-written by Mike’s father, John

Our shining light, the kid with the golden smile, has left us. We believe that he has found everlasting comfort and peace.

Michael has always been a kind-hearted, generous soul; always willing to help others. He was a problem solver and an innovative thinker. He loved animals, especially his little pug friend, Louie.

Michael loved the outdoors; he knew every fishing hole on the Hood River… always landing the “big one” to share with family and friends. Sports were a passion and Mike excelled in any endeavor – golf, wrestling, skiing, kayaking, tennis and many more. He enjoyed traveling to far away places – to Scotland to play the “links courses”, hiking to the top of Mt. Adams and Mt. St. Helen's, all with his dad. He spent a school year in Finland, living with wonderful host families.

Mike always achieved high accolades as a student and researcher. His recent work as research coordinator at OHSU led to many published studies, including his first authorship of a paper in a major medical journal.

When we first came to the realization of Mike’s passing, there was a thought of closing our doors to the outside. We discovered that Mike touched so many souls in so many ways that we are proud to share his stories and memories with our dear families and friends.

He will be in our thoughts and prayers by his mother, Marianne and father, John. He always shared life and experiences with his dear sister, Kelly and best buddy and brother, John. His twenty five years with us have been full of joy, love, excitement and so many smiles.