Something I found that says it just right: "Yes I changed. I changed when I found out that I'm alone in the story. And alone in the dream. And alone in the love. And along in the pain, while you are silent"

I know it isn't because you want to be silent...or gone.  You were there for all the times before, I have to change to learn how to move forward without you.  I'll always love you.

In all things, Hirsch was the master of his domain. In Halloween, In New Years, in setting up the most complicated security passwords you ever saw! He was jovial and complicated. He was at the same time a trickster and the dearest of friends. Like so many others, I am profoundly saddened by Mike’s passing. He truly was the best of us.  

He welcomed me into the group over 25 years ago, and it started with a party – because it always does! I was quite late to this party, but he was still awake, telling jokes, and ready to greet me with the kindness that I would come to know as Hirsch. Once upon a time we were given new monikers to go by upon entry into the group, and mine was “Toasty.” I wore it like a badge of honor, adopting it as my natural name, as if it had always been mine. The years have seen happiness and turmoil, triumph and adversity - through it all our lives were becoming more set within each other’s routines. A one-off trip to California on a whim became an annual excursion to someplace new. Our occasional weekend bougie breakfast became a weekend tradition at the Good Egg. Our connection over stout beers while our spouses preferred Whiskey. We introduced Jason to the group, and he introduced FLUX to Mike, and from then on, FLUX forever. And Three Dragon Ante. And Dungeon Mayhem. And…and…and… (but decidedly NOT Cartographers!!)

He was kind and nurturing which was most evident in his connection to his Grandson, Reilly. These later years saw a different side of Mike. He was always kind and always loving, but now it was manifested into something softer and sweet. He used to light up when telling stories about Reilly and was looking forward to another little minion to influence. 

Mike was a shining beacon in our lives and will be greatly missed. A Haiku until we meet again, Friend:

Raise the glass for Hirsch
Always quick to tell us jokes
He: the best of us

Mike was always a friend to people, he cared and took an interest into everyone.  He would make an effort to befriend people.  The world is a sadder place without him in it.

Hirsch, the beating heart of our little (big) found family. Our organizer, our ringleader, and our bard. I first met him at one of his and V's big Halloween bashes when I moved here nearly 20 years ago, and he was so, so welcoming. I don't know how to explain, really, how he managed to convey a feeling of inclusion, warmth, and acceptance in just the few moments when I initially met him, but you've all experienced the same, so I'm sure you get it. 


Mike, friend, thank you for inviting me into this wonderful community you built. Thank you for the gift that is V, and for the privilege of getting to watch Wyldd grow up. Thank you for always bringing us all together, for the laughter, and for the heartfelt talks.  I can still hear all the many ways you say "dear," and it feels weird that I won't hear it again.

I'm going to miss hearing you shout "JEM!" whenever you see me, and I'll miss the way your eyes sparkle when you're telling a joke or a story. I'll miss your grins and your smiles, and the way you're always a little delighted by the suggestion of mischief. 

And your hugs. Dang.

I always think of fall as your season, and it's weird to be coming into October without you, the architect of Hirschoween. 

I'm sorry that, the last few times we saw each other, I made you cry, but I'm glad that they were happy tears. I'm so, so thankful that we never parted ways without a big hug, so I have that reserve to pull from. 

The world is a little less shiny without you, friend, but we've all got a little extra sparkle because we knew you.

Memories
All of us have them. 
They can be shared, or they can be moments of absolute silence, and complete loneliness, so still, a single raindrop could shatter them. 
They are always with us.
Sometimes we’d sell our very soul just to be rid of them.
Other times, we’d fight the heavens themselves to live forever in them. They are as fragile and precious as the sound of a baby’s first laughter; or as harsh as a single, red rose across a wooden box, forever whispering the silent goodbye to someone you love. 
Whether good or bad, happy or sad, each person bares their own. They are what make us live on, immortal.
So we ask that you remember Mike “Hirsch” in your own way so that through your memories and ours, he will live forever. 
-Heather Parrish

Memories
All of us have them. 
They can be shared, or they can be moments of absolute silence, and complete loneliness, so still, a single raindrop could shatter them. 
They are always with us.
Sometimes we’d sell our very soul just to be rid of them.
Other times, we’d fight the heavens themselves to live forever in them. They are as fragile and precious as the sound of a baby’s first laughter; or as harsh as a single, red rose across a wooden box, forever whispering the silent goodbye to someone you love. 
Whether good or bad, happy or sad, each person bares their own. They are what make us live on, immortal.
So we ask that you remember Mike “Hirsch” in your own way so that through your memories and ours, he will live forever. 
~by Heather Parrish

Time with Reilly and Corbin at the Phoenix zoo

As I recall, the first time I met Mike, he greeted me enthusiastically, embraced me as a friend of Ashley's, and then asked me, with a sparkle in his eye, if I happened to know the capital city of Thailand.  As I hesitated to answer, thinking back to middle school geography classes of long ago, he answered for me.  "Bangkok," he said, and whipped his middle finger into my groin at what I am sure was a supersonic pace.  I swear to you, I heard the crack as his knuckle broke the sound barrier on the way to tagging me in the beanbag.

And damn it all, he had me laughing as I was near doubled over in pain.

Because that was Mike.  He was genuinely one of the most joyful people I had ever met.  In fact, he was so genial, so easygoing, so friendly in that first meeting that I spent most of the night thinking that we must've met before, and wracking my brain trying to think of when it might have been.  Mike welcomed me into his home on multiple occasions, he always had a joke and a compliment ready to go, and he had the manner of someone who could listen to the raunchiest joke you could muster or the deepest secret you could bear to tell.  He had a truly singular nature, one that I doubt you'll ever find in any of the eight-odd billion people walking around this planet.

I never did get a chance to spend enough time with Mike, but I suspect, as good a friend as he already was to me, I never would have been able to do so.  The legacy he leaves behind is one of generosity, kindness, and a deep and abiding loyalty and love for his friends that was his most defining trait.  Though it's somewhat cliche to say so, the world truly is a much less interesting place without him in it.  He will be missed, and he will be loved.

Hirsch, the beating heart of our little (big) found family. I first met him shortly after moving here 18 years ago, at one of his and V's big  spooky bashes. I can't explain what meeting him feels like, other than "instant family, warmth, acceptance," but, of course, you've all experienced exactly the same thing. He made sure I was introduced to his community and checked in frequently to make sure I was feeling merry and welcome, and then made sure I was included in every invite going forward. We even spent years co-bday bashing, too. 
He invited me into his found family, and ended up giving me one of my besties, too (Hi, V!), and is father to one of my favorite kiddos in the world. 
I will never, ever forget the way his eyes sparkle when he's telling a joke (or how much he loves it when it makes us all groan), or when he's about to get up to mischief. 

Mike, you are a truly pure and singular human. I am going to miss your memes, and I'm going to miss hearing you exclaim (or type in all caps) "JEM!" whenever we great each other. I am going to miss all of the many different inflections you use when you say "dear," your earnestness, your playfulness, your unconditional support, your laughter, and the way you just *get* us, and love us all for who we are. 

And your hugs. Dang.

I'm sorry I made you cry the last few times I saw you, but I'm very glad they were sweet, glad, joyful tears. Thank you so, so much for taking care of all of us, for accepting and supporting us, for taking the piss when called for, and for being the heart of this big ol' family around you. 

As we enter Oct, I honestly don't know what fall (life?) looks like without you around. Fall has always been your season to me. Halloween has been Hirschoween to me for nearly half my life now. Know that I'm shaking my fist at the sky because covid did what covid does and so our hugs were fewer and more far between these last few years. 

Sorry we never got to bury that body. ;)

2000 characters. How could anyone say enough about Hirschy on 2000 characters. He was the undisputed High King of parties. His storytelling was so rich, so perfect that when he started spinning a yarn, all would gather around. The most dirtiest, fucked up and hilarious sense of humor. He held sway over all of us, because he could make ANYONE laugh. Shy was a word that did not exist for him. All of these things and more caused people to gravitate to him. When you were in his orbit, he would do anything for you. Fiercely loyal, deeply caring. My brother from another mother. I love you, and I miss you.

Michael Hirsch at Vivian's 30th birthday party. He will be missed by all that knew him!

Mike you will be so dearly missed. You were ever ready with something to make us laugh. You made us feel like we knew you forever and that is rare these days. Fly high my friend 
Sincerely, 
Tianne, Briahna and James

For some reason, my son spent a lot of time at Mike's house.  He was there more than he was at home. In fact, he moved in with them.  I think it had a lot to do with Wyldd. But I know that Mike was a big part of it.  

So, when Christmas time rolled around, Koda and I were invited to a party.  I'm not good at being in new situations, in new places, and with new people.  The only person there that I knew was Wyldd.  I met her when Michael was a freshman.  So, I just found a place in the corner to watch all that was happening.  

But Mike came over and introduced himself, made some jokes, and then said to me, "You can drink our water. We have a filter."  Then he proceeded to show it to me and explain how it came to be.  He made me feel at home.  

And he and his family gave Michael the loving, 2 parent home that I was never able to give him.  I wanted to thank him for that.   Thank you for being there for my son.

I am so saddened by the news of Hirsch's passing. I know he was an amazing friend to so many, including my brother George. Rest in peace, I know you will be deeply missed. 🕊

Hirsch was truly the best of us. He was so full of life, laughter, jokes, hugs, the kind of guy who would bend over backwards for you even if he had a million things already going on. He was never too busy for a friend in need. His Halloween and New Years Parties were some of the highlights of my life . I will never be able to look at Halloween and not think of him and V.  When I was heading to my first ever infamous Hirsch Halloween party I was warned about Hirsch. I was told that Hirsch could be a bit intense, big personality, lots of flirtations, lots of jokes; but to give him a chance because he was an amazing guy and would make a great friend. And man were they ever right. In my life I have known a lot of people, call many of them friends. But never in my life have I ever known someone as truly fantastic as Hirsch. 

Over the years I had the great privilege of calling him my friend. I cannot even begin to list the amount of good times we were able to share with him, Venus, and Wyldd. Through good and bad they have been by my side. This past year had some really hard moments, yet Hirsch was a rock always there to help with a laugh, a cry, a random meme, a hug, a move in the middle of an Arizona summer, and even a kiss on New Years Eve with the whispered disclaimer of not to try anything because his wife was watching. 
I truly cannot imagine life without his crazy antics, naughty and often repeated jokes, hilarious and sometimes so very wrong memes, his hugs, shoulder to lean on, laughter, toasts on New Years - even when far apart there were always the multiple alarms set to be sure to reach out to each friend in far away places via Facetime right as midnight hit. In short, I cannot imagine a world where you are no longer here to be the wonderful friend you were. I truly am better off for having known you. And I thank you for that, and I will miss you, more than words can say. You will be forever loved and forever missed.  Until we meet again, give them hell!

I met Mike (and Venus) in very early 2000. It was a very tough time for me due to a very recent loss. I needed to be around people then (not alone), and was lucky enough to meet this really tight group that all graduated from Peoria High School. It was the best thing that could have happened to me at that time in my life, and I really think that together this group saved my life. They made me feel like I was a part of their family and I had a sense of belonging. Back then, us wild ragamuffins LIVED to be in the desert--four-wheeling, ATVs, target shooting, having a bonfire, tubing the Salt River. We also had many party gatherings, the most memorable being New Year's Eve and Halloween with costumes. 

Mike was not just there, he was organizing it and keeping us together. His friends were very important to him. He was head over heels in love with Venus and they had the most beautiful blonde haired little girl (Wylde) that he loved more than anything too. He loved his family very much and he was there for them during a particularly painful tragedy in those years. I remember how strong he was for those he loved. Mike told great jokes and could make me laugh when I wanted to cry. Mike was funny, kind, caring, and never pushed people away. He cared deeply for everyone in his life. 

Mike reached out to me after we lost touch years ago and invited me to see everyone. When you talk to Mike, it's like no time has passed no matter how long it's been. I've enjoyed seeing the "group" a few times over the years and have always felt they were the best close-knit group of friends/family I had ever met. Mike made everyone feel included and special. I dated one of his friends back then, and I remember the friend saying that if he ever got married, he'd most likely ask Mike to be his best man. That's the kind of guy Mike was. The one you want to stand beside you on the most important day of your life. He just had that impression on people. He will be missed greatly. 

-Laurie Hurley

One of the few times I saw you in a suit. You cleaned up well. But then again you rocked your flannel or t-shirts too.  Life will never be the same without you, but I am better because you were in mine for so long.

Halloween with Hirsch and Venus was always a blast, they both always went all out. It will never be the same without him. He truly made the holiday special, magical even, and each year was completely different from the one before.

Deepest sympathy for all, he was a great friend and a great asset to our family. My son Mike (Mike-ee) & Hirsch were great friends. I first met Hirsch when he came to our house dressed in a way that I shook my head & oh no!!! Looks are deceiving, he was so awesome and he & my son were fast friends for 30 yrs . Our family loved Hirsch & became part of our family. He will be missed greatly. Love to the family..
Becky McFadden

I personally know how important Mike was/is to Venus and vice versa. They were perfect for each other. Mike was/is the kindest person. He always provided me with whatever I needed when I visited to make my stay more comfortable. His attitude was unmatched…so positive and goofy. He will be dearly missed. Until we see you again Mike. Cheers!

I had the pleasure of knowing Mike first as a co-worker and then as a friend. He was a kind soul and always strived to do the best at whatever he was setting out to do. I will miss trading "Dad jokes" with him, often receiving them out of nowhere via text or a chat just to check in.  He loved his family with every fiber of his being and would do anything for them. In that, he was an example to all of us. The world is a lesser place without him in it.

We'll miss you Mike.

Mike overseeing Eric's packing attempt. Eric had a time on that trip too, so Mike's doing what he always does - heckle and "help". Not long after this, he was helping strap things down.

Classic Mike. On a computer, vape and phone at the ready.

The diorama. Mike loved it. He lost his phone in the top "hammok" of the tent, and we thought it might have been lost when he got stuck. Those flags are where Mike's phone is NOT.

We put a warning up, in case 4-low didn't work for him from the chair.

We secretly filmed Mike's reaction to a prank - we built a diorama with sand from the trip to Pirate's Cove, and put some on his chair. He was a great sport, and said "you are Best and Worst people ever, never change"

This was a common place to find Mike.  On the back patio (regardless of how hot it got) vaping and going through his phone.  It could be some serious research, adulting responsibilities, but more often it was him looking for just the right meme.  He loved getting and sending memes out.  I recall many a time finding him and asking if all was ok.  He would seem to come out of a daze and then with a mischievous grin share the memes he liked best.  After the 8th or 100th he would say "Wait! Just one more"

I miss his smile and twinkle in his eye.

OBITUARY

Michael Ralph Hirsch

July 4, 1976 – September 22, 2023

Shadow Mountain Mortuary

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