Very Sad and Tragic News regarding Michael Gaynor RIP

[deedeediver]

I am so sad to report to the SB but I just read on Bonaire talk that Michael Gaynor has died. He was an icon on the island and through his persistence many positive changes were made on the island for the good of the island and the good of the people. This is just so tragic.
Please see the post i copied here from Mod Freddie on Bonaire Talk:

"It is with Great Sorrow that I announce the death of Michael Gaynor..

Michael was our GO-TO GUY. If you had a problem while on Bonaire , Michael would FIX it.. He was the person that wanted Bonaire to be the best place to live and to visit.. He wanted it all to be handicap accessible and in the long run this is what did him in... Michael was on his way home from the church that he loved.. In front of Sand Dollar ( how many years did he have his store there, such a familiar for him )when a truck hit him and then ran him over again.... His belonging were strewn for about 300 feet. How fast was this person going??? and were they texting??? I hope there is an investigation.. He was hit and then run over again.. he had head injuries and his ribs were crushed... he died shortly after in the hospital.. If the Sidewalks had been handicap accessible and in good repair, this might not have happened... Michael FOUGHT hard for what he believed in.. handicap accessible and safe Bonaire.. I can only hope that someone takes up his sword and continues to fight for this...

Michael you will be missed my many.. you were loved !!.. NY bagels will never taste the same even with a smear !! an Folgers Coffee RED will never taste as good as you could make it.. Love you man !!! say hi to Jake and Don !!


Please feel free to post photos and remembrances for us all .."

 

[coldwaterlloyd]

I find this unbelievably tragic , I was one of those he helped upon arrival one early morning , like others I always stopped to say hello at Chat n Browse .
RIP MG

 

[diveallthetime]

This is so sad.
I too was able to call Michael a friend. I met him on our first trip to Bonaire and he took my son and I into his back office and we sat and became acquainted, he showed a genuine interest in my son and I. on our 7 trips since I always brought a few New York times for him and we would chat. i had planned on bringing him another set of papers in February.
What a wealth of information and what a genuine great caring person.
A Bonaire Icon has passed but he has left a lasting legacy.
RIP MICHAEL

 

[DiveMaven]

We will miss seeing and visiting with Michael when we're on Bonaire next summer. What a tragedy.