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Picture of the day - March 31, 2009
"Mike"
Publishing the "Picture of the Day" is usually the highlight of my
day, but today it has turned out to be somewhat of a somber chore.
My brother Mike passed away just a short while ago.
The second oldest of us eight "kids", Mike knew what it meant to be
"family". While he had that trademark Rouse "stubborn streak", he
had a heart as big as all outdoors to go along with it. He loved to
hunt and fish, and he spent countless hours doing both over the
years. I guess you could say he just plain loved life.
 Like all the rest of us humans, Mike had his fair share of
weaknesses and failures. But even as he struggled in his last months
with serious illness, he never lost his warm sense of humor and love
for his family. It's going to be extremely hard for us to let him
go, but let him go we must, secure in the knowledge that he is now
in the presence of his beloved Lord.
Mike and my dad were kindred souls when it came to their intense
love of
fishing, and I have no doubt that he and dad are already sharing a
bank on one of heaven's best fishing holes. I can just see them
sitting there, poles in hand, waiting for the big one to bite just
like they did so many times before in years past. But knowing them
the way I do, I'm sure they are also catching up on old times,
reflecting on the lives and loves they shared down here.
Mike was a good man who was dearly loved by all who ever knew him.
He will be greatly missed.
In loving memory of Michael Ray Rouse.
October 15, 1947 - March 31, 2009
Visitor Comments...
Name: Phyllis Helton
Town: Bristol, VA
You have my heartfelt sympathy. A beautiful tribute.
Name:
Gordon
Brugman
Town: Gatlinburg, TN
It’s with great sadness that I read of your brothers death. Your
tribute was touching and most appropriate. We are keeping you and
your family in our thoughts at this difficult time. May your faith
comfort you and bring you hope for happier times.
Name: Ron Trees
Town: Spokane, WA
Dear Rick, such sad news to be greeted with this morning, from a
place that generally is one of the highlights of my day. I am so
very sorry about your brother!! It has to be very hard to loose a
sibling. My thoughts and prayers are with you and all of your
family.
God Bless you my friend, Ron
Name: Robert Schwarztrauber
Town: Buffalo, NY
Rick,
My sincere condolences to you and your family on the loss of your
dear brother. Thank you for sharing his story with us. We pray that
he is indeed out on the shores of peace and tranquility in heaven,
landing the big ones. And thank you for keeping with us in your time
of sorrow when it might have been easier to just run any old photo
today, or none at all. Your commitment is inspiring and makes me
appreciate you and your website all the more. God bless.
Name: Adam and Julie Sothberg
Town: Fort Worth, TX
Mr. Rouse, please accept our deepest condolences on the loss of your
brother Mike. From your narrative he sounds like a wonderful man,
and we will certainly keep you and the rest of your family in our
prayers. Thanks so much for letting your many "followers and
friends" know via this amazing website.
Name: Helga Stuttart
Town: Sacramento, CA
Rick, I want to tell you how sorry I am for the loss of your
brother. I have been visiting your website and enjoying your work
for years and I feel like I have come to "know" you on a certain
level. Please take some time to reflect on Mike's life and loss, and
don't be tempted to skip the grieving process. I'll be praying for
you and your family.
Name:
Winston "Rocky" Rockwell
Town: Kirkland, WA
Rick,
So sorry to hear of your loss. Please accept my heartfelt
sympathies. I never had siblings, so I cannot claim to understand
your pain, but as you so eloquently said, Mike is in a better place
now, and you and your family can take solace in knowing he is
enjoying that fishin' hole in the sky.
Name: Barbara Olivo
Town: El Paso, TX
Mr. Rouse, please allow me to express my deep sorrow at the news of
the loss of your wonderful brother. You simply have no idea how many
lives you touch on a daily basis with your photographs and stories,
and I for one am extremely grateful. My prayers go out to you and
your family.
Name: Aaron Stiltner
Town: Canton, OH
So sorry about your loss Mr. Rouse. I'll be praying for you and the
rest of Mike's loved ones.
Name: Jeremiah Groseclose
Town: Seven Mile Ford, VA
Wonderful tribute. One of the many reasons I find myself drawn to
this website on a daily basis. Thanks so much for everything you do.
Take care. Jerry
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