There are some people who are remarkable in the way they live their lives. We feel connected to them, proud of them. They accomplish great things. Things that we never dreamed we could accomplish.

Mike Janelle was one of those people.

He made me very proud because my name is also Mike Janelle.

Mike’s father Jack and I, grew up together in Colorado. We are cousins, but we have lived our lives more like brothers. And we grew up riding bicycles. Cycling is in the family blood and Jack always kept me abreast of Mike’s cycling adventures and accomplishments. I stayed connected to Mike through his racing, posting MJ articles on the walls of my work cubicle. It was not unusual for someone to mention that a Mike Janelle was once again in VeloNews. I took great pride in explaining that my namesake was living his dreams and accomplishing great things.

I clearly remember when Mike first moved to Colorado. People were trying to reach him and I was the only Mike Janelle available through directory assistance. The frequent after midnight callers were no doubt looking for the location of the next party! This remembrance makes me wish I’d spent more time with him. What a loss we have suffered. His smile is etched into my memory and there is such pain in my heart.

Our consolation is that we can watch Mike’s son, little Mikie, grow up. We will tell him all the stories – the funny, courageous and adventurous stories we have about his Dad. And perhaps in his own time, Mikie will follow in his father’s footsteps and demonstrate once again that cycling is in the family blood.

Farewell Mike – we miss you.

Mike’s story touched me because it could have been and still could be me.  Mike’s story also taught me to be thankful for my family and friends, and he will enter my mind every time my day gets rough or things just don’t go my way.  His personality came through the words of the article, and although my ultimate goal is to live like Jesus Christ…. I will also give it my best to live like Mike.  God’s peace to Mike and his family.

Ride on Mike! 

Maribel and Mike Jr., God bless you both.  What a beautiful little boy.

Mike Harry

Battle Ground, Washington

Mike Eulogy-

From Chris Anthony 

It is the crack of dawn, the air is so cold that you can actually see it crystallizing before your eyes as the morning light tries to heat it.  It resembles flakes of diamonds falling from the sky.  Riding the amongst them towards his destination is smiley character that seems to find warmth amongst the coldest of places.   His cadence is strong as he moves against gravity faster than most move with gravity.  Driving by him I feel guilty.   “Damn I need to workout today”  I say to myself at 7:00 in the morning on my way to the hill to ski.  

By the time I park and walk up to the base of the lift, Mike has already arrived changed into his ski gear and acts like someone stuck his finger in a light socket.   Mike is ready to go and already cracking jokes about the night prior activities when we were all out dancing till 2:00 AM.

This is Mike Janelle.   A burst of energy that has always come and gone out of our worlds but leaves those he touches in a higher state of consciousness.   It was hard to avoid.  He was contagious with his positive and powerful energy.   He had the ability to make one think that perhaps they could look at things a little more positive or live a stronger life.   He made those around him be better people.  I feel that this is the highest accomplishment in life. Which means that Mike has not left us.  He has lifted us!  It is our responsibility to stay where Mike would want us. 

And we will for him…

Chris Anthony