School district, county mourns passing of beloved resident
* Editor’s note: The writer was a classmate of Mike Hyde.
Robbinsville – I didn’t know the last time I saw him would be the last time I saw him.
He was standing in the hall at Robbinsville Elementary School, taking care of business as the school custodian, watching after all the kids, staff and keeping the building spotless: manning the halls with that big smile.
That big smile has been a part of my life since we entered first grade at that same elementary school in 1969. We made small talk and laughed about how old we are getting, and I told him I would see him later.
There is something special about a classmate. Setting out on life’s journey together and learning basic skills like reading, writing and multiplication tables.
Let’s not forget our classmates are with us for many firsts in our lives – our first crush, first kiss and first heartbreak, going to football games, class trips and school dances. All these memories will forever seal a friendship that binds this group of kids for life.
Mike Hyde was one of a kind and the Robbinsville High School Class of 1981 loved him.
He had a love for rock and roll. The Class of 1981 will remember him as the “Rock-n-Roll Legend of Robbinsville.”
Several classmates are now sharing one of his cassette tape recordings, for which he traveled to Knoxville, Tenn., to purchase a mixing board so he could produce his music. His cassettes are still floating around and I believe they will make a strong comeback.
“He was always ready to help me,” said classmate Sidney Wilkey. “He pushed my wheelchair and would carry me up and down the steps.”
“He was always friendly, always kind and always waiting to lend a hand to anyone who needed help whether it was his job or not,” added Robbinsville Elementary School assistant principal Warren Knott. “He went above and beyond his job.”
Knott and Hyde talked about a lot about sports.
“He was a true Robbinsville guy,” Knott said. “You felt better after talking to him. Graham County Schools are going to miss him. I am going to miss him.”
He was a Black Knight. He played on state championship football teams. He was number 26. He loved sports.
He loved music – but most importantly, he loved his family.
He was a great dad and an amazing grandpa. He was a loving husband, brother and son. Men like Mike don’t come around every day – and when they do, they deserve to be recognized and honored.
The most important quality about him – even more important than his love and devotion to his family and friends – was his devotion to his Heavenly Father. He walked with the Lord and it showed in every part of his life. His relationship with his Savior is what put that beautiful smile on his face.
Not only did “Mr. Mike” make an impact on the staff at Robbinsville Elementary School, the door to his work closet says exactly how loved he was by the kids he served each day.
They loved him. He was not only their friend and helper in the halls, but he drove a school bus and several of them saw him early each morning with that big smile. The first school employee to see each morning and the last to see each afternoon when he took them safely home, no doubt telling each one goodbye with that big smile.
In my senior annual, Mike wrote, “To one of the sweetest girls I know. Hope you have the best of luck in college and everything you do. I do remember our play. It was cool wasn’t it? Remember the fun times we’ve had in school. Remember me for the good not for the bad. We will always remain friends no matter what. Remember me always. Love, Mike #26.”
I will remember you always, Mike. I will remember your beautiful smile, your hearty laugh and your big beautiful heart.
That last day I saw him in the halls of Robbinsville Elementary, it took me back to a simpler time in our lives where all we had to wonder about was what was for lunch and if we were playing crab soccer or bombardment in P.E.
As Mr. Knott shared, I did leave feeling better after I talked with him.
Even though it hurts to think that the next time I go down to the school and walk those hallowed halls, I won’t see my friend and classmate, I think about another day; another reunion, where I will spend eternity with Mike with our Heavenly Father – and we will never have to say goodbye again.