Mikey’s compassion and generosity were limitless – Verieux ‘Vow’ Mourillon

Mikey and son, Kerron

Mikey (Michael Bruney) had that spirit that made all other spirits come alive with his characteristic laugh and unique jokes.  Those who did not know him well could easily make the mistake of judging him as overly nonchalant, maybe careless, and uncaring.  But that was not Mikey – Mikey’s compassion and generosity were limitless – he cared deeply about the littlest of people.  And with his work passion, he was meticulous.

During school days, I remember Mikey simulating and recording a cricket match in the DGS Physics lab – he was commentating animatedly as though watching an actual match, creating all the background noises and crowd reactions – I was inspired by that amazing creativity expressed through very limited technology.  Years later, Mikey encouraged me in my story writing by doing a dramatic reading of one of my short stories on national radio.

The best memories, however, were in Barbados where we lived in adjoining units of a duplex while we attended UWI, Cave Hill.  He once came over and begged me in a very serious tone, that when I have children, I should never ever sing in the bathroom because that would scare them to death.  Of course, we both had a raucous laugh after.  We had many an adventurous excursion including the night with his friend Jabba when we took over Millie’s Hideaway in Blackrock.  They had a country and western dance in full swing – none us had great dancing skills never mind the intricate footwork required for such an event.  Nonetheless we took over the dance floor and were almost thrown out of the establishment.

The night my wife was taken to hospital on account of a risky pregnancy with our first child, I was in a state of high anxiety, yet chose not to share this information with anyone.  Mikey figured something was up – that is the kind of person Mikey was – if you are his friend he will know when you need support and he will be there.  So, I eventually let on what was happening.  Mikey abandoned his university assignments and we had an all-night vigil until the announcement came that baby and mother were fine.  From that day onwards, Mikey called me Papa and he called my wife Mama.

Even when I realized how ill Mikey was (he had tried to downplay the seriousness, even telling me that everyone was making too much of it), I still hoped that we would have had at least one more big laugh in some village somewhere in Dominica.  But the Universe had other plans.

Mikey, journey well, my friend.  You had a great tour of duty and you etched your caring in the hearts of countless persons who were fortunate enough to have had you in their circle.

Verieux Vow “Papa” Mourillon

Copyright 2012 Dominica News Online, DURAVISION INC. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or distributed.

Disclaimer: The comments posted do not necessarily reflect the views of DominicaNewsOnline.com and its parent company or any individual staff member. All comments are posted subject to approval by DominicaNewsOnline.com. We never censor based on political or ideological points of view, but we do try to maintain a sensible balance between free speech and responsible moderating.

We will delete comments that:

  • contain any material which violates or infringes the rights of any person, are defamatory or harassing or are purely ad hominem attacks
  • a reasonable person would consider abusive or profane
  • contain material which violates or encourages others to violate any applicable law
  • promote prejudice or prejudicial hatred of any kind
  • refer to people arrested or charged with a crime as though they had been found guilty
  • contain links to "chain letters", pornographic or obscene movies or graphic images
  • are off-topic and/or excessively long

See our full comment/user policy/agreement.

3 Comments

  1. In Remembrance of Mr Bruney (Mikey Bruney}.
    It is with great sadness that we (my husband and I) Rosamond and Francis Jno Finn; long time clients of such a tranquil, funny, serious, and generous man. I echo the sentiments written, for those who did not know him you would not associate this man with being non-judgemental.
    Mr Bruney you left a big void in our lives. We really cannot believe you will not be driving past the house any more, nor will I be able to come to your office and see this big welcoming smile, leaving your office knowing I have received some good advice.
    To your family we say he is gone but really still around. Mr Bruney will be remembered with a smile yet a tinge of sadness.

    May You Rest in Peace in the site of the Lord you have Ran the Race and fight the good fight.

  2. Francisco Etienne-Dods Telemaque
    July 2, 2020

    Give me a bed of roses while I  am yet alive!

    Crown me king while I am yet alive; for when one dies and is in the ground no earthly complements matters.

    The body produces agents  that eats the flesh, eventually every ounce of matter takes another form which is dirt.

    From the dust of the earth we came to dirt we return!

    We live we die:

    “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter:

    Fear God. and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.

    For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.”

    Ecclesiastes: 12: 13,14.

  3. Nicholas Stephen
    July 2, 2020

    I hope someone like Alwin Bully can write a small tribute to Mikey on behalf of the DGS.
    I Will never forget DGS week when he used is little box match car as the DGS ambulance for the week.

Post a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

:) :-D :wink: :( 8-O :lol: :-| :cry: 8) :-? :-P :-x :?: :oops: :twisted: :mrgreen: more »

 characters available