---

Thank you to all of Michael's dear friends

for coming and celebrating Michael's life.

 

Cindy & John

---

Please sign the Guestbook

In Memory of Michael Waste, my brother and the son of Carolyn & Don Waste.

Michael Passed away peacefully in his sleep on June 1, 2007 in Escondido, Calif. Michael has lived in many places over the years and everywhere he has lived he has made lifelong friends. Michael's passing was unexpected and friends from Canoga Park, Los Angeles, Hawaii, Mammoth, Vail and San Diego were all sadden to hear the news of his passing. A small gathering of family laid his ashes to rest in Escondido, Calif. Many of his friends expressed a desire to be a part of honoring his life. So here on these pages Michael's life will be remembered in pictures and stories from his many friends.

June 22, 2007, John & I went to Colorado to hold a memorial for Michael with some of his closest friends. They were wonderful in welcoming us there and for a few days we all relived many of the stories and memories of Michael's life.

I will start:
I am Cindy Hollingshead, Michael's sister.

A few days after Michael's passing I sat by my koi pond to feed the fish and in the quiet I felt Michael's presents. The pond was one of his favorite things at my house. Well that and the baby Blue & Gold macaws we raise that he called "Little Kahunas", after his own Blue & Gold macaw. In the quiet I think about all the things he loved to do. Surfing was one of his first loves, then Snow Skiing and Motocross. Really when I think of what he liked to do the list is very long: Snow Skiing, Motocross, Water Skiing, Bare Foot of course, even Hang Gliding and parachuting a few times. After years of me talking about Scuba Diving he finally learned to dive and loved that too.

While Michael lived in San Diego over the last 3 years we were able to spend more time together. We all loved our barbecue and poker nights at our parents. His dad, mom, brother-in-law John and I would play poker until late at night and we would laugh so much. Playing with poker chips and playing some of the weirdest poker games Michael had taught us. My mom seemed to win a lot, even though she said she didn't quite understand some of the games and we all watched my dad closely as he liked to see if we could catch him cheating.

I loved my brother and will miss him greatly. I was glad to have more time with him when he moved to San Diego.

Michael seemed to make friends wherever he went and once a friend, always a friend.
He also talked about his friends a lot and how much he cared for them.

Please email me with any pictures and stories about you and Michael that you would like to share with those that loved Michael. I will be adding them here.

Cindy
Blkstone@hughes.net

Mailing Address:

PO Box 460455

Escondido, Ca 92046

 

 

---

Please sign the Guestbook

Michael's Friends

More Pictures of Michael

Memorial

Friends from the Memorial

Cindy's Underwater Pictures

While talking to some of Michael's friends they mentioned seeing some of my underwater photographs.
Michael always loved seeing my new pictures and he shared them with many of his friends.
This is one of the things that got Michael interested in scuba diving. Our two trips we did together, to Cozumel and Fiji,
is one of John's and my favorite memories of time spent with Michael.
For those that would like to look.

 

---

Messages from Michael's Friends

---

 

There are few people I know that have that endearing, always
giving effect that Michael Waste had on every one he met.
He was always encouraging new people to the water sports he so loved and would give all his time to help all those interested in learning his passions.

Michael was always my brother who I could call up and rally to a call for adventure, as we did last month on Memorial Day week-end. I feel as though we had a great reunion week-end where we left for Campo Lopez which he had been telling me about for the last 5 years. We had Lobster and rellenos overlooking the Pacific upon our arrival and then celebrated life in old style, he showed me some old beach hang outs that Sunday and we then left early Monday morning to take a typical "howley" tour of San Diego Bay. First the Marina, then Coronado, the main event was the USS Midway where he
finally road in a flight simulator which he had always wanted to do, saw the magnificent jets which he appreciated, being a pilot, then we finished the day with his favorite seafood spot next to the airport and then up the coast to Charlies Crab Shack before sunset.

He recounted many good Michael Waste stories from teenage days
on. I was a very good listener all the while because he told his stories so well and they were all so amazing and he admitted to me "You Know, I've had a good life!" he said with that mischievous Michael smile.

I'll miss you my reliable friend Michael, my mentor of fresh water fun.
I'll treasure all days we shared and will be forever grateful of the last few we were able to spend together.
Hope the water is Nector up there, Moondoggie.
Shaka,
Bob Law

---

My first memories of Michael are of him and my dad working together. I remember him and my dad as buddies, and after my father died Michael became my buddy.

Michael helped me go through some of my dads ashes so we could spread them in some of his favorite ski spots. Michael took time to make sure that I still got to do the favorite things that him and dad use to do like go out to sushi. He would take me camping and water skiing and he even gave me his 1971 honda motorcycle. When he first taught me how to ride it, I crashed it straight into his neighbors garage. I was embarrassed but Michael was cool, helped me up and fixed the garage door.

When I got into high school Michael got me into scuba diving certification so he could take me to Cozumel. He told me that scuba diving was another world and was truly "nectar". And he was right, at 14 years old I couldn't believe all the amazing things I saw underwater. That was by far the best trip I have ever been on to this day.

As I got older we started to grow apart, but I would still get the occasional phone call and visits. He usually wanted to know how things were; if I was still rippin on the slopes, did I have a girlfriend yet, did I still ride the motorcycle. He just wanted to check up on me.

Now when I am out doing Michael's favorite things I know him and my dad are sitting up there watching and sharing a beer. We love you Michael and were going to miss you.

Shaka bra!!!

tyson

 

 

---

 

I was upset to hear of Michael's passing ....He was an amazing and generous person. I met Michael through Lisa Defrane and he helped an Aussie battler through her stay in Vail. I minded his beautiful bird Kahuna for three weeks while Michael went on a short adventure holiday. His bird is as gorgeous as he was and just as cheeky. I was cleaning Michael's room one day and Kahuna said " Hello Turkey Butt" It made me buckle over with laughter as did many of Michael's comments. My condolences to all Michael's family and friends in America. He will be greatly missed.

Kylee Crellin
Victoria Australia

 

---

I just want to let everyone know who Michael Waste was to me and the impact he had on my life.

I met Michael when our boats were parked next to each other at Stagecoach Marina. Our love of barefooting really brought us together. Some of our barefoot adventures include trips to Florida to train with Lane Bowers and Peter Fleck, Pit 4 in Denver to ski with scarpa and to many weekends at Stagecoach and Wolford to even comprehend. I had so many great days of skiing and camping experiences with Michael. So many stories, so many campfires, so much glass, and more good memories than any soul deserves.

Michael's true colors came thru when I was going thru my divorce. He opened his home to me while I was trying to get my head on straight. He was supportive, offering encouragement, not judgment. It was also the time that Michael was learning to fly. He was so engrossed in the experience it spread to me. I can say I would not be a commercial pilot today had it not been for the excitement and motivation Michael spread back in 2000. When I got hired by the airline, Michael was proud of me and it felt really good. I flew into San Diego in Oct of 06, Michael came out to Lindburgh Field to meet me. I got him up in the cockpit and turned everything on, I could tell by the look on his face that he was where he was happy, in a airplane with a friend. I could also tell he was proud of me, and hopefully he could tell how much I appreciated the doors in life he opened for me.

The last time I saw Michael was for lunch in March of 07. It was good to be with my friend, talk and laugh about the things and times that make this life special. God Bless my friend, till I see you in the cockpit again, and thanks for all you did for me.

 

Michael "Bruno"

---

Ya know Michael, we left alot of things undone. Wait for me my friend, wait for me.

 

Marty

 

 

 

 

 

---

I’m one lucky person to have been able to have a friend/brother in Michael. This guy was a genuine good person, serious worker and lots of fun too. From Mammoth, to Vail, to Snowbird, to Washington, to Mexico and San Diego we had the best of times. Skiing, footing, golfing, working, spiritual conversations and living the good life! Michael also a member of my extended family; my daughters, Jacqueline and Lauren, spent many hours entertained by my good buddy. My wife Carrie enjoyed Michael’s company as well. Michael has left a legacy of love and compassion. I am grateful for his friendship.

Michael, we miss you, thank you for being you, from all of us, wherever you are...live long and prosper in the spiritual world.

 

Randy Wastal

 

---

Michael knew how to make a person feel comfortable, at ease, and welcome in an otherwise awkward situation. I have admired him ever since he put forth the effort to continue our friendship, that, in many other circumstances, would have fizzled out. To open his mind & his heart to my husband & I was as heart warming of an experience as I can remember. His heart was full of joy & love & he had a true spirit to enjoy life. It was infectous. He battled obstacles that many people can’t even imagine, however, he always had that same uplifting attitude that encouraged people to focus on having a good time & live for the "now". My husband, Mike, and I are proud to be identified as friends of Michael Waste. Going forward, every time we launch our boat, I’m sure a picture of Michael will pop into our minds & a smile will cover our faces. Bless you Michael, and we’ll catch you on the flip side.

 

Kathleen & Michael Johnston. Peace out.

 

---

Tyson and I will miss you, but we know that you and Bob are up there breaking all the rules and that thought brings a smile to my face.

 

Jeanne Nelson

---

 

It was so nice to have met Michael and watched him teach his sister to water ski. He was the proudest "big brother" that day at San Vicente. I know you were holding on to the bar for dear life Cindy, but hopefully you caught a glimpse, or you can picture the huge beaming smile of pride in you. It’s a good memory for all.

 

 

 

"For what is it to die but to 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 unemcumbered?

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 you shall truly dance.
The Prophet
Kahlil Gibran

 

Pat Schneider

---

A Parable of Immortality
By Henry van Dyke

 

I am standing upon the seashore. A ship at my side spreads her white sails to the morning breeze and starts for the blue ocean. She is an object of beauty and strength, and I stand and watch until at last she hangs like a speck of white cloud just where the sun and sky come down to mingle with each other. Then someone at my side says, "There she goes!"

Gone where? Gone from my sight-that is all. She is just as large in mast and hull and spar as she was when she left my side and just as able to bear her load of living freight to the places of destination.

Her diminished size is in me, not in her. And just at that moment when someone at my side says, "There she goes!" there are other eyes watching her coming and other voices ready to take up the glad shout, "Here she comes!"

 

Gail J. Worth

---

 

Shocked & saddened at the news via mutual friends in Vail. Seems like a lifetime ago that Michael was trying to teach me to waterski (to no avail). He was one of the most fun people I have ever been around. I remember a Halloween party we went to (he was a Ninja & I was a belly dancer) - we got dumped on with snow and he had to carry me in & out of the parties we went to. Also, the first time (& last) I ever had sushi...and skiing and going to Steve Bonsignores house afterwards for dinner, but we drank too much Tequila.....HE WAS A LOT OF FUN...also, a good friend - I am very sorry we lost touch (my fault). I met him when I was working at CPI Interiors - worked with him on the Bristol Pines job and countless others. I am glad to have known him and been a part of his life if only for a moment. God Bless.

 

Diane Bolger

 

---

To my landlord, you will always be remembered as the most gracious, accommodating, friendly and caring person I have ever met. Our thoughts in Vail are with you and your family.

 

TJ Davis

 

---

The pain is finally gone, you will be missed my Brother, but forever in my heart. Aloha my friend---

 

Niels Nielsen

---

Michael was our firstborn and he bonded with his Dad and Mother for five years before his sister, Cindy, joined our family. He was such a happy baby and good baby and a joy to have around.

He came to live with us in San Diego when he needed
treatment for his many health problems. We were happy we could have him here after many years of being apart. He fit into the family once again and we will cherish each and every moment that we had with Michael. He left us too soon, but life doesn’t always turn out the way we would wish.

We were overwhelmed with the outpouring of love and friendship from his many friends of many years. Everyone he touched in someway and left a lasting impression of love.

We will miss him terribly but we know we will be together again.

His Dad and his Mom, Don and Carolyn

 

 

---

 

Visitors