Tribute by Sarah

I of course can't express the tremendous sadness I feel over losing Mike. Though my faith tells me he's in a better place, there is still a very empty spot here on earth in my life. Mike was so special, and I wanted to honor him as best I could, so I felt I had to give him a eulogy at his funeral mass. The comments I made are below, I wrote it once and never changed a word...

One of the amazing things about Mike was how he led his life with quiet dignity. He went on about his day, touching people everywhere, without knowing the impact he had. And we are all here today to pay tribute to him, and I know he’s smiling down from heaven thinking of this story I’m about to tell you.

When Mike and I were planning our wedding 11 years ago, his involvement was what I am guessing is the level of involvement of most men – forced by me. There were many wedding traditions that he was not aware of, and one that gave him pause was the seating of guests in the Church. Bride’s friends on one side, groom’s friends on the other. Though he shouldn’t have been, he was so worried that the Church would tilt to “my” side. When Mike was first diagnosed with his illness in 1997, the outpouring of support from friends was so incredible, that he laughed about his fear of our wedding day, and said he might challenge me to re-new our vows, so we could see which way the Church would tilt then. We didn’t do that, but today Mike, you can see, there is a large group here all leaning your way!

Now, some of you who knew Mike from his high school or college days might more remember the jokes he told which might not have been quiet or dignified, or the Motley Crue CDs, which certainly are not quiet or dignified. And I saw that, too – and believe me, when the CD player shuffles to one of those Motley Crue CDs, I still cringe a little. But I would watch Mike interact with people, and he was always so concerned about them, whatever the case was – whether he could make them laugh, listen to them venting about their golf game, or helping them fix their swing – he paid attention to them and made them feel special. I was always so proud to watch him interact with his members while giving them lessons or helping them in the shop.

Many of you may have played golf with Mike. He was a very good golfer. But even if he lost on the scorecard, he stayed a winner in life with his sense of humor, positive attitude and a smile on his face. His generosity of character and loyalty have left their mark on all of us. Mike fought this battle incredibly bravely, and I am grateful that he put up such a fight, because it meant we all got to spend more time with him. And he maintained his dignity through it all.

So many things will make me think of Mike – and may be reminders for you, too. The Rice Owls, the movie Caddyshack, the Denver Broncos, Mexican food, playing the drums, him answering the phone “it’s a beautiful day at Deerwood Club – this is Michael, how can I help you”, and of course – golf. And don’t ever dawdle over the ball on the golf course, because Mike will be muttering under his breath at you from above “hit it today!”

We were so blessed to have Mike in our lives. He will continue to be my inspiration to live on with quiet dignity, and to make others feel special every day.

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Tribute by Bobby Jones

I am writing this tribute to my friend Mike Longpre. Mike was our assistant golf professional at Deerwood Golf Club in Kingwood, Texas starting in the mid-1990's when I first got to know this lanky young man with the broad smile. I remember in 1996 when Mike played in a Texas PGA event and followed him through a play-off. Having been a member of the Rice golf team before starting his career as a professional, this guy could play!

In the spring of 1997, we learned that Mike had been hit with brain cancer. I went to see him a number of weeks after he had surgery. That is where I met his wonderful father, John Longpre, who had come with his beautiful wife Kathy to help Mike's wife Sarah with Mike's convalescence. Mike's combination of humor and courage combined with this close-knit family was so full of love and hope. It was contagious to us all.

Within a month or so after Mike's diagnosis, another fellow Deerwood member named Dave Roberts was also diagnosed with esophogeal cancer. Dave had battled several cancers in the preceeding years too and we knew this was serious too.For a lot of their friends at Deerwood, it was like too much lightning and we had to do something to show support. We founded a group called Golfers Against Cancer. Mike was both a founding board member and our first Special Honoree. He, Sarah and their families have been instrumental in now raising over $4 million for cancer research. I remember Mike as our first honoree with his Rice golf coach in attendance to salute him in 1997.

Mike has always been one of these people that must have been beamed down from another world. His personal courage combined with his humor has always been a lesson to all that know him. No one has ever heard Mike complain about a bad bounce or the putt that didn't go in the hole. But his family's strength and support also mean so much to anyone that know Sarah and the Longpre's. We can only hope to show the same strength and commitment in our personal lives. I miss him.

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Tribute by Teb

I thought I had prepared myself for your leaving. I knew that it was coming, I knew it would be best because you would not be trapped inside that body any longer. Now that you are gone, there is a relief that you are finally free, there is a sadness because I will never hear your jokes again, but most of all there is just this empty feeling inside me, like a part of me has been removed.

When I was younger, I didn't like growing up in your shadow. I was always Mike's brother, struggling to find my own identity apart from that. But I came to know later on and know more now that being your brother was a blessing, not a curse. It meant that I was lucky to be so close to someone who was so very loved and thought so highly of by so many people.

You were patient with me, took me under your wing, never pushed your lessons on me but rather offered them for me to understand and take in when I was ready to. Without me realizing it at the time, you were teaching me, preparing me for what was to come in my life, and my career.

In recent years, you proved to the world that you were brave, relentless, and stronger than your disease. You defied the odds, lived longer and better than the experts said you ever could. You showed what the human spirit can do. You were an inspiration to us all. There was no way I could give my first-born son any other name than Michael. Right now that's a hard thing because seeing my son is a constant reminder of your death. But I know that with time, my son will be a welcome and constant reminder of your life.

I love you Mike.

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Tribute by Jerry Pickett

I first met Michael when he became an Assistant Golf Pro at Deerwood Golf Club. He soon gained my attention as an individual who wanted to serve his clients, both in teaching and trust. His integrity to help others will always be remembered. We as friends, can now turn our support to Sarah. She has shown devotion, loyalty and love to Michael under the most difficult of circumstance. Sarah is a creative, intelligent person with exceptional vision. We know she is surrounded with love and support from family and friends. Sarah, we know as time passes day by day, your vision and positive attitude will carry you forward.
I too, support you and your family in Golfers' Against Cancer.
With Sincere Regards,
Jerry Pickett

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Tribute by cousin, DeeAnn

I will be enriched forever in the memory of Mike and his family. You all took a hard, scary walk together with more love and more faith; more compassion and passion, than I have ever seen! I am inspired by your walk...

...And, I am better for knowing Mike and loving Mike.

In the end, my memories make me smile. I love you all! DeeAnn

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Tribute by Jack Forester

It is hard to lose someone of Mike's caliber. You hear the term "He was great guy",it never fit anyone more closely than Mike. He was truly a rare individual. If you hadn't seen or talked to him in month's he would make you feel like it was just the other day. He went out of his way to make me feel better after my Dad's passing last year, even in the wake of all of his burdens. There are a couple of great "Pro's" in heaven today. Mike will always be 5 up with 4 to play....

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Tribute by Cousin Kelli

It has now been a year since you have gone. It does not seem possible. I have waited for so long to write this tribute because there is so much I would like to say. Over the past few months, I realized, that you already know what I would like to say and how I feel.

Life changes so fast and in a blink of an eye, nothing is the same. I am so grateful Mike that we are family, and also so very happy that your life was full and surrounded by those who you loved and loved you.

Growing up so far apart we weren't as close as many families. However, I feel that the little time our two families were together, we were pretty close. I remember so many things that we did when we would visit Laramie..... Playing ditch in the cemetary, golfing, making up "drinks". I remember the Christmas of 1993 playing CB and the way your dad and my mom would laugh - a laugh so contagious we all started laughing and couldn't stop. Life was so easy then.

For some reason, life throws us curve balls. The way you fought with pride, dignity and grace is such an inspiration to all who know you.

I will never forget your hobby of playing the drums (and Motley Crew) loudly, the jokes and your patience while giving me a golf lesson.

As you travel on this final journey I wish you peace and am so very happy that you are with loved ones.

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Tribute by An Admirer and Friend, Phillip Stika

Today I was thinking of Mike. Just why I don't know, but I believe it was because I was thinking of the all the people whom I have met throughout the many places and many years I have worked in the Golf Industry. I was thinking of unique personalities, smiling faces and those who made faces smile and were always greatful to be of service to others. This must be the reason Mike entered my mind today. These quailities can never be taught, trained or implimented. You either possess them or you don't. Mike was a natural. In the presence of our Lord he is still making smiling faces, and gratefully serving others all the while smiling himself.

In Loving Memory,

Phillip Stika