Michael Diffley Obituary

I think about you every day dad. I still can't get it through my head or heart that you are gone. I can just hear people saying "he is here dear" but you know what I mean. It isn't the same and it never will be again. I have a beautiful son, his name is Michael. You would love him dad. He has big brown eyes and a silly grin, just like you, minus the brown eyes and I just want you to know, I will make sure that he loves baseball. Isabella adores him and he her. I know it might seem odd that I am writing this in your registry book, call me strange. I feel a little closer to you when I see your photo along with the words of so many that love you. It is so very hard getting through a day knowing that I will never get to hear your sweet voice, or see your beautiful face. I miss you, so much. If there is a heaven, I know you are there and I hope that someday, I will see you again. Until then, I will just keep you close to my heart, and remember all that you are/were. I am blessed to have called you father and grateful that for a brief moment, and brief it was, I had you in my world and you made it bright and beautiful. I love you dad.

Although some time has passed, and hearts have started to heal from this loss. I have just learned of this. I feel blessed that I had an opportunity to learn and grow from Mike. I worked with Mike at Corporate Travel Services from 1984 until 1999. I contribute that I am, who I am because of Mike. I will miss his happy disposition, his singing, and his constant compassion he had for others. God Bless his family. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

I worked at Corporate Travel from

1987 - 2004. Mike was wonderful. I am`sorry i missed the Memoral Service. I have thought alot about the years that I worked at Corporte Travel and all of the funny things that Mike did - he made every day very interesting.

I feel very bad that I never got to say goodbye - he made me laugh so much. I will nver forget the Christmas that that he played Santa and before he would give us girls our gifts we had to set on his lap and give him a kiss - Mike I miss you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

To the Diffley Family and most of all "My Son Tom",



This world has truly lost a dear soul. I had the privilege of working with Mike at CT, to have so many fond memories of someone that you worked with says so much about that person. I have read all of the guest book entries and agree with each and every comment made about this wonderful person. I recently lost my dear husband under somewhat similar circumstances so my message to all of you is that time will heal that hole in your heart and all of your wonderful memories will sustain all of you. Plus the joy in knowing you will see your loved one again in a much better place. I am sure that Mike is singing as I write and his voice rings out over all of the other angels. Last but not least to my dear son Tom, I know how much you loved your Dad and I was honored to have known the two of you. I still laugh every now and again thinking about the incredible tail Tom had spun and must admit convinced all of the Travel Agents at Corporate, that I was his Mom. His Dad and I had been married and divorced and his Dad had hired me because I needed a job. That Tom was my son, as he always called me Mom and even when we tried to come clean about this tail.....no one believed it as we had been soooo convincing. I hope you are doing okay....I ask about you all of the time....you and your family are in my thoughts and my prayers. I would love to hear from you....we have all been blessed to have known Mike and all are better people for it.

What a wonderful tribute to a wonderful man whose time on this earth was cut short.



I first met Mike at the wedding of Judy and Mike. He immediately impressed me with his warmth and friendliness and that impression has never changed.



We have seen each other many times at "Barclay" family reunions and weddings and he always is the life of the party!! I will forever hold in my memory his singing Phi Psi songs with my father. Oh, how happy that made Dad.



His warmth has shone in the love he and Judy brought so many children when they became members of their family. God must have a special place for him in heaven.



Thank you Judy for bringing this great guy into our lives.

Michael William Diffley, a great man who just happened to be my Dad, our Dad. It occurred to me as I sat next to my Dad in the hospital that I never knew my Fathers Father, Grandpa Jack, Jack passed away when I was one. Ah.... but I did know my Grandpa Jack, through my Dad. Square jaw, WWI infantryman in the famous Yankee Division, farmer, jack of all trades, I'll tell ya, if there is one person that I could have a cup of coffee with, it would be Grandpa Jack. Yeah, I did know my Fathers Father, through my Father. My children will know there Fathers Father, through there Father. I ask all of you to keep my Dads spirit alive; pick up a tennis racket (just watch out for the lefties), have a pint (or two) at your local pub or tavern, you might even have a wee nip. Sing at the top of your lungs, polka all night. Be a die-hard Twins, Gophers, and Vikings fan (yeah, even the Packers). Walk into a Target store, put your hands on your hips, and bellow "Boy, this place sure could hold a lot of hay!!", and watch your children run and hide. And when you drive by a farm, take a deep breath, and savor that sweet smell of manure. I'm going to miss my Dad, as we all are, I wish he could of stayed a little longer.

I'm going to end with a limmerick that my Dad just happed to write down a few weeks ago (big mistake Dad).

There once was a man named McBride, who fell into an outhouse and died. His heartbroken brother, fell into another, and now there interred, side by side.

We all miss and love you Dad.

I had the honor of being Mike's neice. My favorite memory of Mike is from years ago. When I was 9 or 10 and would spend many a Friday or Saturday night over at the Diffley house, I remember when Mike would take us to see the shooting stars. Mike always knew when these celestial events were going to occur and he made sure that Anne, Katy and I didn't miss them. He'd wake us in the middle of the night and drive us out into the country (so no city lights would interfere with our being able to see the stars). We'd put a blanket on the hood of the car and all lie on it and look up at the sky. Mike could always point out the big dipper, the little dipper and the North Star. We marvel at the sight of the falling stars, we had such fun. After it was over he'd take us to a little cafe that was near where we would watch the stars and we'd have hot chocolate with whipped cream. We’d sit and sip our hot chocolate and talk about the stars. We'd sing songs on the way home. Mike always treated me like a daughter and therefore treated my son Vachone like a grandson, which always meant a lot to me. We always felt right at home at the Diffley house. We will miss him terribly.



Leah and Vachone

Hi Aunt Judy and Family:

I want to send you a note on behalf of Uncle Mike and let you know how sorry I am for his loss. He will be truly missed. I can assure you of that. However, I want you know what a possitive influence Uncle Mike has had in my life. I can see his smile and hear his voice right now as I type this email. His smile and laugh will be missed but my memories of Uncle Mike will live on forever. I love you guys and will keep you all in my prayers.

Brad, Jack and Emma Diffley

I was very fortunate to have Mike as a student when he was at Bemidji High School. Not only was he a good student, he as very helpful as a helper in the lab. I had the priviledge of visitling him at his home and remember what a nice family he had.

This note is dedicated to my father who died on July 19, 2004. I will miss my dad every day. I remember in the fall of 1979, I first arrived in the Elmwood home. I was anxious. He was a sensitive father. He just knew how to make me feel well in his presence. He was dedicated coumputer genius and devoted father who worked very hard, and yet tutored my homework in mathematics every day. I knew my dad to be a kind, strong person who wanted to take care his children. I never thought anything like this would happen to my father. He was so active and healthy. It was the hardest experience I've ever been through. He will always be greatly missed.

Here is a story of Grandpa and I. When Grandpa visited to New Jersey, which is where I live, we played a lot. We saw that it was sunny outside. We decided to take a picture. It started to rain a little bit so we held up an umbrella. After we took a picture we played cards. I will miss him very much. I know that he'll always be in my heart!

granddaughter (New Jersey)

I worked at Corporate Travel from 1984 to 2001. Attending the service today and seeing so many familiar faces brought back a lot of memories of Mike. I remember the change in his pocket jingling as he would walk by. I remember him helping with the nightly queue drop, usually singing at the top of his lungs. I remember his office that was so messy if I had to leave him a message I would have to tape it to his chair. I remember the party he held one day after he cleaned it! I remember the polka music at the Christmas parties.. Mike was a great person to work for. I will always wish I had told him that.

Dear Judy and all your family,

Norris and I were saddened to learn of Mike's passing. We've kept up with the family's activities through our daughter Maria over the years since we left Mpls. Our walks up the hill past your house, the times we chatted over coffee, the shared experiences of having teenagers ... they are all wonderful memories. Mike will always be in our thoughts of the happy times in Tangletown.

To the Diffley family -

I only met Mike this year, and quickly learned what a funny and delightful person Mike was. He was always optomistic and a pleasure to work with. I'm very sad that I won't have the time to get to know him better. I'm sure he brought a ray of sunshine to everyone's life he touched.

To the Diffley family,



My heartfelt sympathy for your sudden loss. I worked with Mike in the late 70's - early 80's at CTS. I have such wonderful memories of Mike and that time in our lives. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Because we live in New York City, we didn't have the chance to see Mike as often as we would have liked. We really enjoyed having him and Judy at our home when they, big tennis fans, came to New York for the US Open Tennis Championships in Flushing, Queens. And when we traveled to Minneapolis to visit our son, Michael, daughter-in-law, Susan, and three grandsons, Joel, Max, and Eli, we were delighted to be able to spend some time with Mike and Judy. But not enough time! We will always remember Mike's generosity, charm, and fun-loving personality.

To Katy, Anne and the entire Diffley family,



I am very sorry to hear about your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this difficult time. I worked at Corporate Travel from '94 to '01 and I have the same memories of Mike as so many others--always singing, smiling and enjoying life. I remember him having fun with his unique birthday-- when he turned "16" in 2000 he said it was time to get his driver's license! He will be fondly remembered and deeply missed.

I have worked with and known Mike for six years and I feel very lucky to have been able to spend the amount of time with Mike that I could. He was incredibly smart and determined, and at the same time he was always generous and went out of his way to help people. In the amount of time that I have known Mike, I have grown to respect and admire him a great deal. Mike has been a very positive influence in my life and I wish I could have known him longer. The world needs more people like Mike, as it was a better place with him in it. Words can't convey the absence I feel in the office each day. I will miss Mike's singing, the familiar jingle of change in his pocket, his friendly smile, and his good nature. He will be dearly missed by myself and my family. To Mike's family and close friends, you have our deepest sympathies.

I am very sad to hear of Mike's passing. I worked at CTS for several years and am glad to have known such a wonderful man. I am sure he is at peace now and happy to be dancing and singing in heaven.

My almost-4-yr-old son Roger breaks into a smile as he recalls 'I remember grandpa likes to be silly and make funny faces. That makes me laugh'. As a father-in-law, he made sure Penny's favorite beverage was waiting in the refrigerator when we visit.



As a dad, I admire his balance of work and attendance of school sport events. I cherish the times he tutored me in algebra and trigonometry (my best subject); the after-dinner ping-pong tournaments past midnight; the fun family vacations; most of all, we joked and teased each other often - a father-son type of relationship not usually found in Asian culture.



My most vivid memory: While waiting in the Social Service Center

September 1979, I was anxious yet excited to meet 'the foster parents' for the very first time. It didn't matter that I did not speak a word of English - Seeing the twinkle in Mike's eyes and his warm grin, my anxiety instantly subsided as I knew then he would be a great dad.

I've met Mike and Judy a couple of times when they came out to California. Since then, Pat hooked me up with Mike via email. I used to send out emails containing logic and math puzzles every couple of days scanned from my box of puzzles/games. I used to work with Pat at United Airlines so all of the email recipients were engineer types. Mike was ALWAYS the first one to respond with the correct answer. I would get a responce within minutes after I sent it where others would respond days after. Most of the time I didn't even get to work on the puzzles myself because he'd include a write up of the explanation with the correct answer. I'm really glad I got to see Mike last time he came to visit Pat & Karen.

Memory of Mike-



I misjudged the distance from the high dock down to the boat. Poor Mike, you tried to get the motor started to rescue me but kept drifting, finally back to shore for help in getting me (minus 3 teeth and a wrenched shoulder) out of the water. How we've laughed, since. Remember Mike, your telling David he couldn't have any coffee- he had to come NOW!



Judy and Nina laugh when they tell about you and I dancing together at Stan Maslack's- how the two women cut in.



Remember when we were to meet Judy and Nina at the beer gardens at the state fair? We were in the wrong beer gardens.



We sure had fun watching together, right off Dan Gladden in left, the Twins win the series in the final game. And boy, the many times we had breakfast together at Al's Diner.



It will not be as much fun going to Minneapolis anymore. I'm sure gonna miss you.



Lawrence

Dear Judy and all of the family,

We are recent acquaintances of Mike and Judy. We met them when our daughter, Karen, married their son Pat.

Among our fondest memories are our weekends we spent together in Pismo Beach. Pat would cook his salmon speciality, Judy would engage us all in a large mini-pieced puzzle and Mike would lead us in song. Most of his songs were absolutely spontaneous. He knew all of the ditties and old time songs. What fun we had singing along and laughing at the crazy words. Such a fun memory to cherish.

Our friend, Brad, joined us on one of those weekends and fondly remembers the singing along with the wine tasting.

We know you are a treasure to your family and friends. We feel fortunate to have had a chance to know you even so briefly.

Lots of love to all,

Dick and Nancy Bohnsack

I will never forget Mike golfing at the Sauk Centre Country Club on New Year's Day 2000 or 2001. I wonder if he paid green fees? I remember his excitement over some good shots he had. Mike could get excited over the littlest things. What will we all do without that enthusiasm? Lets all try to enjoy our lives a little more in honor of him.

Dearest Judy and Diffley Clan:

I cannot express just how sorry I was to hear of Mike's death. I feel so blessed to have had Mike and the Diffley family as part of my growing up memories with the many summer visits to DL over the years.



I will always remember the visits where there were sleeping bags, clothes, games, books, food, everywhere and laughter in the air! Mike always was game for anything - swimming, fishing, golfing, and always wanted a game of Scrabble going at all times on the Porch table. He had such a zest for FUN and if he couldn't find it, he created it.



My last memory of Mike and Judy is from our wedding last Fall. There was much laughter and dancing through the night with Mike and Judy in the middle of it. His familiar bald spot, beard, and impish grin are printed on my mind and that is how I will always picture him. This world has been a better place because of Mike and he leaves that legacy within all of us.



I send my love, many hugs, and an open-ended offering of help whenever you need it. And Judy - I send you daisies ...

Memories of Mike:



In a recent conversation with Judy, she said, "Right from the first, when Mike and I started dating, I thought he was so much fun."



My family thought so, too. We'd drop any other plans, if the opportunity arose, to be with the Mike Diffley family.



Our get-togethers at the cabin in Canada, and the countless family parties. Being in the travel industry led to Mike's finding exotic vacation spots in Mexico, the Dominicans, and most especially, the Bahamas where we stayed at Coca Yoc first, then Pelican Point, discovering the treasures in New Plymouth Town including Miss Blue Bee's. The countless cruises were special, as were side trips to New Orleans and Palms Springs and Vegas. Each time holds special memories.



Now we think back and yes, it was so much fun. Lawrence and I and our family are truly grateful as we are blessed to be able to say our brother and sister-in-law are best friends.



Nina

My heartfelt sympathy is extended to the entire Diffley family; words cannot express my feelings at the loss of a most wonderful man. Mike’s compassion, patience, respectfulness, drive, “genuinness,” and singing ability are qualities not often found in one person. I met Mike in September 1982, and worked with him until December of 1999. I feel blessed to have been reacquainted with him recently (and introduced to Ann) through my current job. The angels surely had a difficult task in taking this human being from this earth; perhaps that’s why they allowed time for family and friends to say good-bye.

Dearest Tom & Family,

It only seems like yesterday, I was

working at Corporate travel, Tom you and your father Mr.Mike were the greatest! Always Happy and full of laughs!! I remember Mike at my wedding dancing all night! I will miss you,But you will never be forgotten. Times get tough but we all get through them with love,friends &family,Love-Di~~~~~~~

I wanted to express my heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Mike Diffley. I knew Mike through his daughters Katy and Anne and niece Leah. I spent many days hanging out at the Diffley home having a great time with everyone. The close bond shared with his family was clearly evident, and something I always admired. When my father suffered a health crisis, Mike was able to help me with arrangements to travel out of town to be with my dad, and I was grateful for his help, which he gladly offered.



My thoughts and prayers are with the family as you deal with this difficult time. I hope that you are able to find comfort from hearing about the wonderful memories everyone has of Mike.

Judy and family,

Please accept my sympathy and prayers at the loss of Mike. I worked with Pat at United Airlines and have heard so many great stories about his "Dad" and family. All of us hear at United that are friends of Pat, and there are many, are thinking of you and your loss.

I hold the honor of being Mike's sister-in-law twice. He was married to my sister, Judy, and was my husband Larry's brother. I met Mike in my mid-teens. Judy had only been out with him a few times, when she returned home one night, turned to me in bed, and announced she was going to marry him. I was excited to be privy to that little secret. She saw the "quality" in him right away. I got to know Mike well, and he loved to give me dating advice. There are so many stories to tell; I remember vividly being a teen in love, and Judy, Mike, Phil and I went to the state fair in about '58. Mike and Phil spent a ton of money and time throwing balls trying to win Judy and me some "quality" fair prizes. Mike would not give up. He was usually game for anything and he had a real "zest for life". I'll miss him very much. Mimi

Please accept my sympathy at the loss of Mike. I work with his nephew-in-law and realize what a difficult time you are going through. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Dearest Nam and Family,



What I most remember about your dad was his big bearded grin and his twinkling eyes. He was such a teaser. I have such fond memories of hanging out at the old tangletown Diffley house during my high school years. There was always room for one more person. Your family has the gift of hospitality and big, warm, open hearts. I am holding you all in my thoughts and prayers.



Deepest sympathy,



Stephanie and family

Dear Judy & Family,



We feel fortunate to have shared our love of tennis with you and Mike. Mike's fun loving nature cultivated many friendships in the Twin Cities tennis community, especially with the “Never Was” tennis group and his Thursday night permanent court time group with Fritz. We will especially miss his big grin and the twinkle in his eye when he hit a good shot.



We feel deeply for your sudden loss. Ironically, Mike called us looking for a “tennis sub” just a few days before his heart attack and he expressed his condolences over our sudden loss, Cheryl’s 67 year-old mother died from injuries resulting from a car accident on May 15. Mike was a very caring compassionate man who embraced life as he embraced tennis and it has been our privilege to call him our friend.



Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with you and your family.



Cheryl & Fritz

I was so saddened to hear of Mike's early departure from this place we call Earth. I want to extend my prayers,thoughts and sympathy to all of Mike's family. My heart is broken to hear of his death, but I am grateful to have had the pleasure of knowing Mike and especially his singing voice, it was the best thing to hear at 9pm when we had worked such a long and tiring day.

Sarah Weiss (Blankenfeld) RST

Michael will be missed tremendously. We intertweaved in many tennis events and tournaments, and had many mutual friends. What a wonderful, honorable, and respected person. We we mourn the loss here and miss him, someday will see him again.

To Ann and her family, I know this has been such a difficult time for all of you. I just want to send my condolences to you and your family and let you know you have been in our thoughts and prayers through all of this. I didnt know your Dad, but from all you have spoken of him, I know he was a wonderful man and was dearly loved by all of you. Sandra,Lon and Jessica

Mike was a fun,charming and extremely talented man. By far the best "computer geek in the whole United States". I so enjoyed working for him for almost 20 years at Corporate Travel. He was so wonderful and supportive of me when I struggled to juggle career and family. I think Mike, always compassionate and caring, cried harder than I did when I eventually left the company. Like Melody, I have fond memories of his singing in the office and at company functions and I too can still hear the change jingling in his pocket. We are all blessed that he touched our lives.

To Judy and the family -



Upon hearing of Mike's untimely death the memories started flooding in. Since I have known you and your family for as long as I can remember I have memories that go back to my early childhood and the visits you made to DL every summer. Every visit was always about golf and raucous games of Scrabble with Mom, Dad and Judy, but there is one particular memory I have from those days in the '60s when Mike took us kids down to the beach. I don't remember why this one stands out so much more than any other time, because it really was so simple - but I just remember him cupping his hands and tossing each of us into the air so we could splash hard into the water and run back to him for more. There was a floating log that we would stand on and roll it like lumberjacks until one of us fell off. Jumping off his shoulders as he launched us into the air. We wore him out. And he laughed and whooped and hooted through that bearded face and man it was just such a fun day. This of course was followed by a trip to Dairy Queen and he was absolutely our hero. I will always remember that day, will always remember the great person he was and I'm so sorry I can't tell him now that I have such great memories of him, that day, and all the other times since. He was a pleasure to know. I am thinking of you and send my very best to you all.

Miguel darlin,



I have come to the conclusion that your sudden departure was due to a shortage of charming, witty & funny guys in heaven who love to sing and flirt with the ladies.



It has been my pleasure to be of your acquaintance for so many years & am sad to be saying adios to my favorite amigo.



Love ya & miss ya,



Mary A.



The Long Boat

By Stanley Kunitz



When his boat snapped loose

from its mooring, under the screaking of the gulls,



he tried at first to wave

to his dear ones on shore,

but in the rolling fog

they had already lost their faces.



Too tired even to choose

between jumping & calling,

somehow he felt absolved & free

of his burdens, those mottoes

stamped on his name-tag:

conscience,ambition & all that caring.



He was content to lie down

with the family ghosts

in the slope of his cradle,

buffeted by the storm,

endlessly drifting.



Peace! Peace!

To be rocked by the Infinite!



As if it didn't matter

which way was home,

as if he didn't know

he loved the earth so much

he wanted to stay forever.

.

Jim, Penny and family,



My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time. I know how much Mike meant to all of you.

Mike was the best. He was not just a boss but a great friend. Always there to listen and help. I'll never forget the jingle of change in his pocket every time we talked. I will miss him greatly and so will my family which he made feel like his family.