Post #613188 by Rum Dog on Tue, Nov 8, 2011 7:19 AM

I want to cry. To lose someone like this way before their time hurts. Mike was my first contact with the tiki community. Seal Beach was my hometown growing up. Over the last several years I would frequently stop in his store when I was in town visiting my mother. Mike was such a vivacious, energetic, and enthusiastic person. His personality made me want to buy all the stuff he had. Little by little my home was starting to look like an extension of his store.

The first tiki event I ever attended was at Caliente II. I do not remember how I found out about the event. I think I read an advertisement in the first Tiki Magazine I ever bought. I did not know what to expect since I was not part of the tiki scene and worried that I would be perceived as an intruder or outsider. As my wife and I entered the event we took no more that 5 steps before Mike recognized me as we walked through the pool area. He greeted us with a warm hello. He told us that there was nothing to worry about, explained how everything was and worked, and that we were going to have the time of our lives. He was right.

We will miss you Mike Adler. Heaven is going to have some kick-ass barbeques.