In Honor of Mike's (Packerbacker) Son MAT

[Gypsy Heart]

I just received this news from Mike and am heartbroken . To lose a child is the most devastating event that a parent can ever go through.
Please know Mike that the entire Treasurenet Forum sends our love and prayers for you and your family. If there is anything, absolutely anything that we can do for you,please dont hesitate to ask. We love you and extend our deepest sympathy .

Letter from Mike:
Here are 3 pictures of Mat. One is just him, another is with his son
Jacob in the pool and another is the last photo ever taken of him. He
is in the middle. It was some of the crew from the tv show,
Mythbusters.
They filmed an episode where my son worked as an airplane mechanic. I
don't know how much will be shown of my son on the show but it is
supposed to air in a few months. Kind of ironic; even from gradeschool
my son was called Matgyver after the old tv show of McGyver due to his
inventivness. The show they taped there was to prove or disprove
something that had taken place on a McGyver show.
My son and I had gotten our scuba diving training in the same class
many years ago. He was my dive "Buddy". He was also a pilot and, on
occassion, had flown pretty low over the house to get our attention.
Although he was divorced, he had his kids most of the time and was the
best Dad in the world. He spent most of his spare time taking them
camping, fishing, flying, swimming or just horsing around. He and his
two brothers also did some bounty hunting together. The three brothers
were actually one. They are as devastated as we are. The oldest boy is
thinking of getting a tattoo of Mat if he can find the right artist. If
it turns out, I may get one too. Mat wasn't only my son, he was a dear
friend that I hunted with, fished with, drank a few beers with and sat
around on weekends working on the boat or barbequed with. I have never
been this sad in my life. Like I told Bonnie in an email, to have him
gone is like having 36 years of constant, beautiful music and all of a
sudden it is turned off; the silence is deafening. I could go on and on
talking about him but I won't put you through that.
Mat and his brothers were into martial arts.
Mat became an expert with the Okinawan-style of stick fighting and
became a member of the demonstration team for that style of fighting.
He was a gentle man and very soft spoken; you would never have guessed his
abilities to kick your butt
A friend, Mike





I am posting a letter from Bonnie , from the Coin Rolling Forum.

You guys/gals probably have missed the presence of one of our fellow members who has been a regular in here for a long time now......PackerBacker (Mike).

I regretably want to report that PB recently has lost a son due to a freak accident....thus his absence from the forum lately. He name was Mat. Mat was 36 and left behind two sons...ages 9 & 7.

We all know the pain of losing a loved one but losing one of your children has got to be devastating.....unbearable. I ask that all of you put PB and his family in your daily thoughts and prayers. Obviously he and his family are going through some very rough times right now especially through the holidays.

PB has been a big benefit to this forum and I personally have missed his presence in here. For those of you that have been in here for some time now know he is an honorable guy and raised his son the same way. Just to give you an idea about the type of guy he is, he didn't want anyone saddened in here with this news prior to the holidays.

PB is aware of this post...so drop him a line....he will appreciate it.

PB - My thoughts and prayers are with & your family. Looking forward to your return with us. Hurry back.

[ashleen]

Oh Mike, I am so deeply sorry.
I cannot even begin to know your pain.
My deepest sympathies to you and your family.
You will all be in my thoughts and prayers.
My heart breaks for you all.

[Jeffro]

PB-

I'm so sad to hear this. Your family will be in our prayers and thoughts.

[warsawdaddy]

I'm so sorry Mike.I pray that God gives you comfort in your sorrow.

[River Rat]

Mike,

My thoughts and prayers are with you and yours.
May the Lord comfort you during this difficult time.
With heartfelt condolences.

[bean man]

My prayers are with you and your family.

[RON (PA)]

Mike,

I can only imagine the pain and heartache that you are going through. You will be in our thoughts and prayers. May God hold you close during this time.

[mrs.oroblanco]

Our thoughts and prayers are with you. No parent should ever, ever have to bury their child.

If there is anything we can do - do not hesitate to speak.



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[ivan salis]

may god heal the pain in your heart with the knowlegdge that when you see your son in heaven you shall never have to part from one another again forever.--- Ivan

[Siegfried Schlagrule]

No one is truly gone as long as someone who loved them remains. For the entire life span of his children and friends he will be remembered and remain. God bless you and keep you as you grieve for your son and comfort and protect your grand children. siegfried schlagrule

[ramjet2187]

Mike, My prayers are with you and your family in this horrible time. If there is anything that we can do, send us a PM.

Take time to grieve, but come back to us.

Roger

[Mental Granny]

I am so sorry to read here of your loss! I can not imagine bearing the loss of a child, please know that our prayers are with you!

Evy and Jeff

[Bridge End Farm]

thoughts and prayers are with you all

[hollowpointred]

im really sorry to hear about this. my heartfelt condolances.

[civilman1]

My Condolence's Mike...I'm so sorry to hear this,my thought's and prayer's to you and you family.God Bless!!

[Boobydoo]

Very bad news,
so sorry to hear about this.
My sincere and heartfelt condolances.

BDoo

[lucky1777]

So sorry to hear this, our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family..

[oldhermit34]

Again, I feel your pain. Fine looking young man.

[CarolinaDigs]

I am so very sorry to hear this. My prayers tonight include your family .

[fossis]

So sorry for your familys loss.

Fossis..............