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Michael Wayne Fong

Michael Fong Obituary

Fong, Michael Wayne 58 March 17, 1953 Oct. 11, 2011 Michael W. Fong was born St. Patrick's Day 1953 to Harry Fong and Nobuko Kodama. Exiting this world far too early, he leaves behind siblings, Doug and Kathy; a niece; three nephews; beloved cousins; extended family; friends; and Arthur Pendragon. Michael's childhood nick-name, "Maverick" defined him throughout his life. He loved to travel and explore; his Christmas cards came from a different place every year. He charmed people from ages 1 to 100. For most of his career, he was an aerospace systems engineer, but he took time off to train as a chef. Mike seemed to be searching his entire life. Those who love him hope that he's found what he was looking for and is now happy and at peace.

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Published by The Oregonian on Oct. 22, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for Michael Fong

18 Entries

Orestes Yambouranis

October 16, 2019

Summer of '69, if memory serves.
Mike and I were reading Hesse. The Steppenwolf; "the Magic Theatre, Not For Everyone."
We were rapidly slipping away from high school culture and toward the next thing.
Mike was off to Europe. He offers me the keys to the 500 for the summer (yet, somehow, I'm still alive.)
Mike says to me "I'll be up there around Lake Como; if I find any Hesse stuff I'll bring it home with me."

Some friendships evolve through the mechanics of simple association over time. Mike and I were brought together out of a common affection for things less common. How lucky I was that our paths crossed.
Mike was the Steppenwolf from a very early time. He deserved many more years than he was given.

Arthur and I

Racheal Berg

January 15, 2012

Hey Mike there is not a day that goes by that I don't think about you. Arthur is doing very good and he misses you a lot.
I will always be grateful that I had you in my life and I am very grateful that I had the chance to meet your family they are very wonderful people just like you. I am sorry that I didn't get to meet them when you were here. I love you Michael with all my heart and soul!!

November 1, 2011

Mike was my most trusted friend for several decades; years of sporadic road trips, adventures and extrordinary meals. He taught me how to shoot a gun and filet a fish. His love of children, respect for elders and compassion for animals big and small - is his legacy. Travel well, old friend.

Vanessa Salinas

Bonnie Winona

October 27, 2011

"Regard the fleeting world like this: Like stars fading and vanishing at dawn, like bubbles in a fast-moving stream, like morning dewdrops evaporating on blades of grass, like a candle flickering in a strong wind. Echos, mirages, and phantoms, hallucinations, and like a dream."
Lama Surya Das

Michael Fong: your life & friendship graced us with warmth, generosity, animated and intelligent conversation, genuine fun, unselfish affection, and a gigawatt smile as open and soothing as your golden heart. Au revoir, Michael. Smooth sailing into the next reality. Deep peace of the running wave to you, with fair winds and a following sea.

Ruth Swisher

October 27, 2011

I met Michael around 1983 when we both started working at Harris Corp. in Florida. He was a great friend and was always there for me via mail, email, phone or person. He was my support and encouragement for many years, the last time being this year when my father passed away on my birthday. He was very thoughtful, caring, generous and enjoyed life. He was unique in every way, especially his sense of humor and gift giving. He loved aerospace and enjoyed traveling. He was my wanderer and I was his rock as he called me. When I think of him I will imagine him having a wonderful time exploring the great “Heaven Space”.

I will never forget you Michael. You will always have a special place in my heart. Much Love,

Mike, Laurie and Greg, San Francisco

Laurie Leo

October 26, 2011

I've known Michael since we were children through our families. He has been friend, family, and someone that I could always share my thoughts with. A generous and caring person who enjoyed life. He will always be part of my life, and I will miss him greatly. My love to Michael, Kathy and Doug.

Dan Costello

October 26, 2011

I will miss Mike a lot. A lot of people have mentioned Mike's smile as an endearing trademark. Well, I tell you all that whenever I think of Mike, I will Smile.
He was definitely "My travelin Friend!"

John Cunningham

October 26, 2011

When I met Mike as a coworker, I knew immediately that I had a friend for life. Thanks to Mike, I became a more refined consumer of fine tequila and fine food. Dinners at Mike's were not to be forgotten. We both enjoyed many days on my sailboat. I had so looked forward to having him aboard for this fall's cruise to the Carib. Fair winds my great friend.

Jeannine and Ron DeGarmo

October 25, 2011

Michael was a very good friend of our daughter, Jennifer who passed away in 2008. He has carried on the same thoughtfulness and generousity with Jennifer's daughter, Racheal. He was such a giving person.
As Racheal's Grandparents we would like to extend our sympathy to his family.

Gordon Sites

October 25, 2011

I'm honored to have known Mike, All will miss his zeal for life, truly a Maverick.

Joni Low

October 25, 2011

I am deeply saddened by Michael's passing. We just reunited on facebook and then, again, at the WA Hi class reunion in August 2011. We've known each other since childhood through our families. WE attended preschool together in Portland's Chinatown (aka Old Town). He's always had a big place in my heart. My love to Michael, Kathy and Doug.
Joni Low, San Diego, CA

Orestes Yambos/Yambouranis

October 24, 2011

I learned of Mike's death from my sister last night at dinner. Although Mike and I lost touch with each other in recent years, I would have been a different person as an adult if Mike had not been my good friend in high school. We hitchhiked to Mt. Hood one summer for a weekend of fishing and camping. We got as far as Parkdale. Two girls in (of all things) a horse drawn surrey approached. Mike, being Mike, stuck his thumb out. Damned if that didn't get us a twelve mile ride! I never drive up Highway 35 without remembering how hard we laughed that afternoon. You made my life richer, Mike Fong. Where'd you go in such a big hurry?

Marilynn Moody

October 24, 2011

Michael will always have a piece of my heart.

Racheal Berg

October 23, 2011

Mike was one of my best friends and he helped me out with life. I love him and miss him and he will always be in my heart.
Mike loved his cat Arthur Pendragon and I was able to have him and I will take very good care of Arthur and apart of Mike lives in Arthur.. I love you Mike and will miss you!!!

October 23, 2011

What a big heart. Always better at giving than receiving. We're saddened to lose you. Peace be to Kathy and Doug.

In cherished memory,
Mary, Pat, Meris and Michael Mullaley

October 23, 2011

Mike was one of a kind and will be greatly missed. Our thoughts and prayers to Kathy, Doug and your families.

Roger,Karrie,Ashely and Tai Locke

Natalie & Al Ong

October 22, 2011

We are truly saddened here in Houston. We loved Michael's zest for adventure and new experiences and his thoughtfulness and concern for animals, people and the earth. He was special to my mother, Fumiko Hayashida, and often called, sent flowers and cards and visited when in Seattle. I wish we had another Christmas to thank him and tell him we loved him. Our condolences go out to Kathy, Doug and Uncle Joe and their families. . .

fred kotkins

October 22, 2011

to a old class mate he will be missed and him memory and his smile will live on

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