Michael Hammersley was a good man. He would drive into our parking lot everyday and occasionally would eat his lunch in his van. He then would come into our office and smile briefly at me as he handed me the mail for the day. He never said much, but was always friendly. Sometimes he "[didn't] have anything for [me]." And I would reply "I don't have anything for you either!" Friday, September 12, 2008 was one of those days. "Have a good weekend! See you next Monday," I said to him last. And he replied, "You, too!" as he walked out. I didn't think that that would be the last time I would ever see him.

I did not know what Michael did on the weekends or weeknights, if he was married with children or single and dating, what his interests were, how old he was. I did not know a single personal thing about him. And yet as his passing shocks my very core and I blink away tears, I'm very humbled to have known him and to remember him everyday.

I hope to see him again in heaven, and maybe we can chat over a cup of coffee.

Our condolences to the Sanchez family. Whatever the cause of the accident, Robert was just in the wrong place at the wrong time. Though we grieve for all the lives that were lost, Robert's was one so precious that people who have connected with him would celebrate. The teenagers you mentored and cultivated love for trains were in no way bitter to have known you Robert. They loved you and cried for your passing. May you rest in peace.

God Bless you Buck

rip

Kari was eager to learn and full of wonder. She asked questions about everything and was curious about the world. I was her teacher for 4 years and in that time I saw her grow academically and personally. She was excited about college and had worked so hard to make her dreams come true. This is such a tragedy for her family and for all of those she knew. She will live in our hearts forever.

My prayers go out to you. God must have needed an Angel.

My heart went out to the mother when I saw her on TV Friday night, looking for her daughter. What a beautiful young lady, it does not seem fair.

May the Lord give the family peace and may this woman's spirit never be far away.

I am touch by this girl's story. I would love to donate for any funeral arrangements. Please contact me at dsunte@okiedo.com

How can it be that a man later dies who spent his last minutes helping another? Surely he shall see the face of GOD.

Oh most definitely, there is absolutely no doubt that Mr. Grace was an amazing person, very devoted to his career as a counselor.
I attended Roosevelt starting 5 years ago, and I can tell you that he knew us all by name, and he took care of us like we were his flock, just as I'm most certain that God is looking after him now.
It's very sad to talk about this, but we all know and remember this man as someone who mad a major positive in all the lives he was in. I agree with the comments made above, he was an angel here on earth.

Obviously we were all touched by his presence,
and it's still here today,
but I know that it's not ever going to be the same at RMS.
I'm glad he got to see me through middle school.

I wish that I could be in California with all my friends who knew him as well so that we could share the memories we had shared with him together..

My condolences to the family of Mr. Grace and also to the other victim's families.

Mr. Grace was a wonderful human being and great mentor for me and every student he ever met. He attended every single one of my high school basketball games and even other sports events other students participated in. This is a sad day for Glendale and we will ALL miss you!