Our Special C-Dory Friend, Mike Jordan Is Watching Over Us

D

DaveS

New member
To all of you Northwest C-Dory Owners who had the pleasure of meeting "Dancing Mike" Jordan who blessed us with his presence at several C-Dory Gatherings in his 16' C-Dory....
This morning I read in the Everett Herald, that Mike died on Thursday at the age of 69. I will never forget Mike's enthusiasm for life and how he would "zip" in to our gatherings on his 16' C-Dory with a huge smile on his face and the sudden rush of enthusiasm that would make the docks alive as soon as he stepped on them.
As some of you know, Mike's mother was the owner of an Everett dance studio until her death in 1967. At that time Mike continued the business in her name as owner and dance instructor. As I remember the story....at one time Mike jumped up onto a table during an Everett City Council meeting and did a dance to emphasize a need for more attention to the young people of the City of Everett.
The following are quotes from today's article in the Everett Herald.......

.....Longtime friend Dr. Dean Brooks remembered Jordan as a "thoroughly decent human being". "The man was an absolute gentleman." "He was always a joy to be around."
.....Former Everett City Councilman Ed Morrow said, "He's one of the most honest, giving people I've ever known. He loved people. I never heard him say a bad word about anyone."

Speaking for myself, I must say he was an individual that truly brightened up my day whenever I was around him! I'm glad that he shared my enthusiasm for C-Dorys. I will miss Mike! :rose
 
Me too, Dave. Thanks for bringing notice to Mike's passing. I was out on the lake Saturday, cruising with a friend at five knots and reading the paper. I was stunned to see Mike's picture and accompanying text in the obit section. I looked again and again. Dammit, not Dancer Mike!

He was only 69, and had the energy of someone 40 years younger. First-time C-Folks at Langley in March 2001 likely remember hanging out on the dock, chatting and eating, when in steamed a well-worn 16' Angler. Several of us walked over to greet who we thought was another new C-Pal who'd heard about our rendezvous thing. Out hopped Dancer Mike, who thought it quite a coincidence that so many C-Dory's were found in one place. Having no computer, he was unaware of who we were, and was simply running over from Everett to have lunch with a friend.

From that point on, I kept in touch with Mike. I'd phone him with information about upcoming cruises, and always hang up with a feeling that I'd been infused with good will, that a sunny guy had given me a dose of lighthearted cheer. I'm sort of still in denial about his death. He was so humble, with never a hint of smugness. I had no idea about the things he accomplished in his life. He's one of Everett's 100 Distinguished Citizens, for cripes sakes.

Dancer Mike, though I knew you only three years, you left a lifelong impression on me. I will miss you.
 
I called to find there will be a memorial for Dancer Mike at 7 p.m., Wednesday, May 26th.

It will be held at Everett Civic Auditorium, on Everett High School's campus.
 
Brock, here is additional information about our friend Dancin' Mike.

He started his dancing career at age 2. He was in involved in countless performances during his school years. While in the Army he toured the world, dancing with the USO. After his Army discharge, he won a dance role in the New York City Broadway production "Gypsy" which starred Ethel Merman.
In the early 1990's he was instrumental in shaping the interior design for the Everett Performing Arts Center.

(Mike had a heart attack while transporting a dance student home on May 6, 2004 after they participated in a benefit performance in Snohomish).
 
Mike's wake Wednesday night was like none I'd ever attended. The auditorium didn't seem that much smaller than Seattle's Paramount, or any other big city venue. And it was mostly full. Counting the main floor and balcony, I'd bet there were more than 800 people. Lots of young
girls with their parents, and grown up girls, too, who were taught how to dance by (the original) Michael Jordan years ago.

The tributes were moving. To begin, the MC pulled out a long string and asked for two volunteer string-holders from the audience to join him on the stage. "This string is 16 feet long," he said, adding, "can anyone tell me the significance of that length?"
Silence. Then shouts of "his boat," and, "Mike's C-Dory." "That's right," said the MC, who then told us how much Mike loved to take his 16' C-Dory to Langley for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. The holders were asked now to move their arms up and down, shaking the string. That signified rough water, motion that rarely deterred Mike from a quick run to relaxation. I recall some of the rough water stories Mike told me. It was hard to believe we had the same boat.

A stage screen about 16x25 played a 20 minute, 1997 documentary about his and his mother Betty Spooner's life. A facinating slide show followed. Life was not easy during the depression years, and Betty raised Mike and his sibs alone for a time after her first husband died. The dance academy grew from quite humble roots to a facility which serves 250 dancers today.

Those in attendance adored Mike. They spoke with deep affection about his authenticity, his passion for teaching dance, his enthusiasm for life.
He was just 69. We'll all miss him.
 
I'm glad that you were able to attend the service for Mike. Unfortunately, I had to work on Wednesday night otherwise I would have been there as well. Thank you for sharing the above posting about his service with us.
 
This morning's Everett Herald has an article about our friend Mike Jordan. A committee, headed by Jordan's longtime friends and community leaders is working to commission a life-size bronze sculpture of "Dancer Mike" to be placed in downtown Everett. One of the organizers was quoted as saying, "We're hoping for some way people could interact with it, sitting with him on a bench or some such thing".
An anecdote mentioned in the article tells of a dance performance last Christmas when "there were two little kids who would not go onstage. They were probably 4 or 5. They were crying backstage and wouldn't go on. So out on stage came Mike, his head held high, with these two little-bitty kids. They went out and did this basic dance." I can just see Mike doing this.
One quote in the article....."In the end, it's the spark, the smile, the essence of a person".
 
Thanks for that, Dave. I like that quote. Can you cut and save that article so I can make a photocopy?

Wow, a bronze sculpture. Not too many of us are remembered quite like that.
 
Catman":29cfmunm said:
Thanks for that, Dave. I like that quote. Can you cut and save that article so I can make a photocopy?
Click to expand...

I liked that quote too! RE: saving the article.......consider it done.
 
"DANCER'S SPRIT LIVES ON IN STATUE"

This is the headlines in this mornings Everett Herald newspaper in the local section. Accompanied by two pictures of the bronze statue.

After a flood of donations to raise $50,000 the statue is complete.

The following are quotes from this morning's article:

"Anyone who ever knew legendary danceman Mike Jordan will recognize his likeness and see his spirit in a new and permanent fixture in downtown Everett. The bronze sculpture was installed May 15 outside the Everett Performing Arts Center."

"About 400 people sent donations. The money came in large checks and small amounts. Little children saved their allowance (there were bags of pennies and quarters from kids who took apart their piggy banks) and would write magnificent letters about how much they loved Mr. Jordan".

"Chip Hunter, who had been a troubled teen, found refuge in Jordan's dance classes and was later adopted by the dance teacher. Mr. Hunter helped the artist capture Jordan's stance by posing for the sculpture. They used a hat and shoes Jordan had worn in performances over the years. In the bronze artwork, a prop chair is an invitation for passersby to spend a few moments with the figure of the dancer. Another interactive element is a ribbon on the dancer's vest that can hold a flower - a jaunty boutonniere. That little flower changes a number of times each day" (as people come by and replace the existing flower with a fresh one).

"In 2001, Jordan was honored with Everett's Richard Wendt Award, the city's highest arts award."

Folks are now meeting a life-size likeness of Jordan that's called "Simple Song"........That's the name of the song Mike always used to end his performances.

(A public dedication of the statue is scheduled for 10 a.m. June 10, 2006 at the site, 2710 Wetmore Avenue, Everett, Washington).

To Mike from the "Sea Shift" crew........ :rose
 
Good stuff Dave. Thanks for closing....or....starting the loop over again after some time has passed and the statue is in place. Just another reason for me to make it back west. Will be there in spirit on my birthday of 10Jun....and will for sure raise a toast. :beer Here..here.

Byrdman
 
Thanks for bringing that news to our attention, Dave, and for your comments, Birthday Byrdman.

Dave, it's funny. For the last few days I've been thinking about Dancer Mike. He just appeared in my mind, and I recalled conversations we had, his dance steps and his laughter. Then you reminded me it had been almost exactly two years since he died. Coincidence, or connection? Perhaps the latter.

They're only gone when they are forgotten. Like many others, at times he's still with me.
:rainbow
 
Very nice tribute indeed.

As I'm so far from WA and what I consider to be home these days, can anyone post a picture of the new statue for me/us to see?

Thanks,

Gary R.
 
Gary R.,

I would love to post a picture for you, however I don't have a "scanner" to transfer it from the newspaper article. However, when I shared the article with my 16 YO daughter who has taken dance lessons since age 6, her thoughts were the same as mine that at some time in the future we would drive in to Everett and take some photos of the statue (including some perhaps with her "dancing" with him). (She never was enrolled in his dance studio, but she did "talk dancing" with him on the few occasions they were together).

If only you folks who never met Mike had had the opportunity to see him "dance" his 16' C-Dory into a marina slip with such finesse, tie up and "dance" out on to the float you would know partially why he endeared himself to all that he met. Such enthusiasm, he couldn't help but bring a smile to your face!
 
Here's a link to the online article, and a pic below.

JordanStatue2_530.jpg
 
Thank You Bill, for posting that picture. That photo came out much better "your way" than directly from the newspaper. (Additionally, you posted the article in its' entirety on the "link").
 
I recall one of the very first times I saw a C-Dory. It was a 14' mounted in front of the old C-Dory factory. Old Route 99 Maybe? It moved me and I caught the bug so that eventually I had to become an owner.

Perhaps the family would allow this boat to be retired as well.

Imagine this 16' in a waterfront park, sunk into the ground to the water line...and numerous small children playing on board, laughing and being kids.

Any ideas what will become of her??

Gary R.
 
Rabbits Hutch":cwjzkuxj said:
Perhaps the family would allow this boat to be retired as well.
Imagine this 16' in a waterfront park, sunk into the ground to the water line...and numerous small children playing on board, laughing and being kids.
Any ideas what will become of her??
Gary R.
Click to expand...

I have no idea what became of Mike's fine vessel. It was certainly a seaworthy vessel that he used frequently! I would hope that whoever has it, happened to know him and appreciate the vessel as much as Mike did!


Brock, did you ever hear who became the proud owner of his vessel?
 
Da Nag, another thanks for posting pic and text.

Fireman Dave, I don't. I thought maybe Dancer Mike's son kept the boat in the family.
 
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