Michael Reis

[Beau]

I am very saddened by the news of the passing of Michael Reis, we spent a great week together in 2012 touring Italy....I spent time with him at Stone Expo and we had a wonderfully dinner together at the Marmomacc event 2 weeks ago as usual we chatted about the future of the stone industry. He was an impressive advocate for the stone industry and his attitude was always positive. You will be missed. A remember him sleeping in on the last day of our trip in Italy....The bus waits for no one....Michael I wished you would've missed this bus. My prayers and thought go out to all the people he has touched.

With great sadness,

Beau Usselman

[Juan23]

I looked forward to reading his Stone World articles each month because it motivated me to be better and more informed in the industry. Although I only met him once at Stone Expo, he was friendly, cordial and full of enthusiasm. My condolences to his family and loved ones.

[Msalemi]

It was a large shock to hear of Michael's passing. However, what we'll remember most are two things: his upbeat, positive personality, as well as his eagerness to help others.

Reminiscing on the Stone Expo, as Michael was saying his goodbyes, he took a moment to speak with us regarding 2014 - "There are opportunities out there which will help you guys" he said... "so please, just let me know how I can help YOU more." If you were reading this in another thread, it might just seem like another sales pitch, however anyone who knew Michael can vouch otherwise. As was his character, his words were carefully chosen and without any hidden agenda - there was a human feeling about them...he was reaching out from a genuine place of wanting to serve and make the lives of those around him better. It was a pleasure to have known him and have him touch our lives.

His strength of character and contributions are something we'll never forget.

Our Condolences,
Everyone at Continental Diamond

[ronald hannah]

It has been a solemn past few days with Michael's Wake being held Sunday evening and Funeral Services held yesterday morning in Ridgefield Park, NJ.

Despite bitter cold and post snowstorm conditions the turnout was very impressive. Michael was obviously very popular in these parts as was evident by the throngs of people in attendance.

On behalf of all of our members the SFA did send flowers and was also well represented with three of your Board members, myself and numerous other Stone Industry representatives in attendance. There was no shortage of tears as MIchael's Priest gave him a beautiful thought-provoking service filled with compassion, emotion and even humor.

Afterwards, we met Michael's family and friends, shared a meal and exchanged stories. The Reis family was especially moved by the thoughts and wishes from all of you who contributed to this thread. We were pleased and proud to represent the Stone Fabricator's Alliance on your behalf.

Michael, We will miss you.

[cpr@pgc]

I won't tell you that Michael was a close friend of mine, as he was not. I did meet him a few times at trade shows, for some small talk. I came to know Michael through his editorial comments in Stone World, which is our trade's most influential magazine. He wrote boldly and I appreciated that. He said things that most others don't dare to say in our wimpy society. Our industry is certainly not the most honorable industry in this world, it is many times disgusting. Yet at the same time it has provided many people with a beautiful God created product, and also provided myself and others with a good living. Regardless of the sate of our industry, Michael always wrote and acted honorably, and myself and the industry will sorely miss him. My prayers of hope, healing, faith, health, and happiness go out to his family.