Man I just heard about this through FB. He was always such a cool guy. I was at his house gathering when the deck collapsed what a crazy day. I remember talking to him about it afterwards on multiple occasions. I felt bad because he would tell me about how much stress it caused him, like somebody who was on the deck tried to sue him which caused a lot of grief. Not to mention the fact that he couldn’t play games as much as he’d liked.
One fond memory I had of him was at a Game Frog tourney way back when. The Tekken where Steve Fox made his debut just released that week. Neither of us were Tekken players but we talked during the registration about how cool Nina was. He convinced me to register and said lets see how far we can get just for the hell of it. I was like fuck it man I’m game. Hahahahaha we both went 0-2. Afterwards He said to me fuck Tekken I’m sticking to what I know and just play street fighter. Hahahahahah. It was also fun talking to him about anime at AZ.
Ugh… So sad. RIP Mike. You were an awesome person and friend. My condolences to his family and close friends.
I thought I was done posting on these threads. Never thought something like this would happen and make me feel like opening up.
As many have said Mike was one of the founding fathers of our fighting game scene. He was always getting us hyped up for tournys and was always fun to be around. He got me hooked on anime by bringing over CDs full of shows and he was part of many House of Cheese sessions. Fun memories.
@RyuCross - At that point in time it was both. One of my fondest memories was watching a ppv while teaming up with P. Gorath on XvSF for Saturn. Quite honestly he was one of the first unofficial sponsors as there were countless times he would offer us rides and even post some of the entry fees without any expectations of asking for the money back. He was truly a very giving individual and struck good chords with people on the entire East Coast specifically and well beyond as well.
i cant name all the people i met in this community through him. all the nights watching wrestling. the crack anime sessions. the hot tips on how to dress stylishly as a big guy lol. you will definitely be missed bro.
if i can get my mom to watch the baby i will do everything i can to come out tonight.
This was a month ago at WNB when I ran into Mike after like 8 years of not seeing each other…talk about CyberStation and what not…he had a blast chillin with everyone there and so did we. He will be missed.
Wow…and he seemed to be doing just fine at WNB. I never saw him in game sessions anymore, but once a year we’d spot each other at AZ. This is just unreal.
I might be wrong, but I think he was AKA Bloody Yukata on SRK.
gonna miss you stine, hope you found a better place.
fond memories of gauntlet legends marathons, animazement drunkenness, swapping dreamcast isos in the goforbroke dc hub, and the 2d tourney scene when it (we) was still young. wish i could be there tonight erik. shouts to all the old heads who resurfaced in his memory, reminds me of how good a group we are despite all the inconsequential stuff.
Despite never knowing this gentleman until it was far too late, I would like to offer my condolences to his family alongside the FGC who lost a great man. bows head in respect
@ Brent - I think you are right on that one. I do remember him using that handle as well
@ Rob - Wish you could make it too man. You forgot one thing though, good ol’ spades and hearts games at your place and EJ’s. Those were some great times man for sure.
Me and Brent are gonna head to Brawl at the beach TOMORROW MORNING EARLY AS FUCK. I should have 2 slots in the car open. If you want to come, let me know soon-ish, text if possible.
Kind of late, but i have been getting my thoughts together about mike. I think it is a great lost that we have taken. This severs as a lesson of how valuble and irreplaceable are friendships in the scene are. I remember working at the Tilt and Mike going to town on the gauntlet cab and setting crazy high scores that nobody beat right up till the time we close. The times at his house were awesome and he was open with the up most kindness. Tomorrow is not promised so we must do everything we can to make everyday the very best it can be. I know and to mike i say this" to your friendship and in your life that you shared with me I have not one regret" Abayo…old friend.
This message is for anyone that is interested in paying their final respects to Mike. Found out that the wake will be held from 6 pm till 8 pm and the funeral itself will be held at 10 am on Tuesday at the Hall-Wynn funeral home in downtown Durham.
RIP Mike. Thank you for opening your home to me when I was just a young dude and for all the amazing times we had at your place and tournaments abroad. I’m genuinely saddened that we lost touch somewhat these last couple of years and please accept my apologies for not being there as a friend should during your recent hardships. You will definitely be missed. Peace forever, Stines.
This serves as a heavy reminder to me about how important it is to keep all these relationships strong and how much more I need to pick up the phone. There are some really important people I’ve met in my life through the scene and some of them mean more to me than they know and will always hold a place in my heart. It’s a shame that it takes a situation like this to really open your eyes to those things in life that really shouldn’t be missed.
I’m working all day Tuesday, but I’ll do my best to make it to Durham. Not only out of respect, but to be there for you all who were closer as well.
Looks like Psoul and myself will be crashing the party Wednesday night! Please start KOF first. Not only selfishly because I have a long drive and have to work at 8am again the next day, but in my experience with CVS2, starting it first is usually the lesser of two evils.
I’ll try to make it out Tuesday as well if I can. Also thanks for the congrats yesterday Erik. I was playing SFxT grand finals when you called so I couldn’t answer.
So I got first in UMVC3, KoF13, SFxT, and second in Calibur at Brawl at the Beach. Brent took third in KoF and 3rd in SC5. Venue was pretty nice, it was tacked on to a comic / anime con and we had a lot of space, ran really smooth and finished at a good time. You guys should definitely check out the next one if you get the chance, it’s really about the same distance as Charlotte from Raleigh.
The guy running the venue thought Brent was my dad, we thought he was joking until he tried to sell him a spectator badge. The look on the guy’s face when we told him I’m older than Brent was priceless.
Sorry I called you then lol Never know when you’re playing a GFs in these things.
I would like to thank everyone who came by Friday night. It was great to reconnect with everybody as that seems to me as the only good thing that could come of the current situation. It really makes you value the time we do get to spend with each other. It was really fun just remember the crazy times we had with Mike. Thanks again everybody for doing that. We’ll have to do it again under better circumstances.
PS if anyone is planning on coming in from out of town for the funeral or wake and need a place to crash let me know as I should be able to help out.
I just put in an order for a legit copy of Current Code (new Melty Blood). Anybody in the scene that wants to throw in some $ to cover some of the cost would be welcome but not expected. If we’re going to host actual events at venues, going to want to have real copies.
I also wouldn’t mind lending the game to anyone who helps with the cost etc.
