Rosie Keech can scroll through her phone and find countless videos of her late husband playing with his grandkids, or photos posted on a wedding anniversary she never thought she would have to celebrate without him.
They're the kind of moments you miss, but the kind that stay with you forever.
"Michael was a loving husband, devoted father, proud poppy, loyal mate and someone who meant so much to so many people," she said.
"He lived life with a big heart, always willing to help others, share a laugh, and enjoy time with family and friends."
Which is why so many will tee off at the MKGolf Day at the Murrumbidgee Golf Club on Thursday.
Because so many were left heartbroken when Keech died by suicide in January 2023, aged 59.
Keech was later diagnosed with stage two chronic traumatic encephalopathy - known as CTE - as a result of concussions suffered in an unrelenting era when head knocks that shook the dust off the Seiffert Oval rafters were treated like any other injury. You just played on.
His brain was donated for research into the effects of concussion and CTE - a brain disease caused by repeated head knocks that can only be diagnosed after death.
His diagnosis marked the first known case among those who played exclusively at local level in Canberra sport. It follows that of Heather Anderson in 2023, who played in the AFL Canberra competition before joining the AFLW.
A family-driven fundraiser has generated more than $10,000 for the Australian Sports Brain Bank.
The funds raised could skyrocket during Thursday's golf day, while a host of Keech's former teammates have already vowed to donate their brains for CTE research.
"Michael played rugby league for more than 20 years with Woden Valley Rams, Queanbeyan Blues and Tuggeranong Knights. During those years he suffered many concussions, something that was sadly seen as part of the game at the time," Rosie Keech said.
"Knowing that CTE contributed to Michael's struggles and ultimately his suicide has helped give our family some understanding and answers as to why.
"[Thursday] is about celebrating Michael, sharing memories, and raising awareness so other families may one day be spared the heartbreak that CTE can cause."
Because the heartbreak doesn't fade.
I stared at a blank page for far too long before I turned to my old man: When you think of 'Keechy', what comes to mind?
After all, Keech was an old Queanbeyan Blues teammate. They were together in team photos. He was a close friend, and the reason my parents met all those years ago.
"He was a fella that always seemed calm, made people feel welcome, liked a good laugh and having a go at someone in jest," came the reply.
So you can bet there will be plenty of that on Thursday.
If you or someone you know is in need of supprot, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636.
