September 6, 2008
I got a call from Mark Melrose at eight this morning that his brother "Minnesota" Mike, passed away at John C. Lincoln Hospital in Sunnyslope. Mike had a close call several weeks ago (the diagnosis is complicated, a heart valve, etc., so I won't attempt to describe it). He had been released from the hospital and was recovering at home but he took a turn for the worse several days ago and was admitted back to the hospital.

Minnesota Mike was a regular contributor to this blog and he served True West magazine proudly as our advertising sales director for over five years. Mike and I made a memorable trip home to Iowa and Minnesota several years ago and I still remember it as one of my favorite road trips. He was loud (some might say bombastic), proud and very funny. I will miss his humor.

When he was brought into the emergency room last month, the attending doctor asked him who his doctor was. Mike, who hated even to go in for a checkup, said brightly, "You are!"

That is so Mike.

His mother and father lost their home in Charles City to flooding and are in the process of closing on a new house. Any cards or condolences should be sent to Mike's brother Mark:

Mark Melrose
PO Box 35
Charles City, Iowa 50616