Milt McPike
My mentor, my friend, my role model
by Juan Jose Lopez
     Milton L. McPike passed away on Saturday, March 29th, 2008. It was a big loss for his wife, his family, his students, his friends, the community and for
me. Mr. McPike was a very special man who had a heart of gold, a big heart that he shared with so many of us. He loved his wife, his children, his
grandchildren, his staff and colleagues, his former students and his friends. I always looked up to him and admired him greatly not just as an educator, but
as a dear friend.
    I still fondly remember when I went to meet with him in his office at East High School to discuss my running for the Madison Board of Education. I was
the director of Project Opportunity, and he stood up from behind his table in his office and he said, “Are you crazy?” but went on to say, “You have my
support and let me know what you need, but remember you have to put the needs and concerns of children first.” He always put kids first and he not only
loved them, he also respected them greatly. He said don’t forget to listen and learn from young people, they will help you, guide you and give you an
occasionally nudge when you get of course.  He attended my first ever fundraiser and spoke with so much passion and thoughtfulness, telling the
audience why he was supporting me for a seat on the school board. I will never forget this moment for the rest of my life.
    He transcended cultural, social and class lines with everyone he dealt with.  Because of him, not only was East High School a better school, but the
community, our city and state were better off. He not only served as assistant principal at West High School and principal of East High School, but he also
served on the Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System, being appointed by Governor Jim Doyle. I vividly remember a conversation he and
I had about Mr. Jesus Salas, a colleague on the Board of Regents, saying to me that he enjoyed serving with him and respected him greatly. They were
both outspoken and wanted what was best for young people throughout the state. Can you imagine that Mr. McPike was impressed with Mr. Salas but he
was as impressive himself.   I told him that they were my two favorite Regents and we were fortunate to have them both serving the state of Wisconsin.
    Mr. McPike was a loving husband, father, grandfather, principal, mentor, role model but most of all, many of us enjoyed that he shared his love with
us.  Yes he was tall, some said a towering figure with a big voice, but I considered him a gentle giant! I spoke to his son Jeff and told him many times,
“thank you for sharing your dad with us, you and your family are fortunate to have him but we are lucky to have him as well.”  He commanded respect but
he also gave you respect. He was known for giving hugs and I remember when he first hugged me wishing me luck with my school board race, it reminded
me of my dad, he was special and I will miss him.  He was constantly on my back in a constructive way reminding me to help all young people and
especially kids of color. He said to fight for what was right and to be fair to everyone. He told me to buy a new car, to dress like a professional, and to
respect the people around me. I will miss him greatly!
    In 2006, I called him and asked if I could visit him at his house to ask that he be the Honorary Chair of my campaign for re-election to the school
board. Without hesitation he said “yes” and again he reminded me to be sure to put the needs and issues of kids first! When I visited with him and his wife
Sharon, I shared with him that my mother was ill and not doing well and again he gave me a hug which I needed. At that time, he was ill as well but he
never complained and went on to show me his home and the wood working projects he was working on. He was kind, humorous, and somewhat serious
and also was giving me crap of the way I dressed and why I was going to continue to put myself through the grind of the school board. I took it in and said
to myself what luck to have him on my side. We said our goodbyes and I left his home as if I had won the lottery. I did not get reelected and of course he
called me to say “don’t worry” and he thanked me for the 12 years of service I had provided to the Madison School District. What a class act, I admired
him greatly. I was better off for knowing him and for being my friend and mentor.
    His legacy will be his commitment to education, his caring for young people and for being a friend to many of us in this community. He rightfully
deserves to have East High School renamed to Milton L. McPike East Side High School.   He has earned that right. I will do everything in my power to
make that happen.  I know it is a sad time for all of us but we should remember the many fond memories of Mr. McPike and rejoice that his legacy will be
everlasting. Mr. McPike, thank you for affecting my life, for making a difference in my life, for being a friend and a mentor and I hope the angels in
heaven are rejoicing as well. You are loved and will be missed by all of us. You were truly a hero to me!!!  Thank you, my friend for your wisdom and for
all you did in our community.  May you rest in peace!
GOODBYE, MILT MCPIKE
    
I am deeply saddened by the passing of Milt McPike. He was a great principal at East High
School who had the ability to inspire students, teachers and parents. However, we were
fortunate that his gift was not constrained by the walls of the school or the hours of the
school day. His knowledge and guidance could be felt throughout the entire community in
a multitude of boards, committees and task forces. Everyone who had the opportunity to
work with this great man learned about his passion for service to our school district and
community.    Mr. McPike’s service to our community was as large as his physical stature.  
He was always willing to share advice and perspective to those that were inspired to be like
him, as well as those who were struggling to find themselves.  His leadership helped many
people fulfill their educational goals, secure employment or just become better citizens.  
His friendship to me will never be forgotten.  — Johnny Winston, Jr.