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Mysteria
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since 2001-03-07
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British Columbia, Canada

0 posted 2016-08-26 08:09 PM


R.I.P. Michael Mack (Balladeer)

It is with the deepest sorrow I announce that Michael Mack passed away peacefully yesterday afternoon. We have lost one of the best poets that Passions In Poetry had grace their pages of blue. It is with some relief as well that I tell you Michael did not suffer long as the cancer he had took him very quickly.

He is sure in good company now, with his best friend, Jim Coaley, who also died just 10 days ago, and all the wonderful poets from Passions In Poetry that have gone before him.

This is going to take some time for me to process, as I am sure it will others who loved this man, his humor, his poetry, and some even his political views.   Thank goodness we have the archives Ron, thank goodness. This poet is going to be truly missed, and has left a real pain in my chest, but we all have his first class poetry to remind us of an extremely exceptional poet.

If there are details sent to me of particulars, I shall post them for you all.


Carpe' Diem

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Greeneyes
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Member Rara Avis
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In Your Poetic Mind
1 posted 2016-08-26 08:49 PM


no words
Mysteria
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2 posted 2016-08-26 10:02 PM


There will be a celebration of his life at the Plantation United Methodist Church in Plantation, Florida for family and friends around mid-September - I will post more when I know more.


Elizabeth
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Minnesota
3 posted 2016-08-26 10:37 PM


I'm beyond sorry. Thanks so much for keeping us posted, Sharon.
Sunshine
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since 1999-06-25
Posts 63354
Listening to every heart
4 posted 2016-08-26 11:20 PM


The world has lost a wonderful man.
Poet deVine
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since 1999-05-26
Posts 22612
Hurricane Alley
5 posted 2016-08-27 10:57 AM


Such sad news. My prayers go out to Fran, his girls and their family and friends.

To be remembered after we leave this world is something we all hope for and for Michael, it has been achieved. One word, forever, will bring him to mind..Balladeer.

He was truly a Balladeer in name and talent.

Rest in peace without pain.

Poet deVine
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Member Seraphic
since 1999-05-26
Posts 22612
Hurricane Alley
6 posted 2016-08-27 10:58 AM


Such sad news. My prayers go out to Fran, his girls and their family and friends.

To be remembered after we leave this world is something we all hope for and for Michael, it has been achieved. One word, forever, will bring him to mind..Balladeer.

He was truly a Balladeer in name and talent.

Rest in peace without pain.

Kit McCallum
Administrator
Member Laureate
since 2000-04-30
Posts 14774
Ontario, Canada
7 posted 2016-08-27 11:16 AM


So sad today.  Such a talented man, such an imagination, such a wonderful wordsmith. Michael, you will be missed my 'Deer friend.
ThisDiamond
Member Rara Avis
since 2002-02-22
Posts 9353
Michigan, USA
8 posted 2016-08-27 12:10 PM


Be Blessed Balladeer
Not A Poet
Member Elite
since 1999-11-03
Posts 3885
Oklahoma, USA
9 posted 2016-08-27 12:26 PM


Rest in peace my friend. Like so many others I am blessed to have spent some time with you and better for it.

Pete

suthern
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Louisiana
10 posted 2016-08-27 08:40 PM


Reading PDV's post, I was reminded of coming to PIP years ago and seeing the posts of a guy called Balladeer. I wondered if the talent could match the moniker - and soon learned that it could - and did!!
I don't know how much of my sanity I owe to the antics that Balladeer and LngJhnAg and Toerag shared with us... I only know that they brightened so many days for me - and when the flurries were at their most furious, I'd literally wake up looking forward to the fray. I always hoped the three of them could meet in person - both for the sheer enjoyment and the financial benefits... for you can bet I would have sold tickets for that encounter!
But as great as he was at play, Deer's serious poetry is even more memorable.  Who could ever read Small Pain without being touched to the core? And a lowly janitor joining the tenors is on my mind every time Andrea Bocelli's voice comes through my stereo.
I had the pleasure of meeting Michael twice. I will always treasure those memories - and wish there were more.
RIP, my friend... I'm glad you're free of pain... but there's a great big hole in my heart.

Larry C
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Member Patricius
since 2001-09-10
Posts 10286
United States
11 posted 2016-08-28 12:56 PM


These blue pages have been a haven. And in times like this it's good to return and join hands with those who remain. Today words fail me. Not for lack of feeling or emotion but because of the void this leaves in these blue pages and in my heart. I've shared Michael's poetry today in his memory with my family to give them a sense of what we lost. They were in awe just as I have always been. R.I.P. kind sir. I looked forward to seeing you again. Maybe then you can teach me some of what you always knew.
Parker
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since 2000-01-06
Posts 3129
ON
12 posted 2016-08-28 10:38 PM


as I read this sad sad news I'm reminded how often back in January 2000 Balladeer was the voice of reason or the instigator of a back and forth dual with toerag and LngJhnAg. I so looked forward to those diversions from word sanity. when insect(brother) told me the news  I could not believe that the blue on blue had lost one of its special voices. I am saddened to hear this news as with the voices that left before him keep them inline balladeer from the blue on blue to the white on white good journey dear poet master you will be missed by all.  
Essorant
Member Elite
since 2002-08-10
Posts 4769
Regina, Saskatchewan; Canada
13 posted 2016-09-02 12:37 PM


Such saddening news.  I didn't know Balladeer personally, but what I did get to know here was enough that I will never forget him.  Peace be upon him.
Mistletoe Angel
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14 posted 2016-09-03 03:39 AM



Paul Wilson
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15 posted 2016-09-25 07:26 PM


A few days ago something made me log on to PIP and when I saw the sad news about Mike I knew it had to be him letting me know about his passing since I hardly ever come to PIP anymore, Him and I had some good discussions here at PIP. We didn't always see eye to eye, but we were always gentlemen and respected each other and our views.
Thanks for being a friend, poet Mike.
This reminds me of a song by Vince Gill
" Go Rest High On That Mountain "
Thanks for everything Mike

Paul Wilson

~~To share my poems with you is to share my heart with you~~
Paul

sewasham
Senior Member
since 2006-09-11
Posts 714
Oklahoma, USA
16 posted 2016-09-27 09:45 AM


Don't know what to say right now. R.I.P. Michael, you were one of the best.


Juju
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since 2003-12-29
Posts 3429
In your dreams
17 posted 2016-12-02 01:46 AM


This is sad news. I have no words.
Bluesy Socrateaser
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since 2002-11-07
Posts 2417
In The Mirror
18 posted 2017-03-26 03:59 PM


I knew of Michael's passing, but am only now posting on this forum of my acknowledgement. He was a brilliant writer and poet amongst his other many accomplishments. To say he will be missed is a gross understatement. There's simply no one that can fill his shoes.

...just bein' Bluesy

nakdthoughts
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since 2000-10-29
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Between the Lines
19 posted 2017-04-14 08:10 AM


Thinking of Michael today and all those I have met and shared with words and time from pip.
Alison
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20 posted 2017-04-14 03:05 PM


Michael,

You taught me a lot.  It wasn't all about poetry.  Thank you.  I have missed you even before reading this announcement.

Alison

miscellanea
Member Elite
since 2004-06-24
Posts 4060
OH
21 posted 2017-06-12 02:50 PM


I just found some of my old writing the other day and re-read the encouraging comments Balladeer wrote, having no idea he had passed. He was such a good teacher and he, Toe, and LongJohn were always full of surprises that gave much needed belly laughs.
Some people just don't die. He is one.

       `miscellanea

Dr.Moose1
Member Elite
since 1999-09-05
Posts 3448
Bewilderment , USA
22 posted 2017-06-16 04:57 PM


I am truly saddened to hear of Michaels' passing. I have always, and will continue to have the utmost respect and admiration for this talented gentleman I considered a friend, even though we never met. RIP "Balladeer ".
Doc

Charisma
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lost in blue pages
23 posted 2017-06-19 05:23 PM


saddened to read about Michaels passing
He was one of my favourite poets

Bluesy Socrateaser
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since 2002-11-07
Posts 2417
In The Mirror
24 posted 2019-01-12 01:43 AM


You can't travel around the place without coming across Mike's poetry, commentaries, or replies.
He's one of the best memories of Pip...and always will be.

Just thinking of him tonight...

...just bein' Bluesy

rajrupadas
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Posts 1

25 posted 2019-04-09 12:45 PM


Hello,

I am very sorry to hear about Mr Mack. I am an editor with Macmillan Education India. We were planning to include his poem, 'Small pain in My Chest' in one of our school books. Could you please help me with a short bio and a contact to whom I must write to for copyright permission?

Thank you.

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