On March 21st about 11:30 at night Mike Janke, 61, passed away.

Mike's adored wife of 22 years, Wanda, was by his side, and she spent
his last hours telling him how much she loved him, and reading to him
from your cards. Although he could not speak, his facial expression
would change as he heard your news and your thanks for everything he
has done for us all. During his final weeks you have helped him so
very much by sharing with him your appreciation.

You will be relieved to know that Mike received the mercy of passing
peacefully. His expressions showed that not only was he listening to
the kind words said to him, but also that his pain had gone away.

For the last few days Mike had been aware but not quite conscious. One
of the last things he heard before entering that state was that he had
won a Special Award of the International Ferret Congress and it gave
him great joy. He told Wanda how happy and honored it made him feel.

Mike Janke has been one of the true treasures of the ferret world.
Always modest while always active, Mike first began helping shelters
and later also worked to make sure that vets and ferret people could
get the medical help they needed. With his quick wit and his spare,
clear writing style Mike was able to make even difficult concepts easy
to understand. Anyone who has read his articles in
http://www.miamiferret.org/fhc/
and in the Ferret Health List and the Ferret Mailing List knows how
consistently accessible he made information. Even though he wasn't a
vet some of Mike's writings were carried to veterinary journals as
were links to them.

Although I had known and respected Mike Janke for years my own
friendship with him began six years ago when both Dr. Bruce Williams,
DVM and I found that Mike was at the top of each of our lists for
becoming a moderator of the Ferret Health List. Luckily, he said,
"Yes." As all of the other FHL moderators can attest, Mike was
incredibly easy to work with day in and day out, helping others.
As every FHL member can further attest, Mike was understanding,
tolerant, and always would go out of his way to be helpful.

Wanda Janke will continue paying the fee to keep the Miamiferret
webpage up. Also, when he knew that his malignancy had returned Mike
provided his data to Pam Sessoms, another wonderful FHL moderator who
is a joy to work with and a back-up copy to me, so if or when there is
need there will be an announcement about is Mike's useful information
appearing elsewhere.

Wanda asked me to let everyone know, so if you could, please, share
this letter in its entirety and without change with others that will
be greatly appreciated.

Sympathy cards can be sent to his family, Wanda, and sons Bob and Jon:

The Janke Family
11930 SW 131st Ave.
Miami, FL 33186

Mike will be sorely missed.

[Posted in FML 5555]