Boatnerd Discussion Forum

Ill never forget the morning the Mesquite sank dad was the Group Engineer in the Soo. I was listen to my scanner as I always did at night when I woke up to the distress call. It was very early in the morning and I went and woke him up to tell him that Mesquite was reporting taking on water. He immediately got up and told me to go get his car started for him as it was a very cold December morning. When he was ready to leave I was sitting on my bed listening to the traffic the best I could as reception was kind of bad at times and he came up and told me to get my boots and coat lets go. I sat in soo control listening to the traffic and the salvage efforts that were taking place dad spent several days trying to save her from her ultimate demise. just one of the many great memories ill always have as a "Coasties" kid. There were lots of adventures I would be sent on as I got older and could drive and learned that him being gone ment so much more then just going ice breaking or buoy tending for weeks and months at a time I learned that all those things mattered in a much larger picture and dad was very good at being the "Chief" he took assignments that were always a challenge and was always ready he was the motto "Semper Paratus" I will miss our late night chats and your cheesy emails fair winds and following seas pops all 6 mdes on the line ready for sea

Very sad to learn of the passing over the bar of LCDR Micheal, the Chief. Knew him, and partied with him when Acacia & the Mighty Mac (W83) came to Chicago. Also sailed with him on the Mac. He will be missed by the Coast Guard Family and here on Boatnerd.
Jay Crissey

Heartfelt sympathy. Shared a number of threads with Chief's insightful contributions. He will be missed.

Jon Paul, I am also very saddened as well by Brent's sudden passing. My greatest regret is that I did not have the chance to meet him in person, and spend time getting to know more of that vast amount of knowledge of the Lakes and the Coast Guard that he had. His loss will be felt here on the Boatnerd board deeply. My prayers for you and your family.

Dale R. Ridder

Thank you for your posts and expressions of support for the loss of my brother. I will post in the next few days some of the highlights of his career.He had sailed all 5 of the Great Lakes, several trips out the seaway and had been the EO on the WAGB-83 Mackinaw, the Mariposa, Bramble and Acacia.

Will miss his posting, RIP.

I'm very saddened by Brents passing. He really shared a lot of knowledge so very often to the Boatnerd boards. My thoughts and prayers go out to everyone close to him and especially to his family.
3L2S
Paul Anderson

I know I can speak for all of us when I say how distressing and sad it was to hear of Brent Micheal`s sudden passing . His knowledgeble input and participation here at boatnerd was part of our discussion board fabric . Chief and I had very similiar careers , on opposite sides of the border , but all the same anyway . I`ll miss him greatly .

To his colleages , crewmates , and friends at the US Coast Guard
Cheboygen Base MI I extend my condolences , and to his family and loved ones , my deepest sympathy . God bless you Brent .