Michael Horrocks – In Memory

His name was Michael R. Horrocks.  He was 38 years old and part of the crew of flight 175.  When I participated in the 2996 project a few years back I was given a married couple who had been on one of the flights.  Instead of trying to write my own version of their story, I told it from comments I gleaned from the internet.  I added my own personal thoughts and tribute at the end.  I’ll do the same for Mr. Horrocks.

The following comments are from 9-11heroes.us.  I can’t verify these stories are true but if half of them are, Michael was something more than just amazing.  He was one helluva guy.

I never came to realize how much of an impact you had, not just on your own family, but on other peoples’ lives, too. My friend and I both go to your son’s school, and he’s a real great kid. We both are unfortunate not to have met a guy like you. You didn’t only leave us with something inside, but you also changed our lives in so many ways. It’s indescribable what a great man you are. We want to thank you again, just for EVERYTHING. A lot of love and thankfulness from:

Your friends,
Kalvin Simpson and Peter Quin
May God bless

I didn’t know know Michael, but I do have the pleasure of coaching a great kid, his son, Mick. Mick, I want you to know I feel your pain. I lost my mother 27 years ago. She was way too young also. Both your father and my mother are in a good place now. I believe that, and we will see them again someday. I’ll say a prayer for you, your family, and your father, and I’m always available if you need anything. One thing, Mick, I can promise you: your father is very proud of the way you are turning into a fine young man.

Coach Robin Waite

Both Todd and I have come to observe a very tenacious, hardworking, friendly person in Mick who also happens to have some fun in the hockey locker room which from reading about your dad, it seems he liked to joke around too! Your dad was a great hero to America Mick and he would be very proud of you today. Your dad and mom and dad Paul have done an outstanding job in raising a respectful young man. Let’s get some shots from the blue line! GO LITTLE FLYERS 1995!

Todd and Vonya Womack

I just met Mr. Horrocks’ son, Mick, this weekend during a hockey tournament; he is on the same team as my son for the coming season. While never having met Mr. Horrocks, I am sure he would be proud of his son who appears to be a very nice young man, which is a tribute not only to Mr. Horrocks but to Mick’s mom and stepdad as well.

Juliet Moritz

Aaron’s notes –

I can say that reading through the tributes and comments that Mr. Horrock was a good man. A great man even.  By all accounts his son Mick was brought up in a great manner so much so to bring people to comment over and over about his quality.  Mr. Horrock was just a few years younger than my father when he was lost.  I can’t imagine losing a father in the manner Mick did.  To have taken his father’s banner in such a way to honor his own dad.

Mr. Horrock may indeed be gone from this world but his legacy in life lives on in Mick in so many different ways.  To Mick I say congratulations.  You’ve shown true character, true honor and been true to your father each day.  I can only say that your father must be damn proud of you and what you’ve done in his shadow.  I am proud of you and I don’t even know you.

Never forget your father.  Never forget what he’s taught you.  And remember him.  Pass the story of his life onto those that come after you.  You’ve done a great job so far.