We lost a good one - Mike "Bookwus" Browning

[Oregon72]

I'm saddened to bring the news passed on to me by Mike's daughter, that one of our own, Mike "Bookwus" Browning, passed away last night in his sleep after a well fought battle with pancreatic cancer.

Mike's daughter let me know that all of Mike's VW friends were very important to him and that it was one of his wishes that a message be posted on the IAC letting everyone know that he had passed.

I'll always remember Mike as a generous, enthusiastic and incredibly intelligent person who was quick to lend a hand or provide sound advice to a friend in need.

Feel free to share a fond memory of Bookwus if you had the pleasure.

[Hippie]

I never had the pleasure, but instinctively liked him by his personality and writing style.
Finding out he was ill affected me deeply. I pray for the repose of his soul and for his family.

Thank you for the news, unfortunate as it is.

[Sylvester]

I climb in the Bus once more,
And take the not so distant
Drive to God's shore.

Thank you Mike for all you gave us, time, info, and in my case some parts that live on in my engine. And as so, you live on in us.

[glasseye]

A sad day indeed. Mike was family here. We're going to miss him greatly.

[BellePlaine]

I don't know what to say. I got to know Bookwus a bit more through his and Emma's fight. We would email with each other progress updates, encouragement, and our thoughts about how to fight cancer. Cancer is just so... challenging. At times I would feel alone and so I told him that he wasn't alone even though, I guess in the end... well, I don't know. This is hard news. Mike was good guy. I enjoyed his presence on this forum. I discovered that he had a thing for historical fiction books. I won't forget him. My thoughts are with his family.

[Amskeptic]

Another kick in the stomach. I keep losing people right when I become friends with them. I hate this.
Mike, put together a posse of angels up there and help us down here on the IAC understand.
That makes me so sad.
Colin

Mike, it was only a little hell on Earth . . .

http://itinerant-air-cooled.com/viewtop ... =58&t=8471

[misszora]

This picture of Mike & Colin was taken on the last day I saw him in person. Of course he was smiling and making everyone around him smile as well.

He came over during Miss Zora's first engine drop, offering his help. He reported to the Lucky Lab crew about our progress...said MZ was in pieces and wasn't sure if we'd make it. But we did!

A very sweet and generous man, Mike will be missed so much.

[hambone]

Oh my God. I can't believe it...just had lunch with him a couple of months ago. Very sad. It was his encouragement that really helped me get going on the guide service. We are here only a very short while.

[Westy78]

Damn it damn it DAMN IT!. I was really hoping Mike was going to be one of the statistical anomalies with this. In the too short time I knew Mike I can honestly say he was one of the good ones. Positive to the end. Always willing to lend a hand. In many ways. My heart goes out to his family. He will be missed.......

[hambone]

Troy please let us know about a memorial service if you're in touch with his family.
Oy what a morning. I miss my friend very much.

[sped372]

That is just too bad. Didn't know him personally but he definitely seemed like a genuine guy. Wishing the best for the family.

[skin daddio]

for months i found myself missing his presence on the forums, including earlybay.com
i'd think about him while organizing and shipping parts, being around my vw mess.
he leaves a legacy of kindness, consideration, and more. i'm grateful for that.

[tristessa]

Oh no. No no no no no...

[justgimmecoffee]

What a terrible loss. He was such a great guy, always happy. I"m blown away.

[vistacruzer]