Page 6 - FEB 2021 Digial Edition

Mike Mills was one of the first people I met in this industry 14 years ago. How lucky was I! He became a friend and mentor to me like he did for so many others. Mike Mills epito- mized grace, integrity and all that is good about people and this industry. I will miss him greatly but glad in the knowledge that I got to know Mike and call him friend. Until we grill again...
Brad Barrett
We were heartbroken when the call came ad- vising us that our beloved "brother from an- other mother," Mike Mills had passed away earlier that morning. When we met in the 90's, Mike adopted us into the Mills family. We owe our success in the BBQ world to Mike, our mentor, BBQ guru, and brother. RIP Mike.
Bonnie and Ruben Gomez
Mike and I met at my first NBBQA conference. Sitting in the lobby a young man sat down next to Mike. He made the statement that no matter what he did, he simply could not smoke a decent brisket. Mike said “you tell me how you cook yours and I’ll tell you how I cook mine”. As the young guy explained several ways that lead him to what he considered epic failures Mike never said a word. Mike didn’t interrupt with questions, sug- gestions nor criticisms. He just listened. Then Mike me- thodically walked the young man through his method from prep to table and answered every single question the man had. The Legend had one simple reason he so openly shared what took him decades to develop with anyone that ask: “their success in BBQ and the success of BBQ”.
Linda Orrison Past President National BBQ Association The Shed BBQ
BarbecueNews.com - 6
FEBRUARY 2021