I am really saddened to hear of Michael's passing. I'm struggling to write something meaningful as his passing is a shock. I knew Michael was very sick, but convinced myself that "months" somehow really meant "years".
Michael and I never met in person, but we spent a lot of time on the phone and traded many emails over the years. I often hunt with a Schaefer & Son SxS that Michael once owned and hunted. I am really glad a have that reminder of Michael. I hadn't thought about that gun in quite that way before. I like thinking there is a connection to a friend.
Michael didn't know me from Adam when I first wrote to him years ago. He took the time to write a detailed response and included photos of catalog information. I was blown away with both the depth of his knowledge as well as how open he was about what he didn't really know. There was a humility in his response that really struck me.
I will really miss talking to Michael. Rest in Peace.
