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 Vallarta Living | June 2008 
Vallarta Celebrates the Life of Mike Egan
 Tracy Parks - PVNN
| | For Banana Cantina owners Mike and Debbi Egan, life has always involved helping children. | 
| | Grandson Gabriel as the ashes are spread. | | |
Last Week, Mike Egan's life was celebrated through joy and tears on the beach at Ritmos Beach Cafe. It will forever be one of my most cherished memories of my experiences with the wonderful people that make up our community in Vallarta.
Mike and Debbi have always focused on children. Their own and so many others. Even Mike's career in construction was dedicated to building playgrounds for children in Chicago. So, you can imagine the poetry in motion when 10 or so beautiful children who loved Mike helped Debbi spread his ashes on the water's edge along the beach.
His young grandson, Gabriel (I'd say 10 years old) spoke about his Grandfather saying he was more like a father to him. I can't think of a more powerful sight I've witnessed. Several others spoke and beautiful music was played by the Ritmos staff. Mike's favorite song was "My Way." I think, yesterday, he watched over us all and brought together friends and family in a way that only Mike could have inspired
Debbie's son from Chicago said it best towards the end of the ceremony (and forgive me if I don't get it just right, but it was so beautifully stated): "I couldn't believe all the stories were true... but now I understand. I came down to Puerto Vallarta to take my Mom back to Chicago with me but now she is staying. I feel so comfortable leaving her here in your hands where she wants to be."
It was very evident that this family belongs here in Vallarta. Thank you Debbi for inviting us to share this special moment with you. Your family is beautiful and strong, an inspiration.
We love you.
| | Local children who loved Mike helped Debbi spread his ashes on the water's edge along the beach. |
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| | Mike Egan (top left) and Debbi Egan (top right) taking supplies to children in Puerto Vallarta. Grandchildren Gabriel and Brandon hugging, bottom right. Mike and Debbi have owned the iconic ChocoBanana and Banana Cantina on Pulpito and Amapas for many years. |
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Visit Tracy's blog at GoThereTravel.blogspot.com |
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