Well, hello to you....

We're never going to hear those words again from one of the nicest men I've ever had the pleasure to work with and get to know personally.

I remember when I pitched a Valentine's Day fundrive with Mike Sampson and I was both thrilled and scared outta my gourd: his pithiness and quickness-of-wit were the trademarks of his professional presence, and all I wanted to do was laugh when he smarted off and just let him go. He would throw the pitch to me (so...Rob...tell us about those roses....)and I'm make some lame-brain attempt to keep up.

He was a wizard of words and a turn of phrase.

He was also remakably kind and in the years since leaving the station, I'd seen him at every art opening I attended, this or that party, or strolling down Euclid. It was always a party when Mike was there.

He always asked about my love life, my work life, my creative life and was always so supportive of whatever scheme I was cooking up.

I'm going to miss the sparkle in his eyes, the warmth of his voice and the compassion of his spirit.

He was a tremendous person and I wish my words could match my feelings right now. I sit here silent....missing a voice I'll hear no more.