Mike and I grew up together out in the country in San Benito, TX. His Family and ours have been friends for over 40 yrs. Mike and I loved fishing, I would spend the night with him and his Family sometimes 2-3 nights in a row. So much, that Mary (his Mom) would start to call me her son. I had lost contact for a few years but had saw him in WalMart a few months before his death. We hugged, got teary-eyed and promised to go fishing again like when we were kids and teenagers. I never got the chance though. Mike was the best fishing Buddy and friend a guy could have...but most importantly, I don't think I've ever met a nicer, more humble, giving individual than Mike. I am certainly a better man for having known him...RIP old friend, God willing, we'll see each other again some day. Randy Ledbetter

A funeral was held for Michael Sanchez a paramedic and volunteer firefighter. He died in a helicopter crash Tuesday,Feb. 5, 2008 near South Padre Island, Texas.