I did not know Mike like others in his life, more casually, but I definitely considered him a friend. Particularly, two encounters that stick out for me.
About 2 months ago, Mike and Nellie were taking a walk in the neighborhood. It was during ‘physical distancing restrictions’ due to the pandemic. So I joined their walk, keeping my distance. His favorite subject came up, his son. After asking how you were and what you were up to, he filled me in that you had come to visit from the east coast in early March 2020 only to get stranded here, unable to fly home. He said you were living at home and made some comment, expected by our society from a parent whose 20-something child is now living at home. I could tell and feel the joy in his pretend off-handed remark that you were at home. I could feel the pride and joy that he has in you. It so struck me that the conversation still brings a feeling of love between the two of you and quite frankly, a little jealousy that my own daughter lives so far away. He knew of his great fortune that you were “stuck” here in Corvallis due to the stupid pandemic.
The second encounter that I will never forget is from many years ago, maybe around 2012ish. You and I played basketball together, on the same team. As was common, your mom and dad came to watch. It must have been halftime because there was a break in the game. Many of the players stepped out of the gym to the water fountain. He got off of the “bench” and was walking out of the gym. He was watching me shooting around, continually trying to perfect my 3-point shot, to no avail. I glanced over at him and could tell he wanted so badly to ‘take a shot’. I threw him the ball, talked a little smack, “let’s see what you got”. Dead cold from sitting and watching the first half of the game, took one dribble and drained a 3. Not only did he make it but the net barely move. You know the shot; when it makes that noise when it’s a perfect shot. He got a smile on his face. I was blown away that he could hit a shot as that and I have never forgotten it.
Mike O’Malley will be sorely missed. I am grateful he left a remnant of himself in you.
Your dad was the realest professor I had the privilege of knowing. You are right, he was extremely smart. He was also on my graduate committee and always made time to meet with me to ensure my graduate success. To show my appreciation I let him drive my 1967 Cadillac Coupe de Ville around campus and his infectious smile is ever etched in my memories. You know your father well and it was refreshing to get your insight of the wonderful person and father he was. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family - Zandro L.
Emmitt
I did not know Mike like others in his life, more casually, but I definitely considered him a friend. Particularly, two encounters that stick out for me.
About 2 months ago, Mike and Nellie were taking a walk in the neighborhood. It was during ‘physical distancing restrictions’ due to the pandemic. So I joined their walk, keeping my distance. His favorite subject came up, his son. After asking how you were and what you were up to, he filled me in that you had come to visit from the east coast in early March 2020 only to get stranded here, unable to fly home. He said you were living at home and made some comment, expected by our society from a parent whose 20-something child is now living at home. I could tell and feel the joy in his pretend off-handed remark that you were at home. I could feel the pride and joy that he has in you. It so struck me that the conversation still brings a feeling of love between the two of you and quite frankly, a little jealousy that my own daughter lives so far away. He knew of his great fortune that you were “stuck” here in Corvallis due to the stupid pandemic.
The second encounter that I will never forget is from many years ago, maybe around 2012ish. You and I played basketball together, on the same team. As was common, your mom and dad came to watch. It must have been halftime because there was a break in the game. Many of the players stepped out of the gym to the water fountain. He got off of the “bench” and was walking out of the gym. He was watching me shooting around, continually trying to perfect my 3-point shot, to no avail. I glanced over at him and could tell he wanted so badly to ‘take a shot’. I threw him the ball, talked a little smack, “let’s see what you got”. Dead cold from sitting and watching the first half of the game, took one dribble and drained a 3. Not only did he make it but the net barely move. You know the shot; when it makes that noise when it’s a perfect shot. He got a smile on his face. I was blown away that he could hit a shot as that and I have never forgotten it.
Mike O’Malley will be sorely missed. I am grateful he left a remnant of himself in you.
Frank Heresco, DC
Your dad was the realest professor I had the privilege of knowing. You are right, he was extremely smart. He was also on my graduate committee and always made time to meet with me to ensure my graduate success. To show my appreciation I let him drive my 1967 Cadillac Coupe de Ville around campus and his infectious smile is ever etched in my memories. You know your father well and it was refreshing to get your insight of the wonderful person and father he was. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family - Zandro L.