Dear Juli, and all of Us connected through the Spider Web of Relationships, Memories, Experiences, Communities. As I have read the many postings, and emails, and imagine what must be going on in SF, I see the fragile yet so strong strands that connect us all, each intersection of time and interests forgotten until suddenly - the bright light of Michael's Passing illuminates the Whole. The web he wove shimmers as we sense his Spirit pass by.
When I look at Michael's hands in this photo, I remember that despite the power of his talent, the force of his will, his unwavering commitment to friends and clients, he had an amazingly light touch. I remember how he used to stand at the front of the room, one foot on top of the other, and I was always struck at how huge and yet completely invisible he could be in the room.
Being here in the Northern Plains, I feel at a distance from the context in which I knew Michael, and all of you. And, on a cold winter morning, the 
silence of fields and farmland and strong blue sky is room enough to find down in my soul what Michael meant to me. And be grateful. Love to all, Joan
So sorry to hear of the loss of Michael. He was an exceptional person. I had the pleasure of working with him during the 80's when we were engaged in changing ASTD. From about 1980-1984, Michael was our consultant/facilitator for our change work and often for our board meetings. I started working with him when I was in charge of strategic planning, then on our redesign team and finally as President.
I learned so much from him. He epitomized collaboration, listening, calmness in chaos, keeping your ego out of the way and facilitation skill. And, the results kept coming. We met goals, got consensus, integrated multiple stakeholders and realized the desired changes. I am sure that his influence has kept me on a path to develop those same characteristics and skills...clearly a lifelong pursuit! To me, his most famous principle and quote is "Go slow to go fast". Ironically, I first heard him use it when he was a guest faculty with my first MSOD class in a session in Banff, Canada.
In the last 10 years or so, he got into many different ventures and businesses and I haven't seen him in over 5 years. But I'm sure he never lost sight of his core facilitative self that has helped so many people for so many years. His warmth, wisdom and sense of humor will be missed.
Dave Jamieson
Posted by: David Jamieson | February 16, 2007 at 05:17 PM