Petiquette: Mixing Pets & Guests

It’s not a goodbye; it’s a see ya later.

In July, we said “see ya later” to one of our own. Mike Cyrus was a freelance photographer who shot portraits, events and covers for TOPS over the last several years and quickly became a member of the TOPS family. Because that’s just the kind of guy Mike was.

by Amanda Harper • photos by Mike Cyrus • special thanks to Dr. Michael Huang

Michael E. “Mike” Cyrus

led many lives in one lifetime. He is a former racecar driver. He retired from Toyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky in Georgetown. He started a business and studio. He was a husband and father. He was an active member of his community. And somewhere along the way, he chose to pursue his passion for photography.

Mike photographed weddings, portraits, sporting events and more for numerous clients, ranging from families and friends to professional sports teams. His work was featured in magazines, on television and beyond. From capturing Kentucky Derby winners to joyful high school seniors, Mike’s camera was always pointed at something incredible. He even offered photography classes to invite others to discover the joy of photography.

But technical know-how and stunning subjects can only take a photographer so far. What made Mike’s work so dynamic, so impactful, wasn’t just his fantastic eye for composition, nor his determination to get the shot –more on that later. It was his ability to engage with the people in front of his lens. He wasn’t just friendly; by the end of a shoot, you were friends.

While Mike’s photographs are stunning, his true legacy is his wife and partner of 24 years, Misty, and their daughters, Rachel, Allison and Hannah. He always expressed such gratitude to get to spend more time with them.

Truly, Mike knew he was living his dream. So when he was diagnosed with stomach cancer, the man with one speed – go, go, go – knew that it would be a challenge, but one he would face with a smile on his face. His grace, optimism,

gratitude and unfailing sense of humor throughout his cancer journey was an incredible testimony to his faith and character.

We decided to feature one of Mike’s photographs on the cover of this issue in tribute to his memory; he often photographed the weekend races and crowds out at Keeneland for TOPS. He also shot the Kentucky Derby for us every year he was able.

And so we’ll share a story about Mike’s dedication to his craft. At the time of this year’s Derby, he was undergoing another round of chemotherapy. He had been too ill to attend a couple of events he had wanted to photograph leading up to the Derby, but he was bound and determined to make it to the track. He was in the thick of it for the whole day, crawling in the mud, stretching, leaning, climbing to get once-in-a-lifetime shots.

With his classic mix of humor and humility, Mike shared the story of this day on his Facebook page (apologies for any TMI):

“I may have puked more than once on the track in front of 10,000 people. I may have over done it and now I’m really paying the price for it, BUT to feel ALIVE again to feel like I did something GREAT along with my brother dr Michael Huang. I made memories that will last much longer than any pain I’m feeling right now. I got over 200 text and fb messages checking on me I THANK YOU and I Thank God my Lord and savior for the opportunity to play in the dirt one more year!!”

We miss our friend for now, but we know he’ll be waiting with a big smile when we see him again. •