By AJ Kirkpatrick
Contributor
Students all over CSUSM will mourn the loss of one of the most interesting men to ever walk this campus on Thursday, Nov. 1, the one year anniversary of Michael J. Naylor’s passing. Michael J. Naylor was one of the most influential people I have ever met. He was my best friend and considered him not only a fraternity brother of Sigma Alpha Epsilon (∑AE), but as a member of my family.
He was by far the most well-known person I have ever met. People just gravitated towards his outgoing personality and his genuine desire for putting other people’s needs before his. He was completely selfless, yet always found a way to get whatever he wanted. He had the largest network of friends and if you ever needed anything, he knew someone who could get it for you. He would be distracted by a piece of dust floating by and was by far one of the smartest people I have ever met.
Between the hours he spent in Markstein Hall accomplishing his dean’s list honors, he still managed to spend plenty of time at 24 Hour Fitness. He was a certified personal trainer and lifted weights at least 5 times a week. He was always willing to learn, yet always knew it all. If you didn’t already know him, you would understand how great this individual was within five minutes of talking to him.
It’s impossible to ever forget the man responsible for the lime green wrist bands that can be seen being worn by people all over campus that read “Live Life Smiling” and the green and purple “MN” stickers (like the Yankees logo) on probably half of the cars in the parking lot. He has accomplished more in the short time he was with us than most people will in their entire lives. If there was one legacy he would want to leave behind, it would be to “Live Life Smiling, and it will work out for you!” I speak on behalf of many when I say I miss him more than anything and look forward to the day we can meet again. In the words of Nay himself…”Sikk.”
Joe Himsl • Nov 2, 2012 at 1:05 am
I knew Mike very well and what you have stated was so true, I will be him more than anyone can know, I was wondering what was the cause of his passing, he was a true friend and we shared so much together, my email is [email protected].
Rest in peace Michael and I truly miss you everyday
Joe
Floyd Gamble • Dec 5, 2012 at 5:32 am
Joe, do you remember, Floyd Gamble? We worked together years ago(1966-1969) Sears in Antioch!!
Joe himsl • Dec 20, 2012 at 7:38 am
That was my grandfather, we passed away in 1978 and he did work for Sears at that time
Floyd Gamble • Aug 30, 2017 at 8:50 pm
Just seeing this! Joe was one swell guy, he and his wife Pearl. I was in the Paint, Hardware and, Automotives Dept’s……, Joe was, mainly, Auto Dept. He was an Auto/Genius, I learned much. Great sense of humor, smart as a tack. He lived in Concord and I, Pittsburg. May he rest, forever, in Heavenly Peace!!