Michel and I were co-owners of Palmex Panama and he was running all operations on the ground there. I now need to head down to Panama for a few weeks so I can sort out the business and find someone else to run it with.
Almost exactly a year ago I had come down to Panama to help him get our business started and we spent Christmas eve on his deck eating a wonderful meal we had prepared together. We drank lots of wine and rum while telling each other stories from our respective past and speculating on what lay ahead of us with our business venture in Panama. We laughed hard while enjoying the beautiful air of Altos del Maria and we felt like we were on top of the world. Needless to say, our Panama adventure will never be the same without him, and this Christmas will not be so joyous.
I am very sad that I will never see his smiley face or feel his famous bear hug again. I miss him dearly already.
Here he is with his wife Patricia and my wife Diane, at his place in Panama.
I was shocked to find out my friend Michel had met a tragic death. I first met him in November of 2005 when I flew to Monteal to interview him re: building a log home. I flew from Orlando to Montreal, rented a car and drove to St.Jovite where I met Michel. He showed me his work which was impressive and we signed a contract. I liked him from our first meeting. He gathered the logs into his assembly yard that winter and as the house took shape, Patricia sent me pictures each week as they were putting the logs together in St. Jovite. Michel flew down to Asheville, N.C. w/Jiles about 1 Sept, 2006 to re-assemble the logs on my subfloor. I furnished the crane and 4 bodies (gophers) and Michel & Jiles did a fine job of setting the logs.
He was a great guy and expert craftsman. Where is Patricia? I would like to send her a card of sympathy. Thanks for your help. I’m sure you miss him.
Richard