He died last Monday morning in the shop, as he and the other morning crew were prepping before the shop opened for the morning. Apparently he simply collapsed and was dead well before the emergency crews arrived. He seemed to this patron as too young to die, but apparently his smoking and life just caught up with him. At least he went quickly, which is a blessing. Watching my parents go through long, slow, awful declines puts his sudden demise into perspective, but he was definitely at an age where dying is unexpected and a shock.

Thanks for the information. How horribly sad for his team, and for us.

There was another discussion about Michael, but it's way down on page 2 now. Many customers and co-workers chimed in with tributes.

Here it is: Web Link

He died WEDNESDAY not MONDAY dont say anything if you dont know the full story Mr. Annonymous.

To clarify a little more. Michael had no medical history of heart problems. He came to work wednesday morning and met me outside the store for cigarettes and talk about 10 minutes before we opened. He told me he wasnt feeling well and that he had some tightness in his chest. We continued with opening the store though i was very worried, this guy was more than a coworker to me, he was my best friend. He went down about 10 minutes before we were supposed to open the shop. He struggled to stay alive 10 minutes before the paramedics arrived. 10 MINUTES!! it took them to get to Peets on homer...
He took his last breath in my arms.
As this is a very sensitive subject for me. I would appreciate it if people didnt act like they know the story and try to tell it like they do. I work at peets i was with him when he died i know the full story. And i read what you all write...Im very offended by the way the annonymous writer tried to explain what happened.
-Steph