Mike Donovan-Great Gentleman

[Joseph Patterson]

  I received a call a few minutes ago from Mrs.Joan saying Mr.Mike had passed away early this morning. Both Mike and Joan prior to his passing wanted everyone to know how much they appreciated the thoughts and prayers of their friends in the modeling community all across the country. Mike was truly a great gentleman and sportsman. There will be a memorial service at Riles Funeral Home in Vicksburg, Mississippi. The date and time will be posted when we get the information. Keep Mrs.Joan and their family in your prayers. Thanks and God Bless.
     Doug     

[Jim Kraft]

Mike will be greatly missed. Lova and I were very fortunate to have spent time with Mike and Joan at VSC and other contests. Mike loved to build planes and was a very good flyer. His enthusiasm of the hobby spilled over into others, and as said he was a true gentleman and sportsman. This is a sad day. Our heart felt prayers go out to Joan and family.

[De Hill]

I have known Mike and Joan for several years on the contest circuit ; ranging from the VSC, Brodak's and our Tulsa Gluedobber's contest here in Tulsa.

I am truly saddened that he is gone. My prayers go to Joan.

De Hill

[johnbyrne]

I couldn't agree more.  I'm doing a copy of what I posted over on Stuka.  Sorry if some of it is a repeat.

It's difficult to say but Mike Donovan passed away early this morning.  I did read to him all the posts made here, sent via email, and posted on Stunt Hanger a few days ago and he smiled to each one and thanked each of you for your words.  I know hearing from you guys was very important to him.  I also know that his friendship with many many many of you was one of the most important things in his life.  He spoke about many of you VERY often and never had a bad thing to say about anyone ... only how wonderful you guys are and how wonderful this hobby is. 

Mike, I know the winds are blowing away from the sun at 3 mph today for you and you have an endless supply of high castor fuel.  I can't help but wonder though which plane you are flying and which pattern you are flying but I do know you are still working to perfect that engine run and the pattern.  Good flying.

On a side note, someone asked about his Black Tiger.  Sorry I can't recall who.  Anyway, to answer the question, the original was lost in a crash (something failed but I just can't recall what at the moment) but he did build another which he reported was better than the first.  Not sure which you saw but yes, the Black Tiger is still around.

[Tim Stagg]

Mike was a great man. I got to know him well at Brodaks over the last several years and was even fortunate enough to be part of he and Joe's junk yard wars team....GO the Wrecking Crew.

Mike will be greatly missed and my prayers go to Joan and their family.

We have lost a great ambassador to our sport.

Rest well my friend.

Tim

[Zuriel Armstrong]

There should be more men like Mike Donovan.  He was a gentleman who never uttered a harsh work.  He loved his wife and family.  He had a passion for this hobby.  I am fortunate to have spent time with Mike and will miss him.

[Brad Smith]

Im so sorry to here this Mike was a fine man i thouht alot of mike. Once i saw Mike flying his El Diablo i told him how much i liked it, the next year at Brodak he gave one me he had built for me, its what i fly in oldtime now. Mike will be mised.

[Paul Taylor]

I am so sorry to hear this. He was a true Gentle Man. My thought and prayers for Joan and the family. I have many fond memories of Mike.
It is comforting to know that he is with the Lord. I was talking with Joe Gilbert the other night and he said that one day we would lose Mike, but not to worry that he was covered.

That day came too soon for me.

I rejoice knowing he is with the Lord.

[john e. holliday]

Yes, very sad news in way that half of a great couple has gone on  to be with the Lord.   But, great news that is in Stunt Heaven.   He will be missed.

[Bill Little]

I am very sorry to hear that Mike has passed on to the House of the Lord.  I know he will have perfect flying weather on perfect circles.

My prayers are lifted up for Joan and the rest of his family and friends.  He will be missed.

Bill

[Marvin Denny]

  Of all of the "good ones"'  Mike was one of the best.  Ree and I will miss him greatly.  Our prayrs go out to Joan.
  Marvin (Bigiron) and Ree (Texas Red)  Denny

[Tom Niebuhr]

We talked about Mike at the Dallas club meeting last night. We were  all hoping that he would make it. Mike will be missed by all of us.

[Tom Taylor]

Mike was truely a great gentleman. I saw mike at Brodak's this past year. We talked about his SIG mustang.  Going to miss the big guy this year.

[Allen Brickhaus]

We will miss his countenance and care for family, friends and modelers. 

Allen

[Joseph Patterson]

    There will be a memorial service for Mike Donovan on  Tuesday, Feb.12, 11:00AM, with visitation from 9:30am-11:00am at Riles Funeral Home, 5000 Indiana Ave., Vicksburg, Ms. The family requested donations to a favorite charity in lieu of flowers. If anyone wishes to send a card to Mrs.Joan and family I can give out the mailing information through sending request to my e-mail address listed on this forum. I like what you said Paul about Mike- He was a "Gentle Man", and a giving caring man. At the same time he was a determined competitor, but always a man who practised true sportsmanship. I've been around him a number of years and never heard a cross or foul word come from him. I miss him so much already!
    Doug

[Elwyn Aud]

I really looked forward to a contest where I knew Mike would be attending. Godspeed Mike, you will be deeply missed.

[Stephen Jeansonne]

I always enjoyed talking with Mike.  He will be truly missed.
--Stephen

[RC Storick]

Nice guy He will be missed. Tight lines Mike!

[Mike Keville]

One of the nicest guys to ever attend the VSC - which is where I first met him.  Godspeed, Mike!

[Norm Faith Jr.]

Although senior in age to me, Mike was the "Kid;" a nick name I gave him not long after meeting him. Mike and I had many a long conversation about the world, politics and model airplanes; which always left me with learning something new. I was so glad to see him move up to advanced, after showing the rest of us "intermediates" how to fly the pattern. I was again glad to see him move up to expert following the flying lessons we received in Advanced. Over the years flying with Mike, he taught me a lot about trimming my planes, setting up my engines and propeller selections. I'll sorely miss seeing Mike's "face of concentration" in the circle.
Save a spot in the pits for me Mike, God's speed old friend.
Norm

[Douglas Ames]

All us Tulsa Glue Dobbers will miss Mike at our contests.
He put alot of physical effort into flying the pattern that would have side-lined most guys in his condition. I don't think he ever showed up with the intention of not competing. He was an excellent model pilot and a joy to watch.

[Guy B Jr]

This is a copy of what I posted on SSW.

The South and the State of Mississippi, in particular, have lost a great ambasador. Mike not only was a master builder and expert flier, but everywhere he went to a contest everyone knew that he was a southern gentleman.

Several years ago, I started going from Jackson, MS to Vicksburg, MS to fly with Mike several times a year. He would always take more time helping you fly than flying himself. I will alwalys treasure his friendship.

Godspeed my friend. May you find a level cloud to use as a practice field.

[ChrisSarnowski]

Sorry to hear about Mike's passing. My condolences to Joan and their family, and their friends.

-Chris