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Michael PonTell Obituary
Michael PonTell
Michael PonTell was a writer, a dreamer, a champion for other young writers whose voices had yet to be heard. An author himself of two books, Michael founded Onlinbrary as a platform for students and budding authors to have their work published on the open market. "To write about your life," Michael wrote on the company's website, "To share and support others in their creativity. To be supported in your own. This is where you turn when publishers and agents turn you down. This is where you decide how far you go, how high you climb. No one will stop you here. Create. Share. Enjoy."
Michael, who passed away on May 12 at age 23, created much during his young life. He wrote about relationships, about exploration, about life. His book, James Thatcher and the Seven Keys, opens with a poignant interaction between two foster care children experiencing their first taste of real freedom. "With every passing second," he wrote, "they felt more like regular, loved children than the wandering vagabonds they'd been accused of being more than a few times."
His writing came naturally – from a deep sense of compassion and caring for the human spirit, his family says. He grew up in Ontario, attended New York University and ultimately graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in History from Hillsdale College.
At Onlinbrary, he created a writing contest for high school students, which he'd hoped to take national. The recently completed first contest featured more than 240 entries from the Chaffey Joint Union High School District and Upland High School. Friends and family will keep the contest program going through onlinbrary.com.
Michael loved to travel and by the age of 16 had visited 6 continents coming within 200 miles of his goal of reaching all 7. He loved to debate and passionately believed that people
should know what they believe and why they believe it. He loved to play all kinds of games and was the master at learning how to find unconventional ways to win.
He had very deep personal friendships and made those around him comfortable with his easy smile and keen wit. He will be enormously missed.
Michael is survived by his mother Michelle; his father Steve; his sisters Erin and Grace; his cousins Luke, Marko, Kadija, Claire, Paige, Ethan, Loc, Maren, Lachlan, and Caulder as well as those from Switzerland Levin, Dylan, Mario and Nicolas; his grandmothers Mary Dowling and Donna (Dee) PonTell.
A memorial service will be held Sunday, May 31st at 2pm at the Ontario Doubletree, 222 North Vineyard Ontario.
In lieu of flowers, Michael's family requests donations be sent to Achieve Goals, an educational 501c-3 non-profit organization affiliated with Onlinbrary, 11625 Mount Hood Court, Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91737. Please include "Michael PonTell" in the memo line. The money will be used to support young writers, coordinate future contests and provide scholarships.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Michael PonTell
Sponsored by Inland Valley Daily Bulletin.
Michelle Liddell
May 12, 2019
Never forgotten. Miss you! Praying for your family.
Michelle Liddell
January 24, 2019
Missing you
In my mind it's still us against the world;) Truth and love, always.
Michelle Liddell
April 13, 2017
The past 2 years have been hard. I already lost so much as you knew, and losing the only person who knew everything. I will forever miss my best friend and first love. I am so happy we had one last dinner and one last, long hug and argument ;) I am starting graduate school and I know you would be so proud I am living my potential. I will love you forever and probably always dial your number, wishing I could hear you tell me they are idiots for not seeing my worth and beauty. I love you. I know you are with me on my journey of servicing humanity and making a difference in this world.
January 18, 2017
This message is for the PonTell family. I was Erin's fourth grade teacher. I remember Michael's heartwarming face and contagious energy, although I was never his teacher. I have fond feelings for the whole family.
Today, I read an article in the Daily Bulletin about the Talking to Michael sculpture needing repair. I did an online search into the sculpture and into Michael PonTell,and I discovered that he was indeed the Michael I had known. I learned that he had died last December. I felt surprise, shock, and sadness.
As I read about Michael, I loved learning about his enthusiasm for writing and encouragement for other writers. I remembered Erin's love of learning in fourth grade. She was a good little fourth grade writer with notable logical thinking for a fourth graded student. I remember conversations with Michelle. I know, Michelle and Steve, you wanted to make an impact on people and I imagine that you passed that along to your family.
I extend my condolences to all of you. I love what you did with the sculpture to remember Michael and will go see it, now that I know about the sculpture and its history.
I have prayed for all of you this morning while doing this research about the very unique and special person, Michael.
Sarah Chisholm
stephanie Schultz
May 27, 2015
middle school and high school were awkward times and I'm not sure anyone was less judgmental he will always be remebered with warmest memories may the holy spirit bring peace to his family and friends during this tragic time
Betsy Sanders
May 26, 2015
Hearing about the loss of Michael is such a shock and a tragedy. I only met him briefly in New York City but he was clearly a promising and talented young man and a lovely man as well. I send prayers to his family and wishes to Michael to rest in peace. Deepest condolences.
Josh campbell
May 26, 2015
Michael, when I think about you all the great memories of our childhood at your house come back to me. Spending the night at your house and jumping in the spa at midnight and waking up early to play video games on the computers while watching cartoons in the morning. One memory in specific that I remember is around Christmas time when you guys were working on your gingerbread house. I can remember every little detail about this day down to the great smell that was in the air. Your parents were so good to me, I came along with you everywhere and they treated me like a son. Most of my favorite childhood memories where when I was with you doing something. You left too early. You were going to be my best man when I got married. When we were both married and had kids I was already planning out a day of the week we can get together for poker. Every thought about my future you were there. I'm so lost right now without you Michael. I would do anything to get you back with us. Your my best friend, your always going to be my best friend. I'm going to try to help another person any chance I get. Even now that your gone your still making the world a better place. I love you man
Ashley Wohler
May 25, 2015
I won't forget sitting in PE with 2 other girls who im not sure want to be named but guys were mean in Jr High and we felt so ugly and all of us were looking blue and michael came to us sat down and said why we looked sad and one of the girls I was with told him. He spent the rest of the time making us feel beautiful. He wrote us poems and made me smile during hardest times of my life. I wished I kept the poems. Michael your memory will never fade.
Patti Caskey
May 25, 2015
My thoughts and prayers are with your family at this difficult time. But know that Michael is at home with God now and hopefully that can bring you some comfort.
May 25, 2015
My precious Michael . . . Oh' that I could bring you back You had the best hugs, do feel mine back to you now. May God give you His peace as well as all the family until we meet again.I love you from the depth of my heart. Your Beppe.
Cindy Richards
May 25, 2015
My families thoughts and prayers are with the Pontell family at this time of sorrow. May God bless and help their hearts to heal.
David Kooistra
May 25, 2015
Michael, you were indeed a very sharp and intelligent young man with wisdom beyond
your years. You are in God's hands now and
rest in peace my friend.
With much love and prayers,
uncle Dave
Retta Mack
May 24, 2015
It is truly heart breaking to know that Michael is no longer here. My deepest sympathies are with his family especially his precious mother, Michelle. Praying for comfort during this time of mourning. I'm so sorry. Lots of Love, Retta.
Gregg Steward
May 24, 2015
I have personally experienced many losses, but never a son. I can't even imagine! May God bless all family members with love, comfort, and healing.
Annette PonTell
May 24, 2015
I wish I could look you in eyes and reiterate what an amazing talent you are... instead, as you rest peacefully in paradise, I will look up and tell you more often. Love you always, Tia
May 24, 2015
To the family of Michael..
I did not know Michael, but I fully understand that his actions were always kind, he possessed a creative and beautiful mind, and so much talent beyond his years.
Words fail me right now, but I am praying every day that peace finds you and you can look back on Michael's life with everlasting love and understanding. My deepest condolences to your entire family.
Victoria Borjesson
May 24, 2015
Your loss is truly Heaven's gain. Incredible what this young man did in his 23 years. God Bless each of you and may He keep you in his loving care. I am so sorry. Keeping you in our prayers, Jim and Barbara Davis
Lori Grant
May 24, 2015
To the Pontell family,
I am so sorry for the loss of your son, grandson, brother, cousin and friend. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Hugs to all of you!! Lori Grant
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