The Valley Chronicle - And a gentleman he was…ng

‘Homeless’ to some; a gentleman to all - RIP Monkey Mike

[caption id="attachment_5266" align="alignright" width="398"] File Photo
Michael Glen Perry, known as “Monkey” Mike, was described as a gentleman by those who knew him.[/caption] ■ Melissa Diaz Hernandez / Editor Michael Glen Perry, known as “Monkey” Mike, was described as a gentleman by those who knew him. Friends and loved ones gathered at Weston Park on Friday, July 28, to remember him as Pastor Steve Norman led the memorial service. According to those who knew him best, this beloved gentleman wanted those around him to lift themselves up. The women who spoke also described him as a protector. One of Mike’s longtime friends related her memories of when she lived on the streets. Fighting back tears she recited Isaiah 46:4: “I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you.” She went on to say: “Some other angels are here now that were there back then and Mike was always the first to give whatever he had. He was willing to give up his spot for me. He would give up his food even though he was hypoglycemic. He was a true gentleman. We need to continue his legacy of helping each other and sharing.” Monkey Mike would engage in conversations about Christ. He wanted people to love each other, help each other, and build each other up. Pastor Norman recited Psalm 23: “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.” Norman told the crowd how Mike would challenge him in his Greek studies asking Norman what certain Greek words meant. Of course, Mike already knew. Stacie Olson of Project Hope II encouraged those on the streets in attendance to move forward closing the memorial with “If you do not believe in yourself enough; I will believe in you for you. Do you understand? I will believe in you for you…God wants to do more, but he’s a gentleman.” Monkey Mike passed away from heat exhaustion on July 9 near Union Bank across from Weston Park on Florida Avenue in Hemet. Mike was remembered as a true gentleman. He did not die alone. He died with the love of Christ in his heart. [caption id="attachment_5267" align="aligncenter" width="576"] Photo: Stacie Olson, Founder Project Hope II
Friends and loved ones gathered at Weston Park to remember “Monkey” Mike.[/caption]