Secret Spot 7 Summits Blog: Recent Comments

Comment on In Loving Memory: Phill Michael - 1970-2011

Georgina Michael-Johnston — Sat, 15 Oct 2011 18:24:53 GMT

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

Comment on In Loving Memory: Phill Michael - 1970-2011

Uttam Phuyal — Fri, 02 Sep 2011 16:12:54 GMT

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..!

Comment on In Loving Memory: Phill Michael - 1970-2011

Louise Buss — Wed, 17 Aug 2011 10:24:52 GMT

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

Comment on In Loving Memory: Phill Michael - 1970-2011

Kevin — Mon, 15 Aug 2011 20:03:21 GMT

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.

Comment on In Loving Memory: Phill Michael - 1970-2011

Kim Alkalay — Sun, 14 Aug 2011 16:13:55 GMT

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.

Comment on In Loving Memory: Phill Michael - 1970-2011

Rachel Spiers — Sat, 13 Aug 2011 23:46:39 GMT

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

Comment on In Loving Memory: Phill Michael - 1970-2011

Malcolm Ferrier — Sat, 13 Aug 2011 17:46:51 GMT

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.

Comment on In Loving Memory: Phill Michael - 1970-2011

Christine Burgstaller — Sat, 13 Aug 2011 05:19:14 GMT

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 !

Comment on In Loving Memory: Phill Michael - 1970-2011

Kelly — Fri, 12 Aug 2011 21:02:56 GMT

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.

Comment on In Loving Memory: Phill Michael - 1970-2011

Chantal — Tue, 09 Aug 2011 20:08:52 GMT

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