Hey brother. I hate youre gone. I seen you exactly one week before you went to your final resting place. I was your barber and had the honor cut your hair and shave your beard and listen to your story. I pray for your family brother. Til next time! 

I knew Mike for a very short time in his life, but he touched me very deeply. I'm honored to have been able to help him get to his children when he had no ride, clean up his kitchen when he was sick, and make life a little easier. 

My memory is of him throwing softballs out his back door for his "bad dog" Mollie to catch. They were both so well suited to each other. 

My heart goes out to his kids, two echos of a man who was unfairly treated by life and deserved to see them grow up into the amazing people he always knew they were and will continue to be. 

Mike was a stand up Rugger - the kind that made anyone considering rugby want to play the game.  Like everyone, I knew Mike for his big heart, and the great way he could make fun of you and love on you at the same time.  

Mike was kind to me even as I knew him most in the years after I played rugby.  He always made me feel I was still a part of the group and chided me for leaving for roller derby :).  He made everyone around him better for his presence, every time I saw him.  

Rest easy, friend. 

The most irreverent, sarcastic yet sincere guy I ever had the chance to meet. Maybe a few more news stories would have been written had we not sat across from each other, but we are all a little better off because of the laughs. Rest Easy. 

True friend, thousands of smiles, hundreds of laughs. I’m so sad to have lost my wonderful friend but so glad to have had Michael in my life. 

I am currently traveling through Scotland, the land that Mike shared so many memories of with me. It is just as beautiful as he described it. I can’t find the words to describe the warmth and joy that he brought into the room each time he boomed his big laugh, or the conspiratorial chuckles he shared on the rare occasions that he felt his snarkiest comments should be kept in confidence. I ardently hope that you have found the love and peace that you so richly deserve. Rest now. 

May God's loving kindness and comfort help you and yuppie family during this time of sorrow (2 Corinthians 1:3,4).

I knew Mike through the Aiken Standard. He often played the part of “angry young man,” but in reality I found him to be a kind, gentle kid in a big man’s body. He was good at his job, but what I remember most were conversations about his children. It was obvious how much he cherished them and how proud he was of them at every stage of their lives. I kept in touch through Facebook, but I had no idea the extent of what he was going through. I am sorry for that. Talks with him were always a bright spot in my day, and I’m sure many who know him feel the same way. Mike will be missed. 

I hired Mike as a reporter at the Aiken Standard. I remember when he came to the interview. He was disheveled and completely apologetic about how he looked. He explained to me that, on his way to the interview, a woman on I-20 had a blowout, and he had stopped and helped her change her tire. I knew at that moment what kind of man Mike was, and that was enough for me. I did the interview, but I knew I wanted to hire him, because he was a big man with a big heart. Mike was a man of integrity and honor. I was proud to know him, and proud to call him a friend. Godspeed, friend. And may the light of your goodness shine on your family in these difficult times. 

I had the pleasure of calling Gellatly a co-worker and a friend.

He was a fearless journalist. He was witty. He was a good soul.

He’s going to be terribly missed. My heart is with his family and closest friends.



My Amazing little Brother I will miss you so much and the World will be a lot less fun for all of us without you in it 

I actually remember meeting mike during rugby practice and you were welcoming when I walked onto the field and wanted to get to know me... Over the last eight years we shared beers, jokes, people watching at tournaments and at the bar, talks about religion, politics, rugby and why you were so tall and me so short!!! You also gave me rugby knowledge when I asked and when I didn’t know any better... You sir are a true gentle giant!!! You are missed and will be missed, thank you for everything we shared my friend, know that from this day forward every time I raise a glass of forwards fuel, I will cheers you in my mind and heart!!!! Rest In Peace brother

It takes a big guy to carry such a big heart!! I cannot say exactly when we met, but it was rugby related!! Always a kind word and good conversation.  Spend many times over a beer discussing everything from scrum to politics to just having some laughs. Your presence will be missed!! Rest in piece as your memory will live on through us!!!!

You taught me so much over the years. From line outs, to scrums, to how to be a great father. You were a great mentor to learn from growing up and an even better friend afterwards. I’ve been lucky enough to play lock with you side by side on more than one occasion. Love ya brother. 

We shared the pitch many times MTS. It was always a pleasure having you as a teammate, co-coach, traveling partner. I’m going to miss our witty conversations. 
RIP Brother. 

The first time I met you, we were at Pitch-A-Tent and you were wearing a Nacho Libre outfit including mask and bike shorts....all 6'7" of you! We became instant pals and shared my occasions through rugby that warranted more costumes. I always admired your intelligence and wit. And you always treated me with the utmost respect. I am one of the lucky few whose last words with you via messaging were 'I love you'. And I do.

OBITUARY

Ian Michael Gellatly

March 4, 1978 – June 7, 2019

Dunbar Funeral Home (Devine)

Show your support

Add a Memory

Share Obituary

Get Reminders

Past Services

Visitation

Funeral Service

Reception