We love you, Papa. Thanks so much for teaching us about horses and the gospel and playing sports with us. We love reading stories with you and "helping" you!
Love,
Callan and Nolan
Nov 13, 2007
Happy Birthday, Papa!
John Wayne Says Happy Birthday
"Out here, [Happy Birthday] is a bullet." Col. Michael Kirby (The Green Berets)
“A [Birthday] is a [Birthday], it ain´t make a difference what color it is.”
Mark Fitzgerald, brother
Hi Mike,
Norm Rentschler, ward member
[soothing music begins softly and crescendos] the music changes
[fanfare, sounds of gunfire and fireworks, the "nays" of horses, and
[in the sky, as the music and sounds fade to silence, clouds
You are loved, noticed, and appreciated - - - Happy Birthday!
Norm
Dawn Norton, friend & book reviewer
I hope you had a happy birthday. I know you mostly through Cristi of course, but I have been so impressed with your quiet, gentle strength. The best kind--the kind Christ exhibited. Here is wishing that as your birthday passes, that your health will be restored and you will find victory and strength in Christ.
Dawn
PS- Don't forget you are worth 2 million dollars. Actually more. But things that we see as they are, are often not what they seem at all. The be is still out there, you just have to step into it and embrace it with confidence. I know you are the 2 million dollar man. :-)
Tony Graham, friend & roping partner
Dear Mike!
Happy Big 50!! Seems like we're still 30 doesn't it! It also seems like just yesterday we were riding across the Fitzgerald ranch chasing cattle.
Tony
Aubrey Fitzgerald, daughter
Popsicle,
You rock! I love you so much! You are my absolute favorite daddy in the whole entire world! Thank you for everything you've done for me. I don't know what I'd do if I didn't have my Daddy. I hope you have a very very very happy happy happy 50th birthday! WOW. My daddy's half a century old. That is so awesome! I love you love you love you!
luvs and hugs,
Claire
Richard & Terry Fox, ward members
Dear Bishop,
No amount of words can truly express our love and appreciation to you. You are a man of great faith, love and concern for each of us. We have missed you and hope you are feeling better.
Have a wonderful birthday!
Love,
Richard & Terry Fox
Melissa Franklin, daughter
DeeDott-
"Yeah Daddy, Go Daddy, Everbody say Hooray for Daddy!"
Thanks for dedicating more than half of those last 50 years to being my dad. It's a big job and you passed with flying colors! Thanks for your example and counsel and fun! Thanks for making your path easy to follow.
Love,
Your Bucket-of-Toys
PS. Can Mister Spaghetti Man come to visit sometime? :)
Nov 12, 2007
Penny Nelson, friend
Mike,
Happy Birthday! What do I say to such a great guy?! Well I want you to know what a wonderful example you have been to me and my children. You are such a spiritual, calm, soft spoken and loving man. I wish you the very best. I hope you feel very celebrated!
Penny
Penny
Dan & Donna Hansen, ward members
Dear Bishop Fitzgerald,
Happy Birthday!!! Here's to fifty more years and twice as much fun as the first half. Bishop, how can ever thank you for all that you have done for our family. We marvel at your insight and are so grateful for your righteousness. Because you have stayed on the straight and narrow path, we have been blessed. Thank you for listening to the promptings of your heart and helping us along the way of life.
Sincerely,
the Hansens
Sincerely,
the Hansens
Colleen O'Brien & kids, former neighbors
Mike,
As our neighbor you were always there with a helping hand -- like when I was digging several large holes for several large trees only to see a shadow standing before me carrying its own shovel. Or entertaining the kids as Pooh Bear at birthday parties even though it must have been 95 degrees in that costume. And rounding up the kids for me by capturing them with your lasso. You've touched so many hearts in so many ways. Thank you and happy 50th to a guy who will always be young at heart!
Colleen, Genevieve and Margaret
Hermana Amy Fitzgerald, daughter
Daddy! Happy Birthday! I wish I could have known you all 50 years of your life! Thank you for the 22 years of great parenting and of a fantastic example for me. As I have experienced more and more in my life, I have discovered how truly unique it is to have a father as wonderful as you are. Thank you for your righteous leadership in the home and for raising me with love. I wish you 100 more years! I love you!
Love,
Hermana Lu
(New Jersey Morristown Mission)
P.S.
I like my Daddy because he is:
nice
fun
optimistic
spiritual
strong
a cowboy
happy
funny
spaghetti-man-ish
a leader
a thrasher
a good bishop
smart
a good writer
insightful
observant
helpful
inspired
silly
AND EVERYTHING ELSE THAT A GOOD DAD NEEDS TO BE!!!
Owen & Faye Quarnberg, ward members
HOWDY COWBOY BISHOP,
Congratulations on your 50th Birthday. We have enjoyed you as our Bishop. We have watched as you took a newly organized Ward and pulled it together, to make up a wonderful Ward Family. With love and support from your counselors, and especially the support given by your loving wife and family, we have become a truly Ward Family. May God's richest blessings be bestowed upon you and your family. Not much difference between a Cowboy and a Bishop, still rounding up strays and bringing them back to the herd.
Love,
Owen and Faye Quarnberg
Rob Armstrong, ward member
Dear Bishop,
There is no doubt in my mind that circumstances were manipulated by a
Heavenly hand as an answer to prayer so that my entire family could be
blessed by having you as a Bishop. I'm not sure you can appreciate the
magnitude that you have blessed our family.
The greatest lesson I have learned from you personally so far is to
trust the guidance of the Spirit. For me that is hard, but your
confidence in acting has inspired me to be more bold.
Thank you,
Rob Armstrong
Cory Barker, brother-in-law
Happy Birthday Jim!
I was thinking about it and I've decided that
you have made all the difference in my life.
If not for you I wouldn't have changed
my profession to become a teacher
and you know if you hadn't been there
Brandon would have fallen to his death.
You've been a constant, supportive, good friend.
I hope you will continue to be a powerful
influence for good in my life for years to come.
Thank you and have a great birthday!
Joe
Tracy Armstrong, ward member
Bishop-
I know in my heart that we were sent to live here so you could be my Bishop.
This is the happiest I've been in my life and you've played a big part in making that so.
Thanks for saving me.
Love,
Tracy Armstrong
The Cartwrights, more cowboys
"One place or another, there'll always be a [Mike Fitzgerald], and for every one like him who makes it, a thousand will fail. But then, what are thousand to one odds for a man who looks up into the sky and sees... a bonanza!"
The Williamsens, ward members
Happy Birthday Bishop Mike!
"From the bed of pain from the pillow wet with tears, we are lifted heavenward by that divine assurance and precious promise: 'I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.' -President Thomas S. Monson.
Hang in there Bishop - God is at the helm.
Love ya,
The Williamsens
Nov 11, 2007
Joanna & Billy Atkinson, ward members
Happy 50th, Bishop!
My goodness, you don't look a day over 65! We hope you enjoy your day - and 50 more of them! We so appreciate you and your service to our family - and the ward.
Happy Birthday,
Joanna & Billy Atkinson
Rod & DeAnn Franklin, Melissa's in-laws
50 YEARS OLD! Well, we are both here to tell you there’s life after your 50th birthday. As a matter of fact, that particular milestone is fading in our memories even as I write. Hmm…. quite a lot of other things are fading in our memories as well, but that’s another age-related story.
Lots of hugs…. Rod and DeAnn
Nov 10, 2007
Tom Cieslinski, childhood friend
I have known Mike Fitzgerald since I was 4 years old, that makes our friendship 46 years old. In that 46 years this is what I have seen. A man that loves his God, family and friends with total mind, body and soul. Someone who is deep thinking, always fair and objective. A man that walks in the light of Christ and lets that guide his daily life. My close friendship with Mike is one of my most valuable possessions.
Happy birthday Mike. I love you very much.
Your friend, brother, and pony partner,
Tom
Gene Autry, Cowboy
The Cowboy Code By Gene Autry
1. The cowboy must never shoot first, hit a smaller man, or take unfair advantage.
2. He must never go back on his word, or a trust confided in him.
3. He must always tell the truth.
4. He must be gentle with children, the elderly, and animals.
5. He must not advocate or possess racially or religiously intolerant ideas.
6. He must help people in distress.
7. He must be a good worker.
8. He must keep himself clean in thought, speech, action, and personal habits.
9. He must respect women, parents, and his nation's laws.
10. The Cowboy is a patriot.
Happy Birthday, Mike!
Nov 9, 2007
Steve Poulsen, former 1st counselor to Bp. Mike
Dear Bishop,
As I think of you at this time of birthday celebration, I’m reminded of the words of a hymn:
What greater gift dost thou bestow
What greater goodness can we know
Than Christ-like friends, whose gentle ways
Strengthen our faith, enrich our days
May you have the happiest of birthdays, and many thanks for your friendship and kindness.
Love,
Steve Poulsen
John Valerie, missionary companion
Hi Mike,
Here's hoping you have a wonderful 50th birthday celebration.
The gospel (Christ) is our anchor, and the last 50 years has been
I'm sure glad I got the chance to be your compadre 29 years ago
Sure Love Ya,
Your brother-John Valerie
Simon St.Laurent, Mike's editor
Mike,
You've done amazing work for O'Reilly, time and time again. Your good cheer and interest in making technology accessible have helped us and an army of readers. Enjoy a well-deserved happy 50th!
Simon St.Laurent
Editor, O'Reilly Media, Inc.
Debbie & Jim Younkin, friends
I had a hard time approaching 50. I couldn't bring myself to say my age until a couple of years had passed. But then it didn't seem to matter so much. But it probably won't hurt at all for you! You'll be fine. You are an awesome guy, Mike. Have a great 50th and every day after that!
Debbie and Jim Younkin
Tamara Laing, friend & proofreader
Hay, Cowboy
My hat's off to ewe, you good righter! Eye herd it's your birthday to boot. Yule love the fifty kind of words I scent four your fifty years. Aisle bee glad two give ya my too sense worth- I'm sum proofreader!
Happy Spurs and Saddle Birthday!
Tamara Laing
Dana Edvalson, friend
(sung to the tune of “Oh He Was A Desperado From the Wild and Woolly West” If you don’t remember it or you never heard it – which basically means you never went to Camp Namanu – ask Melissa to hum the tune.)
Oh, he came from down the valley
In the state of Ore-gun
But he ended up in Utah
Living in the desert sun
It would take a heap of writing
Just to list the good he’s done
So let’s all celebrate him with a yahoo!
Oh he twirled that rope like a desperado
You’d think he even came from Colorado
But his hat was white – he did all he oughta
Let’s celebrate his birthday with a yahoo!
Oh, he loves to ride the horses
and he loves to throw that rope
He’s the good guy in the western
who can give the town some hope
As a writer and a father and
a Bishop, he’s no dope
So let’s all celebrate him with a yahoo!
Oh he twirled that rope like a desperado
You’d even think he came from Colorado
But his hat is white – he does all he oughta
So celebrate his birthday with a yahoo!
Dana Edvalson
The Lone Ranger, who needs no introduction
“A fiery horse with the speed of light, a cloud of dust and a hearty 'Hi-Yo [Birthday Boy]!'
Russ Wilding, Mike's missionary trainer
Dear Fitz,
I will always feel blessed and indebted to you for the wonderful example and influence you have been on my life.
As your missionary companion you taught me humility, kindness, the value of a good sense of humor and that dogs love cheese. I will forever remember attending Catholic Mass with you in Alliance Ohio and how it strengthened my testimony of the truthfulness of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.
I wish you a happy birthday and know that you have blessed the lives of many people. You are a fantastic person and I hope your next 50 years are the best years of your life.
Sincerely
Russ Wilding
Amy (Hansen) Whitney, friend of daughter Amy F.
Mike,
You may not know this but you have been a great example to me. I have seen how you have raised your daughters, especially Amy, and how you treat your wife. Thank you for being a good example of what a righteous priesthood holder should be!
Happy Birthday!
Amy Hansen Whitney
Danielle Taylor, friend
Happy birthday to you,
Happy birthday to you,
Happy birthday, dear Mike,
Happy birthday to you.
And many more, til you're a hundred and four.
That's our family's version to share with you on this momentous day. Half a century, now that's something to celebrate. Not everyone gets that blessing.
We appreciate knowing you, Mike. Since our great co-op a few years ago, we have enjoyed your friendship and great example. What most impresses me about you is your ability to validate the people who cross your path. You offer dignity and respect and caring. What wonderful gifts to share with the world.
May the next 50 bring you wonderful, joyous experiences!
Danielle Taylor
Dave Kearns, former co-worker
Happy Birthday, Mike -
I hope that things are going well for you and your family in Utah. I miss getting together with you and talking about writing, or horses, or skiing, or whatever. Do you still spend any time on your fiction writing? I have taken a break from writing and have concentrated on courses in Kung-Fu (4 years) and guitar (3 years). I'm still not too good at either, but I have fun trying.
My children are 15, 12, and 9 now. When you start teaching one of your kids to drive, you really know you're getting old! Things are going okay for us - Jean has gone back to work at ADP as a tech writer, and I'm still at Mentor Graphics, now in the QA group on an IC Verification tool. I still like working with computers and appreciate the challenge of trying to fix something that's not working quite like it should.
Drop me a line sometime and let me know how things are going. I'll be 50 myself before long, so we should have plenty of wisdom to share with each other ;-)
Take care, Mike
Dave Kearns
Jordan Cox, friend
Happy Birthday Mike!!
It seems like only yesterday, I was getting an opportunity to work with you in the 12th Ward Bishopric, but only briefly. I really appreciate working with you and becoming your friend. While we have some common “natural man” interests, I have come to lean on you for your gospel insights and direction. Thank you so much for your compassion, clear thinking and advice. You are very much loved and respected by me and my family. I hope this birthday is a great one for you!
Love,
Jordan
Nov 8, 2007
Nov 7, 2007
Jon & Ellen Bradford, friends
Mike,
Turning fifty means looking back at the choices you've made, the places you've been and embracing the amazing person they have helped you become--
Turning fifty means every challenge you face is a blessing in disguise, an opportunity for growth and a sign that God really does really care and is watching you become who he already knows you are. Turning fifty means appreciating just how far you've traveled, yet realizing the best of the best is yet to come...It means wrapping yourself in happiness and celebrating every minute of being fifty as if it were the best time in your life-- because it truly is!
We wish you a very happy birthday and send our love.
Ellen and Jon Bradford
The Harwards, ward members
Birthday wishes to our favorite Bishop Mike Fitzgerald,
We are now wondering about all the great advice and wisdom we received from our bishop, because we didn’t realize that he was not yet 50. How could someone in their 40’s know so much?
We are grateful that we do have such a knowledgeable, wonderful and considerate bishop. Our ward is blessed to have him available to all of us and to have a great man to lead this ward. Thanks for all that you have done for our family.
Love the Harwards
Colette Barker, sister-in-law
Happy 5 decades or 1/2 century birthday Mike! I can still remember the first time I met you in 1975 when you came to seminary with Tom. I also remember shopping with you and teaching you how to iron a shirt before you went on your mission. You are the brother I never had. I'm glad to have you in our family and look forward to many more years of memories. Happy Birthday Cowboy!
Love,
Colette (your favorite sister-in-law)
Jen Walker, ward member
I am glad to know you and have you as my Bishop. I appreciate the candor with which you say the things that need to be said. You always have a great attitude even when you yourself are struggling. You're in our prayers always.
Jen Walker
Oct 27, 2007
Fred & Mary Lou Parker, friends
Happy Birthday, Mike!
Besides your being just a plain good guy, we were always impressed with your ability to give fabulous talks. One in particular was the one you gave on the week before Christ's crucifixion, telling of what occurred each day. I have read the copy of that talk many times and am always touched by your insight and knowledge. We also have your children's book, which has been read many times to our grandchildren. You are a wonderful man who has touched the lives of many people, including us.
Love,
Fred and Mary Lou Parker
Besides your being just a plain good guy, we were always impressed with your ability to give fabulous talks. One in particular was the one you gave on the week before Christ's crucifixion, telling of what occurred each day. I have read the copy of that talk many times and am always touched by your insight and knowledge. We also have your children's book, which has been read many times to our grandchildren. You are a wonderful man who has touched the lives of many people, including us.
Love,
Fred and Mary Lou Parker
Peter Ackerman, former neighbor
Mike,
What ho! Holy geriatrics! Truth is, you're young at heart; a man of good humor, spirit and family from whom others can learn. Good foundation built in the first half. Happy 50th, and nothing but happy and healthy ones to come in the second half.
Your friend,
Peter Ackerman
Mary Stevens, ward member
Happy Birthday, Bishop!
Your compassion and knowledge have made a real difference for me and for my husband and family. You are an amazing spiritual leader with a host of gifts to share. Thank you for having the courage and wisdom to share them with all of us.
Mary Stevens
Wild Bill Hicock, cowboy
Maybe he would say "A word of advice: Always [eat your birthday cake] in a corner, so you can see your enemies coming!Tim Edvalson, friend & former bishop
The only thing bad about Mike turning 50 is that mean's I'm that much more ahead of him!! Too bad for me and good for you Mike! I greatly value the influence for good you've been in my life and I'm grateful for our friendship. Enjoy the celebration!
Tim Edvalson
Austin Avrashow, former co-worker
Mike has been a friend and colleague whose friendship has enriched my life. God bless you.
Austin Avrashow
Dale Benson, counselor in stake presidency
Dear Bishop Fitzgerald,
I wish you an incredible 50th birthday! You are a true gentleman—gentle, understanding, fun-loving, committed, and converted (to the gospel of Jesus Christ). You live your life in way that radiates the blessings of the gospel!
May the Lord bless you!
Love, President Benson
John Hart, friend
Ahhhh, you've reached the big Fifty
Not so nifty
if you know what I mean.
Have you seen
how certain parts
like nose hairs and brain smarts
suddenly go freaky
and leaky like
it's a clue
to you that
from here on out
there is no doubt
things will get worse
it's a curse
take it from me
I'm sixty-five
still alive, but
less and less chipper 'cuz
I can no longer find my
zipper.
Happy Birthday and Many More, my friend!
John Hart
Steve Averett, stake high councilor
Dear Bishop Fitzgerald,
I just wanted to wish you a happy birthday. You are so young. I'm several years older than you.
You are such a good man. You do so much good. You are involved in so many incidents of service in your ward.
It is always so nice to see you. You are always so friendly.
Thanks for the many things you do to help me in my calling, as well.
Best wishes.
Steve Averett
Jay Taylor, friend
Mike was one of my trainers in the Provo Temple. His patient and reverent tone impressed on my mind the privilege of serving the Lord. Mike's smile and counsel inspired me to write. He taught me to trust myself; to trust my motives are pure. I have discovered my inheritance.
Thank you,
Jay Taylor
Dale Munk, stake president
Bishop Fitzgerald,
Fifty is a great age. You're going to love it and what comes after. It is wonderful to work with you in the stake. I appreciate your dedication to the assignment and your love of the people in the 12th ward. And, I believe that they love you too!
President Munk
Jay Clark, counselor in stake presidency
Quotes of distilled wisdom for one who has lived long enough to appreciate them:
1) There is still no cure for the common birthday.-John Glenn
2) Lost wealth may be replaced by industry, lost knowledge by study, lost health by temperance or medicine, but lost time is gone forever.- Samuel Smiles
Happy Birthday, Bishop Fitzgerald!
President Clark
Ellen Huff, stake RS president
Bishop Fitzgerald,
I have known you by personal observation, through the eyes of your daughter, Amy, and through your RS President, Michelle. I have heard and seen nothing but good. Your gentleness and kindness is always evident. It is clear to see how faithful and good you are. Your daughter reflects good training, a strong home, and celestial living. Michelle felt unconditional support and love from a caring, patient Bishop.
Happy Birthday!
Thank you for all you give,
Sister Ellen Huff
Layne Argyle, ward member
Happy Birthday Bishop,
Wow....you are really old now :-).
Hey, just wanted to tell you Happy 50th Birthday.
You are truly a great man. I'm lucky to have such a great friend and
mentor. I count myself blessed and better for having known you.
I hope you are able to enjoy your special day.
Thanks for everything you do!
Have a HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Layne Argyle
Will Rogers, cowboy
"Take the diplomacy out of [birthdays] and the thing would fall flat in a week."
Oct 13, 2007
Cristi, your eternal cowgirl!
I hope you have enjoyed all of these messages from people in your life that know and love you. I'm grateful God was so merciful and kind when He allowed our paths to cross 32 years ago. I can't imagine a better husband for me and father for our children. You have taught me how to love unconditionally, how to be kind even when others sometimes aren't, you have exercised your priesthood with righteousness and have set the example of how to be a true follower and disciple of Jesus Christ. And on top of all of that seriousness, you're just plain FUN!!!
Happy 50 years already, and at least 50 more great ones to come!
I love you. Cristi
P.S. Party on, Dude! :-)
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