Michael Morgan
October 4, 1941 - January 31, 2013

"Aw, geez, it's been two years since you left us and I just heard the news. Susan and I are with family in Missouri for the holiday and our daughter in law mentioned a Mike Morgan down here which of course led me to tell a few tales about you, Morgs! I first met you at Bud's Body Shop on Monroe Street in 1968. Bud Fuller gave keys to a few of us. Bud's gym had 100 pound plates which the UW did not have. The first time I saw you working out you had 4 100s on the bar and were doing rocket reps on the bench. Stu Voigt could clean and press 50# over his weight, but I thought your feats were more impressive. You had your 63 dodge which you called "The Interceptor". Passini was lucky to have you for your ability to keep the peace and for your stories. You will always be a legend in my mind and the minds of others from my reading of all the wonderful tributes I just read. You were sui generis. Chuck "Charlie Anim'l" Hinners "

"I still remember the first time I saw Mike at Fred Hatfield's East Side Gym in Madison it was April of 1976. I walked in with my buddy Howard and saw him doing straight legged deadlifts with more weight that I thought was humanly possible. As I got to know him I realized "Bubba" was as nice as he was powerful. An awesome human being. Rest in Peace, Bubba "

"I had the honor of meeting Mike in '96 when I first came to the Madison area to work at Oakhill. Not being from the area, I wasn't arware of Mikes' legacy, I heard it from EVERYone else over the years, as Mike wasn't one to brag himself up. But, boy did he love to share his stories! I will always remember him telling about the 'Blue Angels' aircraft flying teams.Mike would get very animated when talking about when they would go through their G-Forces. He would make a face and just shake as if going through himself. He would just crack me up everytime.. Mike was one of the most kindest men I have ever known. He certainly was very proud of his children. I was originally from Neenah, and Mike was very familiar with the Neenah Rocket Girls soccer team, as he followed it with his daughter Kim's soccer days. There wasn't a day at work that Mike wasn't bragging about Chase & Hunters achievments. Those of us who got to know & love Mike over the years are all the more Blessed! Brent and I will continue to miss Mike, his smile and his wonderful demeanor! I hope you are flying round up there Mike. May the G- force always be with you! Our deepest sympathy to his family, Mickey & Brent Priegel"

"For most of six decades I knew Mike as a neighborhood fixture, a co-worker, and a friend. He could lick his weight in wildcats if he had to. But, he was a lot more than that. He liked to learn everthing about various topics that interested him. He was good at that, and not reluctant to share what he knew. I was along with Mike on many adventures and a few misadventures, all of which were great fun thanks to his presence. A few months ago I had lunch with Mike, having not seen him in several years. We laughed the entire time, reminding me of just how much fun it always was to be around the high-energy, enthusiastic and funny guy that I enjoyed as my friend Mike."

"I played soccer with Mike's daughter Kim for many years and have great memories of Mr. Morgan cheering us on. I also remember being very glad he was on our side/team. Condolences to the entire family. "

""Morgo," as we called him in high school, was a dear and loyal friend with whom for several years I had the joy of sharing youthful dreams, triumphs and heartaches and a whole lot of fun. A former quarter-miler before he started lifting weights, Mike once accepted a challenge from four of us who would run a relay race against him around the four long blocks encompassing his west side home. I forget who won but it was close--no more than a step or two either way. If he did lose, then I'm certain he wasn't accepting and wanted us to run it again. We declined, choosing to rest on our laurels for simply staying with him stride for stride. What I recall most fondly, however, are the many times we sang together a capella, harmonizing to Everly Brothers songs. You were one of the good ones, Mike, and I treasure your friendship and the memories."

"I just receiced the the news. So sad. I remember Bubba running the neighborhood olympics with broher Bob,Bill, Rick,and Dave Stich and myself! I remember helping spot his 515 bench at Bud Fuller's gym on Monroe St. The touch football games against him at Franklin field. I could never believe a man that large could run so fast! From Billings, Missouri, rest in peace! "

"I remember Mike and his daughter Kim from Hillcrest Drive in the early-mid 1970's, where we lived in a townhouse, he in #1 and my parents and I in #3. I remember Mike running in front of the building frequently. I didn't know him or Kim, but I recall them in my mind. I offer my condolences to Kim and her family. I plan to come to the visitation and hope to see her in person. She may or may not remember me as a child, but I hope that she does in the back of her mind. "

"Mike Bubba Morgan was a big man with an even bigger heart. The smile in his photo says it all. I just received this news the other day and I am deeply saddened by his passing. I haven't seen Mike in almost 25 years, but I'll always remember the great pesonality he was at the old cemetary gym, He was always kind and supportive of us younger lifters, and was a big supporter of the boxing program. I remember many nights driving all the way across town to have bar time breakfast at Perkins on University avenue with Mike and his friends from Rusty's. What a great time that was. They just don't make guys like Mike Morgan anymore. Take care my friend and may you rest in peace. "

"Bubba I will miss you so much. You were a true gentleman, The past few you were a great friend. Your heart was as big as your body, you were kind and good to all you new. Now you can ride a Top Gun f14 to heaven and rest in peace. "

"Mike was my best friend for the past 46 years, and he was the kindest man that my wife and I have ever known . We were eachother's "best men" for our weddings. I loved him like a brother and he will be dearly missed."

"I have known "Big Mike" as he became known to all of us in Poynette, for 17 years as our children grew up with his sons Chase and Hunter. Mike had such a Love for life and always had something good to say about our children. He especially liked my daughter Kirsten as her nickname was "Bubba" as well, and over the last few years after he had his knee's replaced, his big thing was to challenge Kirsten in a 40 yard dash. He also expressed how much she reminded him of his daughter Kim, and her physical style of soccer. We coached together for along time, as both our sons grew up together, also my daughter played on the boys team until high school and Mike loved that. And the very first time I ever saw Mike was in the spring of 1977 as he and his lifting buddies walked into the place I was working out at, and I had and probably never will see guys up close that were that big. However in true Big Mike fashion, he was there to give me tips and a spot on the bench. Mike I will Truly Miss You, and can only hope to show your family the kind of Love you showed to mine. Love ya Big Man, Peace, Love and Prayers to your Family, Dave PS-I could go on and on about all the stories we lived together, what a special man! "

"I remember Bubba from the Central YMCA... My Dad played Handball there and I would lurk around the weight room just off the basketball court and marvel at the giants. Later when I started lifting weights in High School at the Cemetery - in walks Bubba in his Madison Mustangs Jersey and black Chess King Jeans. I was struggling to do some pull downs and Bubba asked me if I wanted to be strong or just pretty. I've got a face for radio and with Bubba for inspiration I went with strong. Bubba was a kind and inspiring man and remains an athletic and strength legend. "

"Rest in Peace "Mighty Mo"! A true Madison Icon. Remember going into Rusty's and saying to my buddy, "did you see the size of that monster at the door". Worked with Bubba for many years at Oakhill. He is a legend!"

"Have you Wrestled a large 500-600 pound Black Bear today?-- Probable not! -- However, about 20 years ago, Mike Morgan, did wrestle a Bear. He wrestled the Bear at the Madison Sport Show. I had a front roll seat. In my opinion, Mike Won the match. Mike charged the Bear and lifted the Bear up in the air before the Bear went into a defensive spread Eagle position. -- Game, Match, Tournament to Mike. Mike and I graduated together from Madison West High. After that, we generally helped each others careers. -- Mike was a strong person, as we all know, but one of the other great desires was to run the 100 yard dash. he always admired the sprinter from Russia (Borshof). And Mike was a my Coach helping me with the Shot Put. Mike could do it all. -- So, keep the Faith Mike, and maybe someday, we'll all meet up Yonder and share the wonderful time we had together. Thanks Mike. Your Friend Forever. Lloyd Holzwarth "Swatz""

"I think I first met you in 1970.You knew more about me than I did of you ! At the old YMCA playing KILLER basketball.Stories about your accomplishments were passed on and on. Every Buddy knew or had heard of "BUBBA" It was a pleasure knowing you my FRIEND !!!!!"

"I first met Mike (my wife's uncle) almost ten years ago and truly enjoyed our conversations. Uncle Bubba was so knowledgeable about so many things and always had something interesting to say. I really enjoyed getting to know him and my thoughts and prayers are with his family, who I know loved him very much. He was a good man and will be missed."

"A terror playing touch football. A lifter supreme. A kind and gentle soul with a heart of gold. Rest in peace you lower East Sider. The memories we have of you will never be forgotten."

"Going to miss you Bubba I remember trying to block you in touch football that didn't turn out so well, but fortunately I got to play on the same team with you for years-always the gentle giant."

" My family and I have known Mike since the day he waliked into the Central Y. I have so many good memories(and stories) of him. He was a good friend, mentor, and most importantly added happiness and fun to my youth. Mike, you will always be remembered by me. Thank you for always being such a gentle giant of a man inside and out. They say a mans lasting legacy depends on how he lived his life. Your legacy will live forever. I will miss you, but never forget you. Timmy"

"Thanks for being a legend on the lifting platform and a pioneer for all in the strength game. You were an inspiration to many of us and more important, a friend. I knew you and admired you from lifting, corrections, the bouncing profession, and life. Rest in Peace and my sympathies to your family. Mike Saunders."

""MIGHTY MO" I knew you a long time mike. from playing against you in the city touch football league in late 60's,early 70's, to lifting weights with you and playing racketball at the central Y, and finally working with you in corrections. you always had a smile and time for your "stories". rest eternally."

"Bubba, you're going to be missed, But not forgotten! Knew Mike from Rusty's and the Dangle. Remember him lifting weights at the Old YMCA and making a H_ll of a racket while doing it. Then working with him in Corrections. Great guy and always had time for someone. Missed but not Forgotten. "

"Mike was my best friend when I was 18. When it meant eating or paying bills, some how he was always there with food telling me to cook some supper for us. You were always there for me Mike, rest well you deserve it. I'll miss you and always love you."

"I was just a kid when I first saw Bubba, a weight lifting buddy of my older brother, and I was so afraid of him. He made it impossible to sneak into Rusty's because he knew how old I was. Over the years we wove in and out of each other's lives. The years before I moved away, he was such a source of strength. And lordie could he make me laugh. Love you, Mike."

"Sorry to hear about mike. knew him from 8th grade thru high school at madison west class of 1959. Played on the Dizon city touch football team that I sponsored. My sympathy. Spec Bobby Spector"

"I worked with Mike for many years. Truly a great guy and amazing stories he shared were priceless. He was a icon on many levels and he will be missed. My condolences to his family."

"Mike "Bubba" Morgan was a true icon on he Madison Sports scene in the 60's and 70's as one of the top powerlifters in the country. He was a great guy who was a friend of all who worked out and lifted weights at the Madison Central YMCA."

"I worked with Mike at Oakhill for many years. I'm glad he had some good retirement years. I remember mostly how very proud he was of his children. My sympathy, Mary Kelly"