IN MEMORIUM: RICHARD MICHAEL ABBOTT 1947-2008

Mike Abbott, respected Insurance Executive, passed away on July 6, 2008 following an extended battle to overcome prostate cancer. He was very active as an Executive Vice President with Allied North America Insurance agency for the past ten years. Mike, age 61, lived life to the fullest with his best friend and wife, Gail, and the friends they made throughout the U.S. through his love of traveling, fishing, golfing, boating, and hunting. He is survived by his loving wife, Gail, and four devoted children, Lance and Sara Abbott of McKinney, Lori and Casey Motl of Arkadelphia, AR, Paige and Cary Greene of Frisco, Corri and Dale Ehmer of Plano and ten wonderful grandchildren, who were all able to be with him during his final hours at his home in Plano. Mike is preceded in death by loving parents, Alice Marie and Russell Melbern Abbott. When not landing a Tarpon from his boat “Reel Texan” in Florida, hunting quail in West Texas, or skiing in Colorado, Mike was busy making friends wherever he went. He, along with business partner, Ray Pitts, organized the successful annual Allied Against Cancer Golf Tournament each October to raise funds for the fight against Cancer and Leukemia. They have raised thousands of dollars through friends and business support and through the participation of country western song writers and celebrities during the annual event. Mike was born in Dallas, Texas and attended W.W. Samuell High School and the University of Texas at Arlington. He started his insurance career at Employers Insurance of Texas followed by stints at various agencies. Friends describe Mike as truly “one of a kind” who was generous to a fault, always made friends for life, and was an exceptional role model for all husbands, fathers and grandfathers. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.