Michael L. Connell, rest in peace

In this photo, Spike helps a student.

Michael L. Connell, 45
Eagle-Tribune

ANDOVER - "Michael "Spike" L. Connell, 45, of Andover, formerly of Westford, died Wednesday evening, Nov. 21, 2007 at the Kaplan Family Hospice in Danvers after a long courageous battle with cancer. He was married to Mrs. Alison (Crumb) Connell with whom he celebrated their 9th wedding anniversary on Nov. 7, 2007.

Born in Lowell on June 10, 1962, the son of Robert L. and Brenda (Riley) Connell both of Holderness, N.H. He was a graduate of Westford Academy with the Class of 1980. Michael attended Swain School of Design of New Bedford, Mass."


by the blogger:

Back in the day, I used to work with Spike's roommate Brian Aldrich, and even then, Spike was a unique character and one of the world's best storytellers.


Spike's landlord was Frank, an Asian gentleman who struggled with the English language, and was often flummoxed when it was time to get the rent out of Spike.

According to Brian, who would re-enact the calls at ClarkeGoward where we worked, every month there was a phone conversation like this, where Spike played it the same way every time.


SFX: RING RING

SPIKE: Ah, hello.

FRANK: Ah, Spike?

SPIKE: This is Spike.

FRANK: Spike, this a Frank.

SPIKE: Frank, this a Spike.

FRANK: Spike, about the rent.

SPIKE: Frank, the rent. Yeah, we sent a check.

FRANK: I gotta check.

SPIKE: Gotta check. Good.

FRANK: Spike, ah,

SPIKE: Yes, Frank?

SPIKE: Ah...(quietly) check a bounce.

SPIKE: (loudly) Check a bounce?!

FRANK: Ah, yes, check a bounce.

SPIKE: (more loudly) No way! Check a bounce?! Hey, Brian, Frank's on the line. Check a bounce!

BRIAN: (background) Check a bounce?

FRANK: Ah, yes, check a bounce.

SPIKE: Frank, that a problem?

FRANK: Very big problem.

SPIKE: Frank, you want another check?

FRANK: Ah, check that no bounce.

SPIKE: Check that no bounce?

FRANK: Yes. Check that no bounce.

SPIKE: Frank, as soon as I hang up I'm putting it in the mail.