with Mike. We had many conversations about his situation and about his family. Mike loved each of you and he fought hard to come home to you again. He spoke about needing to be there to watch his kids grow up. And even Mike, the hard-core cop, would tear up as he talked.

The three of you were his world and he relished in being your husband and father. He knew what life was really about and he had his priorities placed squarely on his family. And to watch the wonderful care Barbara gave Mike and how she was there for him throughout the entire ordeal, was so heartwarming. It was obvious Mike and Barbara were soul mates and she can be very proud of the way she stood by him.

I will miss Mike and I was honored to have known him. Mike was more than a co-worker...he was a friend.

I think I met Michael at the SCA fighter practice in San Jose, and we spent more time around some of the parties in the south bay in the mid-eighties. I remember so many things about Michael but I will limit this to a few stories.



Michael liked to dress nicely, and when Michael dated a girl, they usually appreciated this. However, he also liked to have a firearm handy because he was a serious believer in being prepared. Looking through Michael’s car one time, I found three pistols, but he was convinced that having weapons around was the best way to be prepared and survive being in LA. Now carrying a weapon also spoiled the drape of his suit, so the weapon usually ended up in the purse of the girl he was going out with. If the purse was already full, he might simply remove the items that were taking up the important space that would hold a gun (“you won’t need this tonight, or this, or this…”). He did this to several women that I remember, and one of them final hit on a scheme to get out of having to carry the gun on dates, she simply got smaller and smaller purses until it would only hold a gun that Michael felt would not deter a criminal. Later on, the gun-toting duties were taken over by Hanno. To this day my wife still has her “Michael Purse”.



When Michael was in LA sometimes some of his friends would pile into a few cars and bomb on down from the bay area, camp out on his floor, and the next day we’d all go to Disneyland, and always ride the Pirates of the Caribbean first (it was like going to church), then we’d buy a bunch of plastic swords, and beat each other up on Tom Sawyer’s Island. Then dinner, and late night chats at his house, and then off to the used bookstores in Santa Monica. Later that afternoon we would head home to the bay area…Michael said those were pretty close to perfect weekends.



I remember at the Black Knight tournament he was expected to play the part one of the seven deadly sins, and while others chose alter-egos to personify Wrath, Envy, Gluttony etc. he wanted to personify the worst bad guy he could think of and developed the personality of “Gordy the Lawyer”. During the fighting there is a ritualistic amount of taunting in character, and as you must know, Michael had a gift for that kind of blah…



Once in Fremont, Michael was off-duty, and he spotted a couple kids dropping rocks off of the overpass over Highway 101. He pulled over and told the kids to stop it, and they returned his challenge with profanity. Michael produced a pistol, and they quickly stopped dropping rocks onto the cars below. I asked Michael if he let them go, and he said “No. If I have to draw my gun, I keep them.” Driving them back to the station, he asked if they were gangsters, and they waffled. Michael then picked on them like the seasoned Vice cop was: “I see you’re wearing Dickies, but they’re not in the cool colors, and your shoes aren’t Nikes, they’re Keds! What? No Gang haircuts or tattoos? What kind of lazy half-assed gangsters are you?”



The army stories were funny, as he would describe his driver, Sheppard, some hapless guy who acted as Michael’s stylist and conscience when he was in Europe and spoke in an ‘Army Creole’.

Sheppard would ask him to wear his hat. “Sir? Why aren’t you wearing your cover?”

Michael hated hats, and would reply “Shut up Sheppard, drive the jeep”

“Now why’d you have to be like that sir?”

“Shut up Sheppard, drive the jeep”

“Now about your cover Sir, the men like to see you wear your cover”

“Shut up Sheppard, drive the jeep”

“Now why’d you have to be like that sir?”

“Shut up Sheppard, drive the jeep”

I think Michael left the army out of a dislike of hats…



Michael liked art a lot, and even considered making a living at selling it, but he thought that being a cop was the closest he could become to being a real Knight in the modern world and that had an incredible attraction to him personally. Michael still liked to do some calligraphy and illumination, and it was something he could do quietly by himself when he was in LA, and working odd shifts. He developed this skill when he was painting miniature figures from playing Dungeons & Dragons back in high school. He had a fine eye for painting furry beasts, and medieval scenes.



After Michael settled down and started having kids, so did I (as did others from our age group). We noted how surprised some people were that we had actually become parents…I guess some people just couldn’t see that in either of us, but fatherhood was something he obviously enjoyed, even though we regarded ourselves as unlikely parents. In our younger days, we never really imagined ourselves as parents chasing kids around and others didn’t imagine us in that role. Like many things in Michael’s life, it wasn’t a role he studied for, but it came easily to him…like Waltzing at Gaskills. or he just made it look easy. We would chat on the phone about what our kids were up to, and what they would say and do. There are so many of our friends with kids now, and I wanted to share some time with all the people we remembered from the old days who were now parents…just like him. I was hoping he would get stationed in the bay area again, but I really didn’t believe that we would run out of time this soon.

Morgan & Madeline:

There are no words to express the loss which you have recently experienced. While I did not know your dad very well, he will forever hold an impression on me for his leadership in my basic Deputy training class. He is a man like no other and I am a stronger person for having crossed his path. I wish you strength during these difficult times and I hope that you both grow up continuing the path that your dad has started.

I met Sir Michael once.

It was my first fighter practice.

It was in the Shire of Forth Castle (Savannah, Georgia). It was his last, as he was leaving town and had come to say goodbye. I showed him my very first patch of maille I had ever made. It was made of 17GA galvanized rings, wound on a TV antennae mandrel, butted together. It was so weak, you could pull it apart with your hands. Sir Michael, while noting its fragility, praised its lightness and fineness.

He was one of my first inspirations in the SCA. He was inspiring.

Steve

Dear Morgan (“The Bug”) and Maddie,

I have so much to say yet find myself at a loss of words… There are too many things that I want to tell you about your father and will share many of those stories and memories at a later time. Your father was my friend, mentor, teacher, co-worker and confidant. Mike was so passionate about life, history, art, law enforcement, and tactics. It is because of his knowledge and passion that hundreds of deputies have and will remain safe during their careers.

Mike was a warrior, ready for battle, yet so intelligent and his command of the English vocabulary would leave you puzzled. Mike was so loyal and generous to his family and friends. Mike was a man that everyone should emulate.

We always enjoyed coming over to your house in Georgia and Virginia for delicious meals and incredible conversation. I was loyal to your father and that loyalty carries over to you. Anytime you ever need anything, I will be here for you. I look forward to many more birthday parties, bowling, and more.

I know that family was everything to Mike… He loved you both so much and you were his whole world. I can tell you that he touched so many people during the course of his life. I know that he touched mine and I am at a loss without his friendship and guidance. We are so sorry for your loss….

Dear Morgan and Maddie,

(You’re probably not going to read this ‘til a lot later but…)

My husband Matt and I met Michael and Barbara at Church of Our Saviour in San Gabriel, California. At the time we were in the midst of a big home renovation: gutting a 980 square foot Ranch-style house (leaving one bedroom untouched) and building a 2800 square foot Craftsman-style house in it‘s place (we had that in common with Michael and Barbara, we loved Craftsman houses). It was one of the most chaotic and stressful times in our lives. Matt worked mornings at the house, then would go into work & work another six hours there and frequently he worked weekends on the house, too. I worked full-time and worked some weekends on the house. I was pregnant and we were living in a trailer on the driveway of our home after some of our equipment/tools got stolen.

But when I look back on it, it really wasn’t that bad… I remember dinners at Michael & Barbara’s (Michael and Barbara are great cooks), I remember they found this great sparkling lemon juice (because I was being very cautious of what I was drinking because of my pregnancy) and Matt loved the German beer Michael found, I remember Michael’s quick-witted jokes, and I remember watching the whole series of Band of Brothers on cable (we were living in a trailer, so we had no cable). It was really great and there was some resemblance of normalcy. Michael and Barbara made that period a lot easier for us to bear. Michael’s jokes helped a lot, too. They are great people and I imagined our future kids growing up together. But who knew we were going to end up with two boys (who like to play with swords, lightsabers and toy machine guns) and Michael and Barbara with two girls… ironic. But from what I hear Michael was a really great dad to you two girls, and his tender side really showed through, he loved you with all his heart. When Michael and Barbara moved away from California, it was a sad day for us. And then Michael passing away… Very, very, very, very, very Sad day. Too soon and so abrupt… I am so, so sorry for you two and your Mommy. I just hope this gives you a little window of how special I think your parents are. And what a great man Michael was.

Sincerely, June Bragg

Stylish and funny, handsome and cool...
Michael-San made some of us drool.

A wonderful man that I met only in passing...
Always he was so very dashing.

A gentleman always and an officer, too...
Wonderful what he got to do.

A husband and father, a friend to mo'...
Who knew that he would leave us so.

Memories only are left to dance and sit...
He left the world cleaner than he found it.

Greetings All from the Holy Lands,

I am currently deployed to Iraq trying to do the same thing my long time friend, Michael, was doing in His life; serving our nation. I have known Michael from almost as far back as I can remember. Michael was about 8 years older than me and we first encounter each other in the late 70’s (I think). I think he had most moved on from trying to get young kids to stop following him [sorry James, maybe it was just you ;-) ] and he instead treated me with dignity and respect [maybe he was just scared of my dad]. Over the years he always treated me and others with a respect that was heartfelt and sincere. As I entered my teenage years our friendship solidified and remained. We have not talked for a few years, but that was normal over the past decade and a half.

We shared many times in true fellowship and mentorship. He received his commission in the US Army from the same place as I and we talked often of his desire to go back (mostly during Desert Storm). I spent a little time with Michael just before and after the LA riots and the challenges he faced with his career at that point and his frustrations associated with that. It was not uncommon for us to go months without talking and then spend several weeks in a row talking and going out and such.
We were brothers in arms in many ways, both with the M-16 at different times in our lives, but also with the sword. We shared many battles together in the SCA. Standing side by side, defending a position or attacking another. We shared the desire for attaining true knighthood, both within the SCA and out. It was once said to me by a very wise man that; there are those who are knights, those who are knighted and those who are both. Michael was both.

The one thing that Michael did not share with other was where each us were in our relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ. This is because I came to know the Lord, well after leaving California for military service. My prayers are for those who knew Michael to look inward and see if they have a relationship with Jesus. If you do not, seek him now. Michael is waiting for us to meet him when our Lord makes his glorious return and establishes His kingdom.
Michael, well done, rest in the arms of our Lord, good and faithful servant,

Yours, His,

Stephan
Knight
Major, US Army
Servant of Christ

Greetings All from the Holy Lands,

I am currently deployed to Iraq trying to do the same thing my long time friend, Michael, was doing in His life; serving our nation. I have known Michael from almost as far back as I can remember. Michael was about 8 years older than me and we first encounter each other in the late 70’s (I think). I think he had most moved on from trying to get young kids to stop following him [sorry James, maybe it was just you ;-) ] and he instead treated me with dignity and respect [maybe he was just scared of my dad]. Over the years he always treated me and others with a respect that was heartfelt and sincere. As I entered my teenage years our friendship solidified and remained. We have not talked for a few years, but that was normal over the past decade and a half.

We shared many times in true fellowship and mentorship. He received his commission in the US Army from the same place as I and we talked often of his desire to go back (mostly during Desert Storm). I spent a little time with Michael just before and after the LA riots and the challenges he faced with his career at that point and his frustrations associated with that. It was not uncommon for us to go months without talking and then spend several weeks in a row talking and going out and such.
We were brothers in arms in many ways, both with the M-16 at different times in our lives, but also with the sword. We shared many battles together in the SCA. Standing side by side, defending a position or attacking another. We shared the desire for attaining true knighthood, both within the SCA and out. It was once said to me by a very wise man that; there are those who are knights, those who are knighted and those who are both. Michael was both.

The one thing that Michael did not share with other was where each us were in our relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ. This is because I came to know the Lord, well after leaving California for military service. My prayers are for those who knew Michael to look inward and see if they have a relationship with Jesus. If you do not, seek him now. Michael is waiting for us to meet him when our Lord makes his glorious return and establishes His kingdom.
Michael, well done, rest in the arms of our Lord, good and faithful servant,

Yours, His,

Stephan Porter
Knight
Major, US Army
Servant of Christ

A Final Fair-Thee-Well to Michael-san

This morning, I lit a candle by photos of Michael-san for his Soul, as I thought about his life and how amazing he really was! I think of his wife, children, family, friends, brothers and sisters in his professional life - all going to Quantico National Cemetery today in this freezing, stormy weather. I thought of the 21 Gun Salute that echos in my heart from having been at military interments and know that will be the final salute to Michael. I salute him as one of the best.

I ask for comfort for all of you, as you go though this day and in the days, weeks and months to come. I know anyone who knew Michael will always talk about him and how he was and interacted with all of us.

Conversations with SCA (medieval) friends have been wonderful, as we all realize this is a great loss to the SCA and to the United States. Michael-san touched all of our lives in many ways and he had depth of character, honor and more.

Another SCA 'son' made a comment about something I wrote to him that I have 'Certainty of Faith' and so I wrote about it last week, based on what I had said in words of comfort to him. I submitted my article 'Certainty of Faith' to an e-magazine that I pray will publish it. I dedicated it to Michael-san (did not use last name or SCA name) and if anyone desires a copy, I will gladly e-mail it to you (e-mail below).

My candle will stay lit until 5 PM today. This morning, it was cloudy at first after a windy night and some snow. Right after I lit my candle, the Sun came out fully and I smiled and thought, 'God smiles on Michael-san well.' So, dear Michael-san, you will always be remembered by me and all others whose paths you crossed. I wish you peace, Godspeed and may our paths cross in the Ethers.

~Dierdriana of the Misty Isles
~'Moms'
Akashic_Auras@att.net

This morning, I lit a candle by photos of Michael-san for his Soul, as I thought about his life and how amazing he really was! I think of his wife, children, family friends, brothers and sisters in his professional life - all going to Quantico National Cemetery today in this freezing, stormy weather. I thought of the 21 Gun Salute that echos in my heart from having been at military interments and know that will be the final salute to Michael. I salute him as one of the best.

I ask for comfort for all of you, as you go though this day and in the days, weeks and months to come. I know anyone who knew Michael will always talk about him and how he was and interacted with all of us.

Conversations with SCA (medieval) friends have been wonderful, as we all realize this is a great loss to the SCA and to the United States. Michael-san touched all of our lives in many ways and he had depth of character, honor and more.

Another SCA 'son' made a comment about something I wrote to him that I have 'Certainty of Faith' and so I wrote about it last week, based on what I had said in words of comfort to him. I submitted my article 'Certainty of Faith' to an e-magazine that I pray will publish it. I dedicated it to Michael-san (did not use last name or SCA name) and if anyone desires a copy, I will gladly e-mail it to you (e-mail below).

My candle will stay lit until 5 PM today. This morning, it was cloudy at first after a windy night and some snow. Right after I lit my candle, the Sun came out fully and I smiled and thought, 'God smiles on Michael-san well.' So, dear Michael Plotts, you will always be remembered by me and all others whose paths you crossed. I wish him peace and Godspeed.

~Dierdriana of the Misty Isles
~'Moms'
Akashic_Auras@att.net

We first got to know your parents when you mommy was taking a pregnancy yoga class with me. Morgan was in the making! Your dad came into the studio and had me laughing from the get go. Soon dinner at your parents' house with your mom's awesome ribs and your dad's entertaining story telling.
We got to know his artistic side as we enjoyed seeing his paintings unfold on the canvas. He is the only artist on the planet I would ever buy a painting from, and I have been to Paris! He inspired my daughter Rikki and she is lucky to have one of his easels to do her work on.
Your father was a warrior for the better good and wonderful human being.
Your mom is smart and strong and she will help you through.
Heal, grow and live a happy heart felt life as we know your daddy would have wanted.
God bless you all during these difficult times.
Much love and peace.

Morgan & Maddie:

We met your Daddy when he became an instructor at FLETC in 2003, and we are fortunate to call your parents our friends.

Words are woefully inadequate to express what a presence your Daddy was and the character he possessed. Your Daddy was passionate about many things, including his profession, medieval history, and art. However, his passion for those things pales in comparison to what he felt for you girls--his "brilliant bug" and his "tactical thug in training". He loved being a dad and husband.

Your Daddy was one of the most funny, intelligent, articulate, and honorable people we have had the pleasure of knowing. Your Daddy is the only person we know who could pull off calling students "shambling troglodytes" or characterize a visit to the local Wal-mart as an "anthropological expedition" (and yes, this is how he spoke in casual conversation). He will be missed by so many people, which is a testament to the person he was.

As is often the case, a good man left this life much too soon. Our wish is that you live your lives as your Daddy did--with a sharp wit, a keen intellect, a great passion for all you do, and much love.