Many history buffs enjoy nostalgia as a casual hobby.

But a rare few are much more intense in their devotion. They actually live the past with passion.

That's just one way to describe Michael Havrischak, the anthracite expert with the trademark handlebar moustache.

The educator, historian and photographer passed away late last month in his Coaldale home.

One week earlier I ran into him, as I often did, at the Hometown Farmers Market.

We talked about artwork of the late John Scott, a Tamaqua illustrator famous for creating colorful valentine greeting cards.

"For years, some of his paintings could be seen on walls in Coaldale at the hospital," he explained.

I always reveled in time spent with Mike because it inevitably turned into a rewarding educational experience.

Others share the sentiment.

"I enjoyed having Mike as a substitute teacher during my years in Tamaqua High and also as a friend," said Coaldale's Amy Nace.

"His knowledge of history is uncanny."

Another recalls his straightforward manner of speaking.

"Mike Havrischak stood out in a crowd. The one thing I will forever remember him for is his ability to be blunt with the truth, always sincere, always genuine," wrote Joe Galatha of Hazleton in an online tribute.

One day in 2015, Mike led me on a nature climb through heavy brush to the top of Mt. Pisgah overlooking Coaldale.

"You'll enjoy seeing the ruins up here," he said.

Mike was a Coaldale native and graduate of Panther Valley High School. He knew his way around Coaldale's mountains as well as anybody and it was a treat for me to tap into his experience.

"This would have provided ventilation," he said, as we climbed over rusty industrial skeletons of the Foster Tunnel fan house.

A horrific cave-in  at the Foster Tunnel Mine on September 27, 1915, trapped 11 miners for six agonizing days.

Rescue workers labored around the clock to find the missing men. The ongoing drama drew national attention as day-by-day reports of rescue attempts kept readers captivated. For a time, all hope was lost and national attention focused on the small mining town in Schuylkill County.

"They were entombed in the East Mammoth Vein," said Mike.

Luckily, they survived.

Details of the cave-in command respect even a century later. It's another incredible story in the annals of anthracite mining.  

With Mike's help, I was able to assemble a full-page feature story about the event.

Mike was delighted to assist because he felt the site holds great potential for tourism.

I agree and hope it happens.

The amazing tales of local families need to be told. King Coal's contributions to the Industrial Revolution demand their due.

Mike knew it. And he knew how to put such things in perspective.

He'd been telling our stories for decades.

He'd been living history with passion and, at age 69, was an anthracite ambassador and one of our region's richest resources.

But mortality has a way of shortchanging us.

So often we get cheated. When it happens, it matters greatly. And it hurts on many levels.  

Michael Havrischak was taken far too soon. There was so much more for him to tell; much more for us to learn.

His passing is a loss that never can be made whole again.

But his passion burns as bright as anthracite and will survive in the inspired hearts of those he left behind.

Photo caption: Michael Havrischak explores industrial ruins of the Foster Mine Tunnel fan house, Coaldale, in 2015.  The Panther Valley historian passed away last month, taking with him a wealth of knowledge about the anthracite region. DONALD R. SERFASS/SPECIAL TO THE TIMES NEWS