[Dsix36]

I am deeply saddened by the fact that my first chance to meet Mike was also my last. I enjoyed the conversation we had prior to diving and found him to be a great guy. My prayers are with his family and friends.

[rigdiver]

Strength to family and friends during these trying times. RIP Brother.

[tammy riopel]

would like to thank everyone for their kind words on behalf of michaels friends family and children he was truly an amazing man father and friend to all this world has truly lost a great man we love and miss you michael always in our hearts and memories tammy riopel

[RRRiopel-Cali]

I am Michaels sister, Rione, I live in California and I am currently staying with our father who just had a quadruple bypass less than a week ago. I spoke to Mike the day before he met his fate. I am thankful that I did. Anyway, I found another scuba forum that is quite informative and has some funeral info. Thank you all for your kind words. I have found more comfort in these rooms than I have here at home. Im so glad my brother died doing what he loved the most. Rest in peace bro..I will never let your memory fade.

Rione Riopel-Landgraf

Mike Riopel Memorial Thread - ScubaBoard

[RRRiopel-Cali]

I found this other forum to be of comfort and it also has some info on the funeral. I posted earlier, but I either erased it will be duplicated. I dunno..I'm a mess. I am Mikes sister, Rione. I live in California. I have posted some pictures on the other site. There are a few good ones left by his fellow diving buddies as well. Rest in peace bro...you will never leave my heart.


Rione Riopel-Landgraf


Mike Riopel Memorial Thread - ScubaBoard

[PADI189750]

I knew Mike for many years. A very passionate man, especailly when it came to diving.

I was a divemaster for Mike for many of his recreational classes, I was a student of his for some of the many certifications he taught (including the Dolphin Rebreather). He was also a mentor to me as I took the steps towards becoming a SCUBA Instructor myself.

He will be missed dearly by everyone that had the opportunity to meet him.

Loren!

[Narcosis]

Michael Riopel's Obituary, as will be printed in The Florida Times Union:

Mike Riopel, 52, of Jacksonville, Florida passed away this past Saturday in an unfortunate Scuba Diving accident in South Florida. Mike was loved by everybody he met. His love for being a scuba diving instructor and his passion for teaching and showing fellow divers our wonderful underwater world was enormous. Mike will be greatly missed by his family and friends and the world is a much better place because he was in it. He is survived by his wife, Lisa; sons, Jesse and Joseph Riopel of Merced, CA, Joshua and Michael Riopel of Panama City, FL, and Brock Riopel of Jacksonville; parents, Fred and Dee Riopel of Magalia, CA; stepdaughters, Scarlette and Summer White of Jacksonville, and Cassie Callaway of Panama City, FL; chosen son, Jeffrey McLarry of Jacksonville; sisters, Rione Landgraf of Magalia, CA, and Debra Salce of Mass.; grandchildren, Jesse, Jr., Lillian Rose and Kara Mae Riopel; dear friend, Louie Combs of Redding, CA. The family will receive friends this Thursday evening, March 20, 2008 between 6 p.m. and 8 p.m at Jacksonville Life Church, 7818 Phillips Hwy. A celebration of Mike’s life will be held in the church at 11 a.m. Friday, March 21, 2008 with Pastor Steve Wallace officiating. Interment will follow in Mandarin Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Mike Riopel Benefit Fund, c/o/ Compass Bank, 904-564-8183. Arrangements under the direction and are of ETERNITY FUNERAL HOME, 4856 Oakdale Ave.

[Narcosis]

A Benefit Fund has been set up ofr Lisa Riopel, Mike's wife for anyone wishing to help out. I thank you all in advance and ask that word of this fund be spread to anyone who knew Mike. Thanks agian

Make a donation at Compass Bank
Mike Riopel Benefit Fund
9550 San Jose Blvd
Jacksonville, FL 32257
904-564-8183

If you go to a different compass bank location reference routing number 063013924 account no. 0072306848

[RRRiopel-Cali]

Again I would like to say thank you to all of the wonderful people who have shared their stories and paid their respects to my brother MIke. I have posted the link to his obituary which also has a guest book in which you can leave your name and write a little something if you like. Its not suprising to me the countless lives he has touched. But it sure is comforting learning about some of the experiences that some of you have had with him. I am also adding another link to a simular forum that has some great pictures and stories.


Mike Riopel Memorial Thread - ScubaBoard

http://www.legacy.com/TimesUnion/Dea...onID=106021524


Sincerely,
Rione R. Riopel-Landgraf