I met Michael 13 years ago as a naïve 19 year old and from day one I never ever stopped learning from him. He was the most naturally intelligent person I have ever known and someone I always looked up to. No one has had a more significant influence on my life than Michael has. I am who I am today because I was lucky enough to have had him in my life. Among so many other things, Michael encouraged me to think for myself, to question things, to be open-minded, to hear both sides of a story before I judge, and to forgive. He taught me about music, mechanics, philosophy, politics, religion – there wasn’t a subject he hadn’t read extensively about. He was my font of knowledge and my go-to guy for anything I needed advice about. If he didn’t know the answer, his assumption was always uncannily on point. Michael was one of those people who made others want to succeed to meet their goals, whatever they may be. He never pushed or told, he supported and encouraged. He led by example – anything he set his mind to, he would accomplish. I have so, so much to be grateful to Michael for. He will always be the most fantastic, inspirational person I have ever known and I am going to feel this terrible loss every day for the rest of my life.