Michael Cordier could often be found along the shores of Quonochontaug Pond, fishing, clamming or just thinking.

"He spent more time there than any place else," his father, Ron, told The Providence Journal.

"Even if we didn't catch anything we had a good time; we'd hang out," said John Herlihy, of Westerly, who became friends with Cordier, 31, of Westerly, in seventh grade.

A love of sports and the outdoors fused their friendship. Their favorite times were spent just hanging out, sharing a beer, and talking.

Mike was known as a prankster with a warm smile and quick wit. But friends say he was also generous. He tended to put others first, often tipping double and insisting on treating his companions to drinks and dinner.

"It was one of those things that used to irk me. I used to tell him to put himself first," his father said. "He would give people more than he'd give to himself."

Cordier was working at a promotion for his employer McLaughlin & Moran when the fire at The Station started.

He was filling a shift at the last minute for a co-worker, handing out T-shirts and hats near the front door.