Remembering Big Mike: A Journey of Family and Memories

Kola McIntosh (Wells)

Michael’s mom, Emily, and my dad, Thomas, were sister and brother. Big Mike and I were first cousins.

From childhood, Mike and I were close. When I saw Mike, I would run up to him. He would stretch out one arm, and I would jump onto it. With that one arm, he would throw me into the air and catch me; he was that strong!

Mike was a big eater. My sister, Clara, would cook for him, and he could consume three pork chops in one meal, along with an entire loaf of bread. He would take a slice of bread, fold it in half, and it would get lost in his mouth.

When Mike came home from Marsh Harbor on weekends, it was party time. He would give cousins Margaret and Clara money, and they would buy food and drinks for the party. He always brought friends along, so we would have a good time. As we ate, Mike would exclaim, “Oooh, look at that pretty bird up there!” I would look up, only to find that my chicken had been scooped up by Mike!

Oftentimes, Mike would go to his property where he planned to build his house. I would go with him, talk, and ask questions. Every time he visited, the weeds would have already grown back since his last weeding. One day, I asked him, “Do you think you will ever build your house if all you do is weed?” Mike looked at me and replied, “Why, Kola?” I explained, “Because every time you come here, the weeds have returned, and you have to weed the same spot again!” He said, “You know, Kola, you’re right! You’re making good sense. By the way, how old are you?” We would both laugh!

Michael was tall, dark, and handsome. The girls were crazy about him. He often told me he wanted to marry a “hometown girl” from Green Turtle Cay (GTC). However, most of the girls on Green Turtle were his family, so Rita was the lucky one he chose.

Mike had a boat called the “Sandy Point Babe.” He would come from Sandy Point with at least three other guys in that little boat, and they would all have to stand up in order to fit.

Upon arriving at GTC, Mike would run the boat way up onto the bay and jump out, never needing to throw an anchor or tie up to secure it once he had beached it.

One time, when the “GTC Turtles” softball team won the championship, the team ran down to the beach (by the Wrecking Tree) to celebrate, all jumping into the sea except for Luke McIntosh. Michael went to get Luke, prompting him to wrap his arms around a telephone pole. Luke wouldn’t let go. Michael said to him, “Luke, you gotta go. You might as well make up your mind to join us.” Luke knew what that meant. So, he took out his wallet, gave in, and joined the celebration, knowing Mike was going to win.

We all looked up to Big Mike. He was the person to turn to if anyone was causing trouble. We would always call for Mike. My dad would sometimes drink too much, and we would call out to Mike for help. Mike would come, lift my dad onto his shoulder, and take him home. Once Mike had a hold of you, you could not escape. He was incredibly strong.

Big Mike was very special, and we all miss him a lot. There will never be another like him.

In memory of Big Mike and his impact on Green Turtle Cay, we invite you to donate to support local initiatives. Your contributions will help continue his legacy of community and encouragement.

DONATE