Honoring Mike Ferencz

We are broken hearted at the tragic and untimely death of our dear, dear friend, Mike Ferencz.  Mike was the truest of friends, in good times and bad.  In his relationships he was loving, loyal, thoughtful and generous with his love and support.  He was sweet, kind, and funny. Conversations with Mike were deep and real (and oftentimes lasted a long time; he had a lot to say!).  No matter how much time had passed due to physical distance and the demands of life, family, and work, Mike always met the friendship right back at the depth that had been created over so many years.  He celebrated with you, laughed with you, cried with you.  Being friends with Mike made your life better.

Mike was pretty damn cool. His wit was unparalleled.  When you were with or talking to Mike, you were laughing; at yourself, at him, at the world.  Mike was the master nickname creator, and his ability to transform your phrase from funny to hilarious was unmatched.  Mike loved music and movies, and he knew both deeply.  He always introduced you to the indie music you needed to be listening to (and movies you needed to see).  His mix tapes, then cd’s, then playlists were gold and a true gift from his heart.  

Most importantly, Mike loved his people: his parents, Andrew and Anette, his brothers, Greg and Patrick, his friends (too many to name).  Foremost, Mike loved his family: his wife, Heidi, and their children, Ella (17) and Toni (13).  From the first moment he saw them, he fell in love with his kids, and was always bursting with pride when talking about who they each were and were becoming.  He was loving and devoted to his children and wanted the best of everything for them.

Mike provided financial support for Heidi, Ella and Toni.  As the community of friends past and present, supporting them is one way we can honor the love that Mike shared so generously with all of us.  We know these are difficult and uncertain times, and we ask that you donate to them in a way that feels comfortable and do-able for you; Mike would want us all to feel as safe as possible during this time.