S Lachica Michael

You meant more to me than even I knew. You helped shape me into the man I am today and kick-started my favorite hobby as a kid. My only regret is wasting the time we could have spent more time together.

Mike, when we first met at the jewllery school, way back in 1992, I couldn't imagine we would ever be friends. I was sensitive and not very friendly foreigner but you came across and became my bestie. When I introduced you to my friend Rosa, I also never realized the three of us would be such a good pack. You were the biggest part of our youth, (Rosa and I) The best memory of Singapore and my greatest friend that I'll always remember. Thank you Michael, for always being there when I was down and lonely like a stray cat in my teenage years. Thanks for being there for Rosa when she bumped around. Thank you for being our history.

Michael you will stay forever in our hearts. I’m sending you a hug and my love through this note.

Thank you for being there for our family, especially the boys through the years. They now have a more discerning palate and are not afraid of snakes! So glad we have you in our lives, and that we had a chance to meet up so you could see how they have ‘adulted’.. we will miss you, and look forward to catching up again in our Father’s place

Michael,
I still remember when we first met 30 years ago at Aggie's pet shop. How we spent our days cooking, fishing, and catching snakes at the neighborhood parks? I still remember when we fished with my dad at Pasir Ris and insisted that your "unconventional" fishing techniques would catch more fish (which eventually was proven....and yes...salted shrimp works better)! And how would you travel the island just to get the best Min Chiang Kueh!
Still can't get over the fact that you were taken away from us so soon.
We take solace that we will meet again in heaven. - Mark

You left us far too suddenly. I always believed we would meet again soon, we would visit you and Karen in New Zealand, we will have more time, more conversations, more laughter, more meals together, and more food recommendations from you. We kept saying “next time,” and somehow we held on to it for too long.
You taught us so many things, and you shared so much good advice with Mark, something that we will forever be grateful for.
You had the charisma to make every gathering special. Thank you for the memories, the stories, and the joy you brought into our lives. Until we meet again. Rest peacefully Michael, my dear friend. - Carrie

As your closest older brother (in spirit and age) I could not be prouder of you and Aldrin as my baby brothers. Born a mere 18 1/2 months apart, you were like twins, my partners in crime growing up in Singapore. It is hard to talk about you without mentioning Aldrin in our multitude of stories because you were always a mere arms length apart. I am forever glad that i took you both under my wing once you were old enough, to walk, to go catching everything from praying mantises, snakes and spiders to monitor lizards in Singapore's vast 'urban jungle'.

I am forever glad that I at least got to spend with you the first seven years of your childhood. It was before the digital age, so we basically got cut off from each other when I went away for university studies. Coming back home was a bit of a shock because you were a young teenager when I returned. You looked like you had been repackaged. You'd grown, and over the next decades you developed some more and became a rebel, an army boy, a 'wannabe' chef, flight attendant, digital imaging tech guy, restaurant owner, a biosecurity officer and 'the guy' at IKEA.

Through the years, no matter your role, the one constant was your smile, enthusiasm, laughter, and care for family, friends and complete strangers. I take my hat off to Karen who is the other 'constant' in your adult life, who has stood by your every decision, even if it wasn't unanimous. Mom used to say years ago, that we should give Karen a medal for that...LOL. You have touched and helped so many in your short life, and I am so proud and beyond words, for a life well spent, and your presence will forever be missed. I have lost forever a partner in crime from the 70's and beyond, but will always cherish our shared times together.

Give tatay and Aldrin a big hug for me, and re-connect with your lolo and lolas on both sides of the family and there are many more you'll get acquainted with. As Alfie said, you took the 'early bus'. Love you, missing your already.

Dear Mike, you took the early bus lah.. now reunited again with Aldrin & Tatay! Glad we were able to chat and catch up in person recently and thanks for your CNY wishes on WhatsApp, I will save and treasure our messages as memory and reminder of your enthusiastic, entrepreneural and positive outlook in life!

You've been a playmate and friend of mine since I was 5 and the memories of us playing around at the adult parties with Aldrin and LikLik still bring me nostalgic happiness when remembered. Growing up in Singapore then moving to Canada guess it was faith that your family made the move too!

I will definitely miss our long distant brainstorming sessions, your ideas and fresh perspectives also your conspiracy theories lol I thank technology for allowing us to keep in touch like you were just a 15 min drive away although challenging coordinating due to our time differences.

You were a brother to me and a part of my family. Michelle and I will always have fond memories of your Canada visits with Karen and last min stocking up at Costco! My family and I are deeply saddened by your sudden departure and I still can't believe you are gone! I can still hear your voice like it was just yesterday we were speaking and I was looking forward to visiting you and Karen down under!

Rheo and I celebrated your life today by having some craft beer.

Cheers to you Michael and all the memories we've shared and experienced together 🍻

You and Aldrin are my family, and now you are together on a very long fishing trip. From all the pictures, adventures, and updates over the years, you truly lived a blessed and wonderful life. Together with Karen, you touched so many hearts.

The world was your oyster and you turned everything into an experience to remember. You came into our lives when we were still growing up and finding our way, and you helped steer us in the right direction. My parents and I are deeply saddened by this unexpected loss, and we will never forget you.

Over these past days, so many memories have been playing through my mind like a movie — moments from different times in our lives that I will always treasure.

We grew up in a time before everything became digital, when life was about shared moments and real experiences — good times and difficult ones. IndoMi parties, our love for food, fishing, hikes, animals, and so many memories that will always stay with me.

I am so grateful we were all able to be together for your wedding, even if only for a short but very valuable time. Those moments mean even more now.

My deepest condolences to your wonderful wife Karen and the entire Lachica family. I hope someday our paths will cross again. Moments like these remind us not to postpone the things that matter, because we never truly know what lies ahead.

I’m so sad, and I will carry these memories with me always.

Until we meet again,
Love, Rosa

Hi Mike, have you gone fishing??

I'm sorry that I have borrowed your wife for too long with hours-long chats on boys and same issues since decades, and you'd to wait for our call to finish, when all you want is just have dinner with her.
Thank you for lending me your wife, I hope I had returned her with enough dinnertime with you?

Peishan says it well from our hearts:
Please watch over Karen, as we will always love and care for her.

Big hugz. I would love to just shake your hand and say hello again.

Michael you were such a kind and good human being. Gone too soon but you will always be remembered . You were such a good friend to all bro We did some good travelling back in the day and all the trips were always so much fun. As I used to tell you back then , I’ve never seen anyone enjoy food as much as you did and you said eating is one of the best parts of life …understand that as you are also a good cook…Rest in peace my friend and continue enjoying all the good food up there , until we meet again bro…

To Michael, though our meeting was brief you showed us your infectious laughter and entertainment. To Karen we are here for you and feel your loss deeply. We are your BD family and will be there for you. Xx

Dear Michael,
When I was in the midst of my chemo, you and Karen took the time to shop for and cook all my favorite meals. I saw a man who put aside his own tiredness and gave his heart just because Karen’s friend wasn't feeling well. You truly put my needs ahead of your own.

You also took the time to make sure I felt uplifted, sharing your many adventures and stories. I saw a selfless man who deeply loved the people around him. I have lost a wonderful friend. Please don't worry about Karen; we will take care of her. Anita