In Loving Memory: Phill Michael - 1970-2011
(This dispatch is available with plugins at: http://blog.secretspoteverest.com/2011/08/07/in-loving-memory-phill-michael---1970-2011.aspx)
I’m reminded of the last passage from the poem ‘Ulysses’ by Tennyson…I feel it fits Phill’s life well…
“Though we are not now that strength which in old days
Moved Earth and Heaven; that which we are, we are;
One equal temper of heroic hearts,
Made weak by time and fate, yet strong in Will.
To strive, to seek, to find…and NOT to yield.”
Rest in Peace Brother!
-Chris Stanko
chris@phillmichael.com
P.S. Please feel free to leave comments...we'll get as many up as we can. We are already planning to expand this blog format to accommodate registered users for people to post their stories and experiences with Phill! This blog will remain in its current form until then.
On Saturday July 30th, 2011, the world changed. Phill Michael left his mortal body to explore the realm beyond.
Phill contracted a staph infection on a still-open wound shortly after his return from Nepal to the States. Through sepsis, the infection entered his blood stream and eventually attached itself to his heart. His heart began spreading the infection through his system and eventually into his brain. He underwent neurosurgery in an effort to relieve the pressure on his brain…and he never woke up from the surgery. He went peacefully and without pain. I and a few of his close friends were with him until the end.
Phill always believed that life should be lived to its fullest…and he did that better than anyone I know. He possessed an inexhaustible love of life and could easily take an unbeneficial situation and turn it into something positive. His rare ability to fully manifest his Will and project his volition allowed Phill to actually create the world of his vision. His determined and sometimes abrasive exterior was always tempered by his loving heart and his drive to help build a better future for those close to him…and for humanity as a whole.
Though he will be missed, anyone who knew Phill should know that he would not want sadness over his passing…but rather a celebration of life. He would wish for all of us that we live life to its fullest, just as he did. Phill firmly believed that everything happens for a reason…and in all the time I spent with him, I would have to agree. Every project we worked on over the years that didn’t go the way we had planned always ended up being far better than either of us could have imagined at the start. In that understanding, I know that something incredible will come of this.
The SherpaSchool.ORG project will continue…Phill’s dream will live on through us. Phill opened countless doors of possibility in countless hearts from every corner of the Earth. We only need step through them…and ultimately work to transform this World…together!
I invite you!
Phill contracted a staph infection on a still-open wound shortly after his return from Nepal to the States. Through sepsis, the infection entered his blood stream and eventually attached itself to his heart. His heart began spreading the infection through his system and eventually into his brain. He underwent neurosurgery in an effort to relieve the pressure on his brain…and he never woke up from the surgery. He went peacefully and without pain. I and a few of his close friends were with him until the end.
Phill always believed that life should be lived to its fullest…and he did that better than anyone I know. He possessed an inexhaustible love of life and could easily take an unbeneficial situation and turn it into something positive. His rare ability to fully manifest his Will and project his volition allowed Phill to actually create the world of his vision. His determined and sometimes abrasive exterior was always tempered by his loving heart and his drive to help build a better future for those close to him…and for humanity as a whole.
Though he will be missed, anyone who knew Phill should know that he would not want sadness over his passing…but rather a celebration of life. He would wish for all of us that we live life to its fullest, just as he did. Phill firmly believed that everything happens for a reason…and in all the time I spent with him, I would have to agree. Every project we worked on over the years that didn’t go the way we had planned always ended up being far better than either of us could have imagined at the start. In that understanding, I know that something incredible will come of this.
The SherpaSchool.ORG project will continue…Phill’s dream will live on through us. Phill opened countless doors of possibility in countless hearts from every corner of the Earth. We only need step through them…and ultimately work to transform this World…together!
I invite you!
I’m reminded of the last passage from the poem ‘Ulysses’ by Tennyson…I feel it fits Phill’s life well…
“Though we are not now that strength which in old days
Moved Earth and Heaven; that which we are, we are;
One equal temper of heroic hearts,
Made weak by time and fate, yet strong in Will.
To strive, to seek, to find…and NOT to yield.”
Rest in Peace Brother!
-Chris Stanko
chris@phillmichael.com
P.S. Please feel free to leave comments...we'll get as many up as we can. We are already planning to expand this blog format to accommodate registered users for people to post their stories and experiences with Phill! This blog will remain in its current form until then.
Posted by Phill Michael at 8/7/2011 10:31 AM 
Categories: SGHHC Nepal, Secret Spot Seven Summits, Everest Freestyle Expedition, secretspot7summits.com, Phill Michael, SecretSpotEverest.com, Sherpa, Chris Stanko, Nepal, Everest, Denali Freestyle Expedition, Secret Spot Adventures, SecretSpot.NET, phillmichael.com, SherpaSchool.ORG
Tags: Denali Freestyle Expedition Everest Freestyle Expedition Phill Michael phillmichael.com Secret Spot Adventures SecretSpot.NET secretspot7summits.com SecretSpotEverest.com SherpaSchool.ORG Sherpa
Categories: SGHHC Nepal, Secret Spot Seven Summits, Everest Freestyle Expedition, secretspot7summits.com, Phill Michael, SecretSpotEverest.com, Sherpa, Chris Stanko, Nepal, Everest, Denali Freestyle Expedition, Secret Spot Adventures, SecretSpot.NET, phillmichael.com, SherpaSchool.ORG
Tags: Denali Freestyle Expedition Everest Freestyle Expedition Phill Michael phillmichael.com Secret Spot Adventures SecretSpot.NET secretspot7summits.com SecretSpotEverest.com SherpaSchool.ORG Sherpa
This afternoon I read the Blog telling that Phill had died of sepsis. The last couple of months I had read about him on the internet and his life story had motivated and inspired me because I underwent Cardiac surgery to replace my leaking Aortic valve on the 5th of July. I am shocked and sad to hear about his death. I hope he will be in a better place and I wish al his loved one's the strength to carry on in his memory.
Rob Hoogervorst Holland
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From Georgina, Phill's mum:
Phill's passing was devastating and I doubt I will ever really accept it. He is with me when i walk as i often do for several miles at a time. I will be taking part of Phill's ashes to Tanzania at the end of December this year to scatter on the slopes of Kilimanjaro, which we had hoped to climb together one day.
Georgina
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Though we have not met. Following you on your sojourns almost make it seem as I do. It's the surprises that are the hardest to forget and most difficult to imagine. The few emails we shared spoke volumes of the kind of person you are. Those who know you WILL miss you. Those who have crossed paths with you WILL wish you are still around. But, those who love you WILL be excited for you on your new journey. RIP Phil.
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St. Albert mourns the passing of Phill.I met him through our neighbours George and Ann--George had been on many adventures with Phill and we had many great evenings around our firepit listening to the great stories,he was a larger than life character who was always good to others.
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Incredibly sad news. He did make a difference during his life. My warmest wishes to his family and friends
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The unimaginable news of Phill's passing has had me thinking back on the adventure filled life he led, and the many lives he came in contact with. I met him through the Stanko's, and he ended up visiting Steve and I for the better part of a week during his trek back west on his new Time Machine.
He shared his travels and experiences as if we were there right along with him. I'll always treasure our prayer flags that flew over the monastery.
I am sad to lose Phill, but grateful to have known him. I love the tribute photo, he looks just as he did during his visit with us last fall- relaxed and happy.
Linda and Steve Frisina
Encinitas, CA
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I am so very sad to receive this news. Phill, like many of us, dreamed to wake up each morning from the ucomfortable floor of a tent and look out the door at a landscape untouched by man and grand in spectacular beauty. Phill touched so many people with his amazing adventures and robust zest for life. Speaking for the professionals who manage our national parks and grand open spaces, Phill made a great difference in caring for those great places. He will be missed, but not forgotten.
Warmest regards,
Greg Lawler
U.S Department of the Interior
Washington, DC
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I met Phill in the mid 80's at the Bow hut in the Canadian Rockies. I was ascending the last slopes to the hut when this wild haired man came snowboarding down and stopped to chat. Quite the character.
We struck up a friendship and climbed a few peaks till my life took me in another direction.
We reunited our friendship last year and had a short but wonderful meeting in Victoria.
I wasn't surprised at all that Phill had done as he always struck me as a driven character, full of life and energy in spite of his heart condition.
Phill has left us far to early, leaving a legacy of generosity, caring and the desire to do better for all. He will be greatly missed but never forgotten.
Derek Janes
Victoria B.C.
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Oh, Phill, I would never have believed that we'd never meet again. I know you're happy wherever you are but I'm sure gonna miss you here. L, J
C.S., thanks for attending to this !
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I met phill 5 months before in Nepal. I find him happiest person in the world. He is similar with my attitudes. Short time with him was wonderful. I can't believe that he is no more in the world but he is in my heart. Tears flows out getting such message. Oh god bless him where ever he is.............................................
His best friends
Saroj Bista
Kathmandu, Nepal
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Phil was a guy that you can only meet once in a life time. He is now climbing the beautiful mountains of Paradise; don't be surprised that when you get to the other side, you'll find Phil waiting to invite you on an adventure. Until Soon, I 'll see you again Phil.
Regards,
Najjaa Muhammad
Department of the Interior
Washington, DC
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My Dear Phill,
At one time, I loved you more than I loved myself. Here is a passage from one of your favorite books~ The Prophet by Kahlil Gibran
Then Almitra spoke, saying, We would ask now of Death.
And he said:
"You would know the secret of death.
But how shall you find it unless you seek it in the heart of life?
The owl whose night-bound eyes are blind unto the day cannot unveil the mystery of light.
If you would indeed behold the spirit of death, open your heart wide unto the body of life.
For life and death are one, even as the river and the sea are one.
In the depth of your hopes and desires lies your silent knowledge of the beyond; And like seeds dreaming beneath the snow your heart dreams of the spring.
Trust the dreams, for in them is hidden the gate to eternity.
Your fear of death is but the trembling of the shepherd when he stands before the king whose hand is to be laid upon him in honour.
Is the shepherd not joyful beneath his trembling, that he shall wear the mark of the king?
Yet is he not more mindful of his trembling?
For what is it to die but stand naked in the wind and to melt into the sun?
And what is it to cease breathing, but to free the breath from its restless tides, that it may rise and expand and seek God unencumbered?
Only when you drink from the river of silence shall you indeed sing.
And when you have reached the mountain top, then you shall begin to climb. And when the earth shall claim your limbs, then shall you tryly dance."
Dance Phill.... dance! Rest in Peace
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In the short time I spent with Phill it was very clear what a wonderful person he was - his positivity and attitude to life was inspiring. This such sad news. He will be missed by all who's lives he has touched.My thoughts are with his family and friends.
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Sweet, crazy, wild Phill ! You lived each day as if you would die tomorrow and I know you are smiling where ever you are.
I met Phill through my equally crazy and wild friend Chantal who I met at university years ago. Life was busy then, filled with adventure and good times. Phill was on the go back then too but somehow always took time to help me fix 'Swixie' the beautifully rusted old Toyota truck that was my freedom in those days. We would hang in Phill's garage in our coveralls, Chantal would bake cookies and we'd work on the truck till the wee hours laughing our heads off at whatever. Life was grand!
I am so very sad to hear of Phill's much too early passing and my deepest sympathies go out to all of you who love him, need him, and will miss him terribly. I have no doubt that his sense of adventure and his 'everything is possible' attitude are his legacy to the rest of us. And he for sure would not want us to be sad for long. Life's too short to let yesterday ruin today :)
May this next adventure be your greatest yet Phill !
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Phil and I met 30 years ago and grew up together planning lives of adventure and kung fu. We climbed cliffs in the ravine near our homes while our parents worried. We skied, surfed, explored caves, and climbed mountains. After, we would eat nachos and drive around all night talking about life, people, and what we would do next. We shared victories and supported each other through loss and heartbreak. He was always there when I needed help.
Our lives took us in different directions in the past ten years, but recently we were able to reconnect. The last time we got together we ate sushi and said we'd meet again soon. It won't be soon.
I'll miss you, Phil.
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Chris--what a great photo!! It truly captures Phill's vitality, his exuberance and his joy.
I've known Phill since high school and my family and I have such fond memories of him. I am fortunate in our having rekindled our friendship and in having seen all the promise of youthcome to fruition in his adult years.
We will miss you.
Rest easy--the trail you have blazed is an inspiration.
Rachel
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Although he is gone, he will still continue to challenge me to live a better life. One filled with love,compassion, and adventure. I met Phill 15 years ago and he made it so easy to like him. He helped me through some tough times and continually forced me to question myself and my actions. He was not just a friend, but a guide. Love you always, no matter where you are. We will always have our stories.
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I see this picture of Phill, and realize he will always be happy where ever he is. I met him through Chris almost 5 years ago now, and since then, my life had a few unexpected turns... I had forgotten how to have an adventure, was caught up in non-sense, afraid to leave home...but only until I was with these two. We had fun no matter where we were. Claim jumper, Baja California, the balcony. Phill led by example, minimized the B.S. and made adventures enjoyable for everyone through his knowledge and experiences. The Secret Spot is in our hearts, it is a safe haven where we can always remember Phill.
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Dear Phill: From the night we met, you were full of surprises....Our mutual friend John recognized that we'd enjoy knowing one another, so when you called that night from the bottom of the hill saying you were lost, I drove down looking to find someone in a car.... surprise - there you were on your motorcycle; dressed in black and fully covered by helmet and goggles. It was about 12:30 a.m. and you were running a bit late for dinner - but not to worry. I remember thinking as I drove up the hill toward home, "Well, this is gonna be an interesting evening". Little did I know.....when you took off your helmet, the Buddha would be standing there smiling at me! Big Surprise.
As incorrigible night people, we shared the motto: "Who needs sleep?" as we talked about the secret of life until sunrise on that occasion and quickly ferreted out we both came from the same star. By the way, I imagine they had to stretch the stargate in order to fit all the love and light you carried back with you on July 30, 2011. Wecome Home! dear friend, you were an adventurer and traveler par excellence out in the world, but in my world your gift was to explore the geography of the heart and the terrain of the soul. I watched you lift energy, and it came as naturally to you as breathing. I saw you envision, create and live life in the grandest of ways and then extend it out and share with everyone. I learned so much from you. Thank you for our friendship; for inspiring me and supporting my art as well as my spirit; for the good times; and for loving my son, Brendan. We'll be having an "omelet with everything" breakfast in your honor at our little restaurant on the River. I'll miss you dear brother, and at the same time, I celebrate your life and graduation with love, as always, Until soon, Louise
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I've known Phill for many years, he knew how to live life and bring about the positive changes to the lives of others who are less previledge. His favorite place in Kathmandu for his stay is Kathmandu Guest House and I am the Operation Manger there. On behalf of my team I would like to express my condolence to the family and pray that may his soul rest in peace. I will be lighting some oil lamps in Swyambhunath which is a buddish monestary where he often visited while in Ktm. I miss him so much and and I am in total shock..!
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