Feb 4th, 2012, 3:55pm Saturday NZW Australia the world lost a hero, an optimist a true warrior for the planet and re-known and respected filmmaker Mike deGruy. February 4th 21012 was the saddest day I can remember as I got word that my friend and co-conspirator in the art of film was tragically killed in a helicopter accident. I can honestly think of only 1 or 2 people in my life who had a profound influence on me as a person as well as my passion for film making. Whether it was working with Mike in the Gulf or other projects, here and there, I always knew another fantastic adventure was about to take place. Mike's passion, his drive and that incredible smiling face and greeting to all he would meet, friend, foe and stranger we're admirable! Sure we would get into it every now and then but you just couldn't help but like the guy, love the guy!
He wasn't out there just to make a buck in film, he captured what he loved and believed in and most importantly to convey a beneficial message to the world. He would never sensationalize anything about a living creature but instead spoke from his heart and soul with overflowing optimism, enthusiasm and excitement all because of his respect for all the planets creatures ! I've never met a person more excited about life. It that was contagious!
When I greet anyone now I give it the deGruy greeting, complimentary, loud and clear and with overwhelming enthusiasm. The Mike deGruy delivery that would make the lowest critter with the lowest self-esteem feel 10 ft. tall!
Mike your causes were many and unselfishly focused on the health of the world and all of it's creatures! A part of me feels void and empty because I can't just pop over and hang, or look over your shoulder or have those deep conversations about what we do and what we should be doing to make this world a better place. I know you can hear me and I can still hear and see you!
Mike deGruy loving father of Max and Frances, loving husband of Mimi, my friend, electric personality, mentor, lover of life!
Truth is I could write on and on about you but all anyone has to do is google your name to see your mark on the world, the people you have met and worked with and your influence on making planet Earth a better place!
Peace as you walk or rather soar upon and swim under a new adventure on another plane of life! You are missed and never forgotten!
Oh yeah 2 words that Mike always always used be it the end of a meeting, the end of the work day, the end of play, the best farewell the deGruy way, the familiar "SEE YA !" Always an open end welcome back to meet again soon! That's right Mike! SEE YA!
The news article can be seen here.
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| Aboard the Alvin DSV during our Gulf trip |
When I greet anyone now I give it the deGruy greeting, complimentary, loud and clear and with overwhelming enthusiasm. The Mike deGruy delivery that would make the lowest critter with the lowest self-esteem feel 10 ft. tall!
Mike your causes were many and unselfishly focused on the health of the world and all of it's creatures! A part of me feels void and empty because I can't just pop over and hang, or look over your shoulder or have those deep conversations about what we do and what we should be doing to make this world a better place. I know you can hear me and I can still hear and see you!
Mike deGruy loving father of Max and Frances, loving husband of Mimi, my friend, electric personality, mentor, lover of life!
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| News Article |
Truth is I could write on and on about you but all anyone has to do is google your name to see your mark on the world, the people you have met and worked with and your influence on making planet Earth a better place!
Peace as you walk or rather soar upon and swim under a new adventure on another plane of life! You are missed and never forgotten!
Oh yeah 2 words that Mike always always used be it the end of a meeting, the end of the work day, the end of play, the best farewell the deGruy way, the familiar "SEE YA !" Always an open end welcome back to meet again soon! That's right Mike! SEE YA!
The news article can be seen here.
Chris German WHOI Research Scientist wrote:Dear Harry
ReplyDeleteThis is desperately sad news. Please know that I have sent word to all the guys on Atlantis immediately (I just got back from a month back at sea with them with the Jason ROV) and, further, that the brief but intense lessons I learned from our time together with you and Mike have been shaping our plans for what we'll be using at WHOI in future throughout the past year. I'll be sure to write to Mike's family and let him know of that small part of his legacy - but I wanted you to know too: you were quite the double-act together, so I know you will be hurting deeply too. my very best wishes, Chris
Harry,
ReplyDeleteI can only imagine your loss. I so enjoyed and looked forward to what we were planning and was appreciative of how you both handled it. Mike was the real deal, such a great face to catch across a room.
Pat McElroy
Thanks Pat! Mike was actually talking about you guys right before he left for OZ...
DeleteTim Shank-WHOI
ReplyDeleteI am struck and filled with shock and utter sadness. Although I knew him for almost a decade, it was not until last December that I sailed with him on the Atlantis. We had just been discussing the Gulf film a month ago. His passion for life and communicating the wonders of the ocean truly touched millions of people, and frankly inspired all who knew him. My most sincere condolences to you as I know you were very close to him.
Chuck Davis Cinematographer
ReplyDeleteMike will be very missed but the huge body of work he left behind will surely live with us all for a long, long time — his spirit will surely live on.
Best wishes,
Chuck Davis
Hi Harry,
ReplyDeleteI received the news of Mike's loss this morning listening to NPR ... shocking
and very sad news. He will be forever missed. I know he was a good friend ....
sorry for your loss.
Hope that the rest of your week goes well ..
cheers
W. Bruce Strickrott
DSV Alvin Expedition Leader/Chief Pilot
Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution
Captain AD of the Atlantis
ReplyDeleteOh Chris & Harry,
My, what a shame.
... doing what he loved doing... and the other thoughts won't say enough.
He will be missed
what a heart-breaker.
Our sincere condolences from Atlantis
AD
Scientist aboard Atlantis-Helen White:Haverford College
ReplyDeleteHi Harry
I heard the sad news yesterday about Mike and was thinking of his family of course, but also of you. It was so amazing working with the two of you in the Gulf of Mexico last December. So incredibly inspiring and fun! This is a huge loss to everyone and the oceans. I feel lucky to have spent 10 days on a ship with you guys. I just wanted to let you know that my thoughts are with all of you who were so much closer to him than I and to remember how damn awesome Mike was. Even after knowing him for only 10 days, he had a huge impact on me. Seeing a life lived so fully is incredible. Mike - such a wonderful and amazing human.
My best to you,
Helen
(Haverford college)
John Miller Monzon-Mission Blue Project
ReplyDeleteDear Harry,
I truly wish that I were reaching out to you under different circumstances, but just this moment read the tragic news about Mike and send you, Mimi, and your entire circle of friends and colleagues my deepest condolences. This is an incalculable loss for the heroic deep-sea community, and my heart grieves for all of you.
Sincerely,
JMM
Randell Kirsch of the Beach Boys
ReplyDeleteDear Harry,
Heard about Mike's passing on NPR this morning. I'm so sorry. Hope this finds you strongly connected to the unseen. If it's alright by you, I'll do the attached song tomorrow evening, written with Brianica in mind, in Mike's honour.
Love and condolences,
Randell Kirsch
Dear Harry,
ReplyDeleteIt is amazing how we reconnected from this tragic loss. You are on my mind and in my prayers from Florida and the people of the Gulf are praying for you and all of the People of the Pacific. What a loss.
Much Love and Light,
Trisha Springtead RN MS
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDelete