Big Mike>>A second father to me>Death

He was a great person, and now he has left us. Please read and comment on this.

Michael 'Big Mike' W. Lortie
This story was published Saturday, March 12th, 2005

Michael "Big Mike" W. Lortie, 44, of Richland, died March 10 at Kadlec Medical Center in Richland.
He was born in Vallejo, Calif., and lived in the Tri-Cities for 12 years.
He worked for Truss Systems in Sunnyside.
Einan's Funeral Home, Richland, is in charge of arrangements.

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I knew this man for my entire life, his daughter, Mandi, and I have been best friends since kindergarten. His wife, Tammi, my person, my "outlet". It was a very sudden event, he had had no previous warning signs of any kind. But on Thursday March 10, 2005 he suffered a massive heart-attack.

He and Tammi had just come home to check up on Mandi. She had been rather sick for around a week. Mike went into the bathroom to clean up a bit.... maybe 10 minutes later, Tammi went in to get him to have a look at Mandi. He was lying on the floor, face gray and eyes wide open. The paramedics worked on him at the house for over an hour. He did not make it. They then took him to the hospital in attempt of a last-ditch effort. He never pulled through.
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There is to be a Memorial Service held at Einan's Funeral Home, 1 pm, this Thursday in Richland.

Memorial Contributions may be made to a trust fund in Mandi Lorties name at any Sterling Savings Bank.
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This has taken us all deeply into shock and confusion. Though Mike was a rather big guy, he had been in very good health. Any contributions would be so greatly appreciated by the family, now Mandi and Tammi. Thank You for reading this. It reminds us all how precious things and life are. Don't ever hold back on what you feel you must say to ANYONE, you never know when they'll leave.


†Chelsea Kay Hilbun†