Michelle Mallin died yesterday, after a long and valiant battle with a very rare and serious form of cancer. Michelle, in addition to all of her efforts in support of the Military and First Responders, had been a Colorado PGR member since 2010, now for more than eleven years. Her first Flag Line, for a KIA, was for a 21 year old Marine, Lance Corporal, on November 13, 2010. This Mission had such an impact on her that she co-wrote the following words and poem:
"It was hard for us to be here today, but it would have been harder to keep us away. For when the Gold Star Families call, we stand with honor, pride, and respect. We are the Colorado Patriot Guard".
Poem
There is an elderly veteran I do not know.
Watching a flag draped coffin carried through the snow.
He stands at attention to the sounds of “Amazing Grace.”
Anguish for the lost soldier is written on his face.
The veteran lowers his head to hide his flowing tears.
As another soldier’s family has realized their worst fears.
The family gave to our country their only son.
In exchange for a plaque, a flag, and the crack of the 21 gun.
He died for our freedom, our country he served.
Now we stand to honor him, showing the respect he deserved.
Some of our members may not have known Michelle, even though she had been a member for so many years. She had a great deal of community involvement. She was a Board Member for Mothers Against Drunk Drivers (MADD). She was co-founder and Executive Director of the Honor Bell Foundation for a number of years and, of course, her battle with cancer was very consuming.
Whenever someone received a correspondence from Michelle, the salutation read, "In Patriotism". These two words were emblematic of her ongoing commitment and support.
To the family and friends of Michelle I wish to extend my most sincere condolences. Many of those people, myself included, considered Michelle a friend and compatriot. She will be missed, and her respect and support of veterans will be remembered with warm memories. The world was a much better place for her presence.
Sincere condolences to the family and friends of Michelle Mallin. It was a true honor and pleasure to have known her and stood with her during here extreme commitment and patriotism to veterans. She was stoic and a true fighter against the horrible disease we call cancer. She will be missed her legend lives on. Much Love, Dee Wittmer
Words cannot express the loss of this larger than life women, Michelle Mallon. She new her direction and how to get there. I will miss her and her drive and love for everyone. A tremendous loss to all that new her. God speed Michelle.
My sincere condolences to the family and friends of Michelle Mallin. I did not know her personally. I have been on several missions where her activities concerning the honor bell and other areas where she lead the way in supporting our military and first responders have been relayed to the group. She was taken too soon but the time she had was filled with love and honest concern for others. She gave us all a lesson in how to live with grace and dignity while fighting this terrible disease.
Ron
Greg and Linda Sasse Linda and I send our sincere condolences to the family of Michelle Mallin. Michelle obviously loved and respected Veterans. As a driving force behind the Honor Bell she touched the lives of countless people and set a great example for how to honor our veterans. We are thankful to have known her. The grace and dignity she showed as she fought her illness was inspiring and is a final lesson to all of us. May the God of grace, mercy and love surround you during your dark days of grief and lead you back to a place of light, love and fond remembrances of Michelle. Greg and Linda Sasse
To Family and Friends, We will miss Michelle as you all will she is one great lady and a fine example of what PGR stands for. God Bless you and Lord take good care of her.
My thoughts are with the family and friends of Michelle at this time of loss and remembrance. Please accept my deepest condolences and my eternal gratitude for her devotion to veterans and first responders. A life that serves is a life well lived.... never more true than Michelle's. 0
To the family and friends of Michelle: Please accept my deepest condolences. She was indeed committed to her Patriotism. She will be remembered every time the Bell is tolled. Rest In Honored Peace, Michelle.
Jim
To the family and friends of Michelle please accept my sincere condolences. Michelle was an inspiration to all of the Patriot Guard Riders and she will be deeply missed by all. Thank you Michelle for your Patriotism you have certainly built a legacy for all of to try and follow. Every toll will be a remembrance of you and Lou.
Mike
It is an honor and privilege to have known Michelle. She was motivation to me during my cancer experience, and her consistent bravery in the face of this cruel disease has been truly inspirational.
Rest in peace, Michelle. You will be remembered with every toll of the Honor Bell.
___________________________ Dave “Captain Slow” Lefavor
Although Michelle has left us, physically, she has built a legacy that will not soon be forgotten. Other than family and friends, her life was dedicated to the support of our Military, Veterans and First Responders. Every time the Honor Bell Tolls, we will remember her.
I wish to send my sincere condolences to the friends and family of Michelle Mallin. I wish I would have known her personally but am sure we met at other funerals of the fallen. I have been a member for 15 years with too many services to recall. I know how I feel at each service and can imagine what she has felt. Thank you for your years of service with the Patriot Guard. Your service will be honored above. Look down on us with pride as we carry on your efforts.
--
‘Can Do’ Bob Aholt
PGR Ride Captain/Southern Colorado Assistant State Captain
CELEBRATION OF LIFE FOR MICHELLE
Wednesday, November 3, 2021
5:00PM until 7:00PM
Horan and McConaty Funeral Home
5303 East County Line Road
Centennial, Colorado 80122
She was a great person and will missed. My condolences to her family and friends. Her pain and suffering have ended.
Thanks for the post. She will be missed.