Michael Dachel

Click here to read the complete article
126 – September, 2014

by Brian Livingston

The word ‘loss’ expresses the significance of something so precious that nothing else in the world can replace it. On July 17, 2014, the dog show community felt yet another great loss with the passing of one of our pillars, Michael Dachel. Michael was a dog show icon. He spent years working alongside Bill Trainor presenting many top dogs to the fancy while gathering great stories along the way; stories he was always happy to share. Some of Michael’s proudest accomplishments were with Pekingese, Chows, and various sporting dogs. He held many dog show experiences near and dear to his heart but Michael was accomplished in every aspect of his life. He spent years in the military serving his country. He was a fabulous son, brother, and friend; the kind that always knew exactly what you needed. He possessed an extraordinary kindness for people, a passion for animals, and a quick smile that could light up any room. Not only did the dog world lose one of its pillars on that day in July, but so did I.

A mutual friend, Gene Blake, first introduced me to Michael. We were fast friends and that friendship never waivered over the 15 years I had the privilege of knowing and loving him. Those 15 years proved to be far too short an amount of time. Michael took me under his wing and became a mentor to me with helpful advice on all things dogs. He was proficient in all areas including showing, conditioning, training, etc. Michael was always ready with a helping hand or a witty anecdote for his friends and anyone he would meet. His professional advice was priceless but he had an even larger impact by guiding me through life. Michael began calling me every Sunday on my journey home from the weekend. We spent countless hours together on those long drives. I looked forward to my weekly chat with Michael; those were always some of the happiest moments of my weekend. He always had the best stories to share about client and judging antics from the old days. I so enjoyed hearing stories of Bob and Janie Forsyth, Annie Clark, Bill Trainor, Luc Boileau, Ed Jenner along with so many more. Michael possessed such gentleness for newcomers to the dog world and offered an endless amount of encouragement. While he had no children of his own, Michael was the best father to me and grandfather to my son, Skyler. I couldn’t have asked for one better. He never forgot a birthday, an achievement, or an important day. He spoke with Skyler about school and toys. He sent gifts and care packages. More importantly though – Michael always sent his love. There was never any doubt he was there whether it was to cheer you up, take your mind off things, make you laugh, or just listen. We fondly referred to Michael as ‘Papason’ and ‘Grandpapason’ –?a term meaning ‘honored father’.

Everybody dies. The important thing is to both live and die well. Michael died with the same dignity and class with which he lived his life. When Michael was first diagnosed with the cancer that would claim his vibrant life, it was he who consoled so many. The strength and poise he possessed is remarkable. He was a fighter even in his final days, surviving much longer than his doctors predicted. As his community of family and friends was suffering from the news, he comforted each of them and assured them everything would be okay. Everything would not be okay. Michael was one-in-a-million. To know him truly was to love him. I speak for many when I say he was well-loved. We prayed for relief from the pain and discomfort he felt in his final weeks. But even when expected, we are never prepared to hear the end has come. I am forever left with a longing for one more day, one more call, one more good-bye, and one more Sunday. My Sundays are much lonelier now but I still talk to Papason on my way home. In Michael’s death – heaven has been rewarded. God Bless you Saint Michael.

Short URL: http://caninechronicle.com/?p=58537

Posted by ralbee on Sep 18 2014. Filed under Current Articles, Editorial. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. Both comments and pings are currently closed.