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 Mike Stano Memorial New
- Forum: BoaterTalk
Re: Drowning on the Green River, WA. Julie, Mustang Sally plz write. jules New
Date: Jun 06 2008, 18:57 GMT
From: jules
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This message (below) is from our friend Jon. I know that many people on the East Coast, as well as us out here in the PNW have paddled with Mike and loved him dearly. There is a fund set up for his wife, Leah (see bottom of message.) Please take the time to read it, and consider making a donation. Mike was a truly wonderful person, and will be missed by the entire boating community.
Thank you,
Jules
Hey all,
As many of you are aware, on May 17, 2008, we all lost an amazing
person and friend � Mike Stano � while he was paddling the Green.
Sometime soon, those with him at the time will draft a report of the
incident in an effort to better inform the paddling community of the
exact details. But that can wait � this is about Mike.
Mike lived an incredible life, achieving more than it seems possible
for one person to accomplish in 45 years. He dedicated his life to
helping others; fighting forest fires, volunteering for two years
with the Peace Corps, working in a brain trauma unit and eventually
in his chosen profession as a self-employed physical therapist.
Mike loved all aspects of the outdoors, most of all kayaking. As
anyone who had the opportunity to paddle with him would attest, his
cheerful demeanor, positive attitude, and warm smile were inevitably
contagious, even on the dreariest of days. Although in the eyes of
the paddling community he was certainly seen as an "expert", his
appreciation for whitewater went well beyond class V. Mike was
always game � and enthused � for a class II / III rainy weekend
adventure to the Olympic Peninsula or an evening on the South Fork
Snoqualmie. He enjoyed the balance between play paddling, creeking,
multi-day trips, and just plain ol' river running. Plus, he both
understood the importance of and reaped the rewards achieved through
teaching others how to paddle. Not long after learning to paddle,
he pursued his ACA instructor certification, which he brought with
him to the Pacific Northwest. For many years he was a tireless
volunteer instructor for Pacific Water Sports as well as for the WKC
whitewater class. Recently, he began volunteering with Team River
Runner, utilizing both his physical therapy and paddling
instructional skills in teaching injured war veterans to kayak. His
accomplishments in kayaking built his confidence in life, but he
still never understood what an incredible person he was.
Off the river, many of us stood in quiet awe of Mike. There was
very little that he didn't know how to do. He could fix, build, and
renovate anything. It was rare that someone would ask him a question
to which he didn't have an answer � an answer likely based on prior
life experience. Life fascinated him, and he was always learning
new things from the people he met. In addition to being brilliant
and skilled, Mike was an incredible human being. He was
compassionate, sincere, and genuinely interested in the people he
met. While often perceived as quiet and laid back, once you got to
know him well, you soon realized that he was also passionate about
his beliefs while being open minded and willing to learn.
For those of you so inclined, there will be an open house
celebration of Mike's life on Sunday June 8th from 11:00 to 4:00. We
will be gathering at 1:00 to share memories and stories of Mike's
incredible life. Feel free to bring your stories of Mike and help
us remember our friend, paddling companion, and amazing human
being.
Details:
11:00 - 4:00 Open House
1:00 - Gathering to share stories and memories
Open House will be held at a private home:
534 172nd Avenue NE
Bellevue, WA 98008
More details and driving directions here:
http://www.asacredmoment.com/obits/obituaries.php/obitID/545744
One final note: To help Mike's wife Leah through the near-term
future now that one of their incomes is gone, an account has been
set up in her name through Bank of America. Deposits can be made
to:
Leah DarrowStano (no hyphen)
Account # - 36806651
Here's to ya, Mike!
Your friend - always,
Jon
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