Mark Hamberger

Michelle,

We met back in 1995. I was marching with The Cadets and you were teaching Crossmen with my good friend Jim Schaefer. I was already 20 and had never marched drum corps or winter guard at that level. It was a struggle for me being a rookie, an introvert, and marching a rifle spot under April Gilligan. You barely knew me at the time but you were so supportive and encouraging. I always looked forward to seeing you with Jim after the shows (you were always together!). Your bright smile and contagious energy is exactly what I needed on those days.

I thought my marching days were over, but I agreed to fill a guard spot at Crossmen mid-way through the 1996 season. I was thrilled to march sabre for the opener because you were the sabre tech. I had marched with the other instructors at The Cadets the previous summer so that had its challenges, but once again you were there to get me through it all.

In the winter of 1998 we taught together at Field of View. This was the best! I loved spending every weekend

together, teaching, traveling, talking, laughing, and generally getting to know each other on a new level.

After Field of View, I officially retired from colorguard. I saw very little of you after that, if at all, I can’t exactly

remember. Your smile, laugh, and personality are unforgettable though. At some point, Facebook came along, and as faces from that past started surfacing, I started looking for yours. Every few months I would search for your name hoping that you had joined, and then in 2014, there you were! Finally I had Michelle Owens back in my life, if only on Facebook!

On a whim last year my partner and I made plans to visit Niagara Falls and then Toronto to see Contemporary Color. I think we were already in Canada when I found out that you were working with Field of View. I remember telling my partner “I think Michelle Owens is going to be here. She is one of my favorite people in the world!” How absurd to think that a friend I hadn’t seen in probably 15 years could be one of my favorite people in the world, but it’s true. I immediately messaged you on Facebook (luckily it was one of your favorite things to do at the time) and we were able to connect after the show the next evening. You were unchanged! Same beautiful smile. Same magnetic

personality. Same contagious energy. Amazing!

Not long after our reunion in Toronto, you received your cancer diagnosis. No big deal, I thought. Michelle can lick this, no problem, she is amazing. You were frequently in my thoughts during those months. In July, I was lucky enough to sit with you and Jeff at Jim’s and Chris’s wedding. There you were, the same Michelle, if maybe a bit weaker from the treatments. The next morning I was with you and Jeff, Jim and Chris, and friends; talking,

laughing, and reminiscing in what I now know was our final time together. I am so grateful that I had the

opportunity to share that moment with you so close to the end.

Farewell my beautiful friend. You were truly the most kind, genuine, caring, and positive person I have ever met. You have left a handprint on my heart like no other.

All my love.