Michael Vruwink

I just heard about Mike's loss, and I am so sorry. I worked with Mike in Angola, and we had talked about him coming to work at Air Evac with me. Without doubt, Mike was one of the genuinely good guys, with a kind heart. I am sad to learn he passed away. Rest in Peace, mate.

- Michael King

Sadly, I am just now seeing the news of Mike’s passing. I’m assuming it is the same Mike Vruwink I was deployed to Desert storm with when he was a young Lt. He and I were the last two from our unit to return and I have a great photo of him holding his baby and me at the airport for our arrival that I was looking at the other. It caused me to seek him out only to find an outdated LinkedIN profile and this. If a family member reaches out to me I will share my photos. He was a great guy. I always credit him with getting me into running. We would run miles in the desert heat. Years after returning home, I picked it up again and run the Pikes Peak Marathon (14,100 elevation) several times. I can credit him for getting up and down that mountain in some fashion.

- Douglas Menefee (Lobb)

Very sorry to hear of Mike's passing. Thoughts and prayers to his family.

- Michael Berlin

Mrs. Bonnie I am so sorry for the loss of Mr. V. I know for a fact words cannot convey how much of a difference he made in this world. I always looked up to him and he was without a doubt the light in every room he entered. Spanky and I will be flying today prepping for a trip to Alaska in the morning. Though the skies will never be the same without Mr. V in them know he's forever changed the way I look at it.

- Derek Boyd

Very very sorry to hear the sad passing of, what was for me, one of the most uplifting and motivating characters I ever had the chance to meet. Mike, from our days in Angola, know that your motivation and positivity made impressions on many that will have a lasting effect. Rest In Peace big easy, you will be missed...

- Doug Leith

I first met Mike while working for Industrial Helicopters in Port O'Connor, TX (around 1993/94). I believe that Mike taught me the ropes for working at Brooklyn Union and later Enron Oil and Gas. We worked a 14 day on / 7 day off schedule, so it wasn't uncommon to have two separate customers to fly for. We shared a trailer and Mike was a lot of fun to be around. Some time later Mike sought greener pastures flying EMS in California. 20 years later I found myself in Malongo, Africa flying Oil and Gas again. I was going through a pile of old Pilot shirts and I found this one shirt with the wings embroidered on it. I kept it for myself and later found the name Vruwink written on the inside. Ah-ha!!!! Mike's been here. It turned out that not only had he worked for Heli-Malongo in the past, but that he was looking to come back, which he did. So, the helicopter flying world is small and that good friends will see each other again even if a few decades keep them apart. Mike, it was a pleasure to have known you. Bonnie, I am sorry for your loss. Mike was one of the good ones for sure. Love, Sean

- Sean A. Murphy

Our hearts are broken for you and the family. Mike was such an awesome man. Sending prayers ...

- Ken and Dee Meadows

I just can’t believe this . What a great man loving husband father and best of friends this world could’ve had I’m so sorry Bonnie love you forever

- Spanky ( Phil melton)

I was socked to hear Mike had passed away. He was my friend and a great pilot. We flew together in Afghanistan and Heli-Malongo. Thank you Mike for your friendship and the good times. You will be missed but not forgotten.

- Robert Jewett

I am so saddened to hear and so sorry for you for the loss of Mike. My sincerest condolences to you, Bonnie, and to the kids. I’m so thankful to have gotten to know you and Mike during our days at Flight School in Fort Rucker. Seems like not that long ago. I'm glad we had the opportunity to all get together in April 2016 (can't believe it's been that long already) to see you and Mike. Fun time! I too would have never thought it would be the last time I saw Mike. I know for certain he's facing our Creator and hearing "Well done good and faithful Servant." Love to you all.

- Mark R. Greenwood

I'm so glad we had the chance to get together last time you guys were out here. Who'd have thought it would be the last time we saw Mike. He's in a better place but praying for you, Bonnie, and your family. Think of you often!

- Peggy Retherford

I was in shock when I heard the news. My prayers and sincere condolences to you in this very difficult time. Mike and I flew for Heli Malongo.

- Bernie Wings Stachelberger

So heartbroken to hear this .. he was always a bright and happy soul .. hugs from your Medi-Flight "sister"

- Lou and Mark Menton

So sorry for your loss

- Mike Morrow