On The Sly

Foxy, I've never had the opportunity to send you 2 messages on any one blog, but today is different. I just got back from the burg, as I was attending Mike's wake and funeral. Now I know why he was such a fantastic person. All his brothers and sisters were there, of course, and that's what this is all about. The Mannix family should be showcased as to what family life is all about. Mike's brothers and sisters are some of the finest people I've known in my lifetime. With that kind of influence, on an everyday basis, it's no wonder Mike turned out the way he did. My hats off to the Mannix family. I feel great, knowing that they allowed me to share Mike with them. Thank you

Having just returned from "Uncle Mike's" funeral, I must say that it was one of the most heart touching services I have ever been to. MIke touched the lives of so many. Being the offspring of one of the Montcalmers I have witnessed and heard many stories over the years. I will try and live my life by Mike's famous words, never had a bad day. I know that remembering Mike and those words will make me a better person. My thoughts and prayers are with Judy, Colleen, Cathy, Steve, Ellie and Luke and the entire Mannix clan at this difficult time.

What an inspiring Eulogy given for Mike by his brother Martin Mannix. I wish I could have been at the service. Mike was a good human being and we are all better off for knowing him. Foxy, this Blog is very special to me and all your readers - please keep this Blog going! The response to Mike Mannix passing shows your readers can share their emotions at difficult sad times as well as good times.Thank You, Martin, for sharing Mike 's Eulogy with his friends who do not live in Plattsburgh . Thank You, Foxy, for making this happen! Lenny

Foxy- A number of people approached me after Mike's funeral and asked for a copy of the eulogy I gave. If you will allow, I think your blog is the best instrument for distributing this. Thank you, Marty M.

As I begin, I have to ask for your patience. When it came to eulogies for members of our family, Mike and I had a deal, I wrote them and he delivered them. After Judy told me that Mike wanted me to speak at his funeral, I had the opportunity to discuss with Mike what he might want me to say. He smiled, got that devilish look only he could have and said, “Tell them I batted .340 left-handed and I taught Katelynn everything she knows about golf; other than that you’re on your own.”

This is not a bad day. It is undoubtedly a sad day, but not a bad day. Why do we know that? Because Michael never had a bad day. To some, who didn’t really know Mike, when he would give that answer to their greeting, “How are you?” it seemed outlandishly simplistic. Who could possibly say, “I’ve never had a bad day.” Mike could and did; and what was most amazing was that he meant it.

Recently, a friend commented to me, “Mike sure taught us how to live with and fight cancer.” While our friend was right, he was only partially so. What Mike did was teach all of us how to live each day. Mike didn’t start saying, “I never had a bad day” after he found out he had cancer; he used that refrain all his adult life. It reflected his fundamentally optimistic attitude toward life

During these past few weeks, Mike received a special gift - the time and the ability to say goodbye to so many of the people he loved. We’d be here all day if I recounted all the stories of people who wanted Mike, and us, to know how he had touched their lives. If you will bear with me I’d like to share just two.

I was at a Notre Dame football game in October when a man in his late forties approached me to ask if I were Mike Mannix’s brother. Now I get a lot of that in Plattsburgh, but it caught me off guard in South Bend. He knew Mike was sick and he wanted me to give him a message. He said when he was in high school, he was often in trouble and not the best student, but he loved and excelled at football. He told me how fifteen years ago he had run into Mike at the Mall. “Hi Mr. Mannix. I bet you don’t remember me.” Mike looked him over for about 10 seconds then said his name followed by “no. 32, 1st team halfback and 1st team outside line backer, Ticonderoga, 1970.” “How did you do that?” the man asked. Mike replied, “Well the Ticonderoga football jacket with the RB #32 on the sleeve and the 1970 CVAC Champions patch was a big help.”

After our laugh, he looked at me and said, “Seriously, your brother knew how much football meant to us; how hard we worked for what we achieved; and he took the time to show us that. Mike made sure each of us who were on any of his three all-star teams got a certificate. They are just little pieces of paper, but mine are framed and hang in my family room. I’ll bet most of my teammates still have theirs too. I’ll never forget that he knew my name after all those years”.

Another story, if you will. A young lady drove several hours to say goodbye to Mike. She shared with me how once she had announced that she was separating from her husband and was planning on leaving. Mike wrote her a letter and encouraged her to give her marriage another chance. That letter helped her decide to do just that and today she is happily married and has a son who is the love of her life. As she said, “Without Mike caring enough to risk writing that letter, I might have let all that get away.”

Look around you-This church is not filled with people who have come to honor a man because of the position he held; nor are you here because of the wealth he amassed; this church is filled with the people whose lives he touched. For many of you, your story may not be as dramatic as that of the young lady, but it is yours and it is real. It may only involve a birthday card when too few others seemed to remember. Perhaps it was a telephone call when you were recuperating from surgery offering an ear and a shoulder when that was what you needed most. His acts of compassion, generosity and pure friendship defy numeration.

In Mike’s final days, he confounded all of us by living far beyond what any of us thought possible. It is my simple opinion that Mike hung so tenaciously to life, because he had a life he loved. He could have said, “I consider myself the luckiest man on the face of the earth”; but, one of his heroes, Lou Gehrig, had already used that. Instead Mike said, “I never had a bad day.” When he did that, he was proclaiming his zest for life. With that mantra he was telling us he had found the answer to one of life’s great mysteries. He knew the blessings of this world were found in the lives of those we touch. “The love we give away is the only love we keep.” Mike viewed each day as a gift and not a day went by where he didn’t present that gift to someone else. If each of us were only to live our lives doing that daily, how could we ever have a bad day?

Written in admiration and delivered in love by his twin brother, Marty St. Peter’s Church 12/14/2007

The North Country has indeed lost a legend, who without doubt was the greatest play by play announcer the area has ever seen.

I first met Mike while doing basketballl stats for legendary PHS coach Mike Flynn in the late 70's. In 1981 I was announcing Cardinal Hockey on WPLT when Mike approached me about "helping him out". Mike wanted to cut back on the travel schedule and asked me to fill in for him on Cardinal Hockey road games on WEAV. Imagine the thought, just one year out of high school and being asked by a legend to fill his seat on the road. I gladly accepted and was able to make trips as far west to Minnesota and all over New York State. Mike was always helpful in preparing for a broadcast and was by far the most prepared sportscaster I have ever worked with. I still remember Mike making a strange prediction while I was hosting the WEAV High School Football Scoreboard Show. I asked him if he was crazy, he said no, that Coach wanted him to fire up the boys.

As a newsman, sportscaster, fund-raiser and most importantly as a person. They dont get any better than Mike.

Foxy has the most recognized sign-off now a days with "Goodnight North Country". I'll end my post with Mike's sign-off

Goodnight and follow sports.

Foxy, his readers and fellow bloggers- The Mannix family wishes to invite all those who wish to a celebration of Mike's life to be held at the American Legion (downstairs) on the Quarry Road. The party will start at 5pm on Friday the 14th. We look forward to seeing you. The Mannix Family

I would like to echo the sentiments of so many others before me. Mike has always provided me with guidance, especially after my father died back in 1974. I recall my first experience with Mike, when my uncle John Fountain was coaching basketball at PHS. Johnny took me into the locker room at halftime of the varsity boys game. There I sat and listened to another LEGEND, Ray Holmes, explain to his players how upset he was with their performance up to that point. I must tell you, Ray was full of energy during that speech, and I came out of that locker room shaking like a leaf. Mike happened to be doing the broadcast that night, and uncle John was nice enough to let him know about my frightened state. From that day forward, Mike always reminded me of the LEGEND'S speech, because that's what I would get if I did not stay out of trouble. So to Judy, Colleen, Cathy and family, your husband, father and friend, in my book was an ICON. May God rest his soul, he will be missed by all.

I feel so fortunate to have known MIke Mannix for so many years. I will always have wonderful memories of our families spending time together. My father had so much respect and admiration for him. I have truly never met a person like him. He always saw the best in everyone and made the most of everyday!!! I will never forget Uncle Mike, and I offer my deepest sympathy to Judy, Colleen, Cathy and the rest of the family.
Sincerely,
Lisa (Holmes) Mulson

Foxy, just wanted to mention that we lost another legend named "Mike" this past week. I'm speaking, of course, of Mike Brodi, Sr., who indirectly affected many of our lives when he decided to open up Brodi's Lounge on Mckinley Ave in the south end. Mike was probably better known for his fishing exploits with cronies such as Happy Lamere. I'd be interested hearing some first hand accounts of folks who knew Mike Brodi from years ago. I'm all too familiar with his son, Arsene "Mike" Brodi, and got to believe Arsene is a chip off the old block.

I can only echo the many wonderful tributes to a great guy and add a memory I have from about a year ago. Mike walked into a local establishment with his wife and friend and after a short time of saying his "hello's" to everyone proceeded to start singing. He began singing some of the old stuff (50's-60's) playing on the juke box and before long had the whole place joining in with him. The guy could sing and had tremendous range and particularly liked belting out his own rendition of "DANNY BOY". We'll all miss him tremendously for different reasons, I guess!

Everyone has great stories about Mike, and many of us have more than one. My favorite, and one that endeared him to me forever, was a day I ran into him after we had lived in Plattsburgh 25 years or so, and he asked where Don and I were spending the holiday - I forget which one. When I responded that we were going home, he looked at me and replied in his inimitable way, "Charlie, you have lived here long enough, this is your home." 'Nuf said. From that day to this, when we leave, I say that we're going to Pennsylvania - not home!

I was fortunate as a child in the '40's and 50's to have grown up down the street from the Mannix Family. They lived for a time on Stetson Ave. then around the corner on N. Catherine St. Their home was a gathering place for all the neighborhood kids. I was closer in age to Mike's older brother Tim, but Mike and Marty were always included in pickup games of baseball at the old St. Peter's Field, or in basketball at someone's driveway hoop.
In high school Mike and his sibblings were Johnnies, and I was a Mountie, so we kind of drifted apart.
As an adult I'd often see Mike at Fountain and Lucas talking with everyone who entered the store, it was always great to see another Yankee fan at a Red Sox meat counter.
A few years ago I awoke in the local hospital recovery room and looked across the room and on the other side was Mike. He said, "I wondered when the heck you'd wake up. What did they do to you?" I described a torn ligament that I had repaired on my knee. Mike's reply was " Shoot, "The Fox" (meaning Mr. Fountain) could have thrown you up on the butcher block and done that for half the cost."
Rest in Peace, old friend.

Good Morning Everyone- I just wanted to drop a note to thank Foxy for his wonderful comments regarding Mike and to thank all of the others for what they are sharing. Foxy has provided many with a wonderful outlet to express their love, affection and favorite stories about Mike.
Your comments are being read by Mike's family (brothers, sisters, nephews, nieces, in-laws etc.) We are recounting them with stories of Fred, Pops, the O'Connells, etc. Lots of great memories from the old neighborhood. Michael was forever grateful that the Montcalmerers stretched their boundaries to include North Catherine St.
In appreciation, Marty and the family

MIKE MANNIX. What a husband, father, gentleman, great friend and as I used to call him "Uncle Mike". Need I say more.
Yes I need to. There was the time when I heard him say on the radio "If I had a son I'd name him Timmy O'Connell" Wow.
Then there were the Sundays before Thanksgiving when Mike and the rest of the Montcalm Avenue Clan would unload the many many turkeys that were delivered to Fountain + Lucas' store for the big Thanksgiving Day feasts.
How about when Mike would scoop up a throw in the dirt while playing first base for a powerful McGee's softball team and I was a substitute who might get in the game to pinch hit or something like that.
And there were the times I'd see Uncle Mike at the 8 AM mass at St. Peter;s Church and going to Communion each time.
What else there was a time when he and his lovely wife Judy would be driving by in the car with Kathy and Colleen and he would always wave with so much pride.
I could go on and on but I won't. Wait , one last memory that meant a lot to me was when he and Gary Butler were going to announce what was later to be his last football game he would ever broadcast and with one of his most dedicated friends I might add. I was coaching for Beekmantown in 2005 and we were playing Saranac Lake for the N A C Championship when Uncle Mike called me to ask for some information about our team and what my game plans were. Mike wished me GOOD LUCK and said he knew we could win and told me he had great confidence in my team and me - after all, Montcalmers must stay together.
Well we won and I am sure Mike's support had lots to do with it. Mr. Mannix, Mike or Uncle Mike whatever you may be remembered as there is one thing for sure and that is you were the ULTIMATE MONTCALMER.
Top O' the mornin to ya me lad !!!!
And I believe you never did have a BAD DAY.
God bless you!!!

Foxy and fellow blogoteers,
I, as many of you, read the paper not wanting to believe the front page. This man who touched literally thousands of our lives had finally lost his courageous battle. No one fought the fight harder or with a better attitude. As noted by several in our group he was an inspiration. Many of us at one time thought we had a special and unique relationship with Mike/ "Mr. Mannix" only to find out that he developed these relationships with hundreds of us over the years. That's why he was the MAN he was. Mike/"Mr. Mannix was not just a back slapper either, there were games when he saw you play a little lazy or get full of yourself and you could expect to be called on it. He offered his services in contacting schools for us, helping us to get on summer teams, anything to make our lives a little better. One of my greatest honors was when he asked me to introduce him into the PHS Athletic Hall of Fame. I was thrilled but scared, how could I do justice to a man I idolized. I summed it up as best I could by stating that even though Mike/Mr. Mannix had graduated green and white, many of us thought he was black and orange, or Blue and Gold, or Maroon and Gold and the many colors outside the city. He was truly an Icon. He was North Country and we will miss him. It took me many years to call him Mike, as he often threatened harm if I did not, but due to my utmost respect and love for him I must say good bye to Mr. Mannix. I and many will never forget you. And as you often called me to get a rise out of me, I will sign off as
Joey Staves

Foxy,
Mike was a local icon, legend, and humanitarian. He made the North Country a better place to live for everyone.

Craig Mathews

Plattsburgh and the north country will miss one of the finest persons ever to come from the area. I almost think that Mike had a bigger following, on the radio, than his dad, who was a WIRY newscaster. I used to be Mike's statistician, during his early days of high school football. We were great pals at the time. Always together. Well, during the game, someone punted the football and Mike, on the air, said, "Here's a high punt coming in low". He never lost his focus on the game and kept right on broadcasting. At a time out, I mentioned to him what he had said and we laughed about it for the remainder of the night. Whenever I think of Mike, I still chuckle about some of things we've done together. I had more fun with this man, in my younger years and I have a million stories about him. He was the BEST. My condolences go out to his family and especially his wife, Judy. Anyone who ever had dealings with Mike Mannix will miss him. He left a lasting impression on everyone. So long, Mike. Your friend, Fred

How sad to read that Mike Mannix had passed away this morning. He was such a great character and meant so much to the Plattsburgh area. Although I never knew him personally I so much enjoyed his high school football predictions on WIRY and I will always remember how he was almost happy to "eat crow" when the Beekmantown Eagles snapped the St. John's Irish 32 game win streak in 1975 and he had predicted the Irish over BCS...What an awesome game that was and he was there broadcasting it all. He was the voice of high school sports for many years. In fact, so much that when he wasn't broadcasting the game it just wasnot the same. Thanks, Mike, for all those great memories!

Mr. Mannix knew everybody, respected everybody, and befriended everybody. There was not a soul in the North Country that didn’t beam with pride when they had the opportunity to meet him.

As are many others, I have been privileged to know the Mannix family, through school and sports, while growing up in Plattsburgh.

It is indeed a sad day in the North Country. My most heartfelt condolences go out to Colleen, Cathy, and Mrs. Mannix. You are all in my thoughts and prayers in this very difficult time.

Kern

A sad day for the North Country. The passing of Mike brings a tear to many. It has been an eternity since we lost someone so near and so dear to so many. Mike was a man of passion. He undertook so many avenues in life that he touched the lives of everyone. Children to adults were effected by his overwhelming attitude of always being upbeat, caring and overgenuious with friendliness. He would always have a big hello and a kind thought for all he met. We know now that his place in heaven has been taken and that he will never have a bad day We all love and admire you, Mike. Find a way to keep us smiling.

Foxy, it is with a tear in my eye that i write this! There was nothing like being a 17 yr. old kid and having mr. mannix call your name for the big game. I got to meet him when i was a little one. My dad and many other men always said hi and you were told to shake his hand and he would always make you feel like he knew you. Running into baily ave. field knowing he was up there was as good as it gets. Mr. mannix, god speed and say hi to teddy baseball. ha ha

Thank you, Foxy, for telling it as it was with Mike. Because of him, many people NEVER HAD A BAD DAY. He will be missed by all of us.

Beef

Foxy; I am so sad to hear of Mike Mannix dying. Mike had e-mail me several weeks ago and mentioned he was fighting cancer and he was doing ok! I thank you Foxy for giving Mike my e-mail address! Mike and me go back 50+ years of friendship! We often went with our dates to the Y dances, Arnies and often played with and against each other in Y basketball leagues! Mike was truly an inspiration and always a true friend to all who had a chance to know him! I was in a serious car accident and in the hospital for several weeks and Mike came to see me each day! I got to know the whole Mannix family led by his gracious mother who really inspired all who came in contact with her. Mike always worried and cared for the welfare of all people. He had that unique vision to find the best in others and the enthusiasm to inspire them to attain success. Mike had the dedication and perseverance to succeed in any task before him. His smile, enthusiasm and passion was contagious and made Mike a Winner and by his outstanding long list of accomplishments and friends. We all wish we had that special loving and caring attitude that Mike always showed to all people. My sincere condolences to his wife, children and his brother Martin Mannix. Mike Mannix wasn't the pride of the Yankees! Mike was the pride of Plattsburgh!
You'll always be in my prayers, fellow Yankee Fan! I haven't used my nickname growing up in Plattsburgh for fifty years! But I close by saying what you called me for all those growing up and fun years! "POPS"

Raymond, I too woke up about the same time as you and read about Mike's death. It's a sad day for all in the North County. Mike was the best...he meant so much to all of us.
For as long as I can remember, Mike was always around, as a 7 yr old "Gym Rat" at OLVA in the sixies when my Uncle John then cousin Bill coached and my brother Mike played at OLVA. Mr Mannix always took the time to stop and talk to all of the kids and reminded us that if we worked hard, some day we'd be the ones playing in what sure seemed to us "the big games."
Some years later after my Uncle and Dad had passed away, and knowing my brother was away at college, Mike always went out of his way to see me before his broadcast of "the Game of the Week" began, just to check in with me to make sure I was Ok and give me a pat on the back. That I will always remember.
In my playing days, we all loved it when he showed up with his radio equipment...that's when you knew it was a BIG Game..! and nothing was better than making "Mannix eat crow" after we'd win a game he predicted in his weekly show we would lose.
Mike was just a friend to all and I can't think of anyone who ever did more for so many! He will be dearly missed.
It brings a smile to my face to think that right now he's looking down on us with his buddies Ray Holmes, Dan Adams and Eddie Gallagher arguing over a call someone had made...or he's sitting on the back counter at Fountain & Lucas with all his dearly departed friends smiling down on all us!