This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Surnames: Dee, Pierce, Wright, Classification: Death Message Board URL: http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/rw/JW.2ADE/8321 Message Board Post: Local businessman leaves lasting memories by Carol Holmes Tehachapi News Editor The Apple Shed co-owner Michael Anthony Fuller lost his brave battle with cancer on June 7. After 10 years in the community, Mike made a lasting imprint on downtown businesses as he inspired and helped coordinate the development of The Apple Shed from a place to sell apples and sandwiches to a bakery, gift shop, fudge factory and restaurant. “He was a wonderful manager and an important part of the community,” said business partner Ann Marie Novinger. “The Apple Shed is Mike Fuller.” Ann Marie said everything in The Apple Shed is a reflection of Mike because he was involved in “all aspects of the business from the time he came on board.” Likewise, another partner, George Novinger, said Mike left a legacy — in the employees he trained and gave a start in the workplace. According to the Novingers, it was Mike’s idea to begin serving more than sandwiches and to offer breakfast. George said Mike created a special barbecue sauce and salad dressing and that he came up with the idea of serving ribs, which is now a favorite menu item at the restaurant. Employees remembered Mike with fondness and appreciation at a memorial held in his honor on June 12 at Christian Life Assembly Church. Jill Smith recalled that one morning, following one hectic and very long day, she walked rather reluctantly into work to be greeted by Mike, who was holding a flower for her in a glass of water. “He was a natural teacher and leader,” George said. “He commanded respect just because they (employees) knew he cared about them.” Besides his good relationship with the employees and his partners in the business, Mike cared about the community and was a generous supporter of many events and activities. He also cared about the customers and had a knack for knowing what they liked. Nearly everyone who came to The Apple Shed knew him and his infectious smile. In addition to partners George and Anne Marie, Mike and his mother Shirley Fuller were the managing partners of The Apple Shed and Mike had a special love and respect for her. Shirley’s intent is to step back into the management role and continue the traditions of The Apple Shed. During his memorial, a poem Mike had written to his mother was read, expressing his love, respect and admiration for her. Another poem was read at the service by Anne Marie, one she had written to honor Mike. In it, she said Mike would always be a part of the town. Praise was also heaped on Mike for being a good father and loving grandfather. “My dad could fix anything, whether it be a broken heart or an axle on his golf cart,” said son Michael Fuller. Michael said his dad taught him and his brother to help and care for others as well as how to fish, golf, play tennis and drive a manual transmission. Mike was known not only as an avid golfer, but good at the sport. He also enjoyed playing pocket billiards. Mike was born March 27, 1957 in Vancouver, British Columbia to Gerald and Shirley Fuller. He is survived by his sweetheart, Kendra Roberts of Tehachapi; sons, Michael Jr. and Brian of Puyallup, Wash.; daughter, Brittany Dee of Tehachapi; grandchildren, Madasen Fuller and Mason Fuller; brother, Rick Fuller of North Lake Tahoe; sister, Cindy Fuller of Bakersfield; aunt, Gail Pierce of Cleelum, Wash.; uncle, Russell Wright of North Vancouver, British Columbia; niece, Julie Fuller; and nephew, Dylan Fuller Wood Family Funeral Service handled the cremation arrangements. Posted by East Kern Genealogical Society Courtesy of Tehachapi News Tehachapi, Kern, CA Published: Volume 106 - No. 10 June 22-28, 2005