Midnight Bump with a story
Reminded of Mike's generosity by Bryan.
Headed up to the shop one Saturday morning with a few cues I had picked up on here. I like Talisman mediums so I though it would be best to get Mike to put 'em on for me. I handed him 5 or 6 shafts and the tips. He looked at them and scowled "why do you got to go and put these damn Japanese things on an American cue". He patiently cut off the old tips, glued up the new, turned them all down nice and pretty, all the while chiding me for my heresy. At one point he said "next thing you'll ask is for me to fit a Predator for you" (I HAD thought of that, but then thouht better of it).
About 45 minutes to an hour later he's all done. I told him I also wanted to pick up some TS logo joint protectors while I was there, so he went into the cabinet and grabbed a handful and put them in my hand. I asked "What do I owe you Mike". His reply - "Aww, nothing." Couldn't get him to take a thing - not coffed, not lunch - just nothing.
That's just the kind of guy Mike was.
I'll miss him.