Search by Name

Search by Name

Ernest Michael Obituary

Ernest Arthur Michael

University of Washington Professor Ernest Arthur Michael died on April 29, 2013 after a long decline in health. He is survived by his wife Erika, his brother, Charles Michael, his sister, Jackie Errera, his sons Alan, David, Gerard, and Joshua, his daughter Hillary, and his beloved grandchildren.

Professor Michael was born on August 26, 1925 in Zrich, Switzerland and spent the early part of his life in Frankfurt and Berlin. He moved with his family to The Hague, Netherlands, on New Year's Day of 1931 to evade the increasing threat of Nazi persecution.

His parents, Jakob Michael and Erna Sondheimer Michael, eventually settled the family on the Upper West Side of Manhattan. Professor Michael attended The Horace Mann School, graduating in 1941 at age 15. Afterwards, he enrolled at Cornell University majoring first in civil engineering, then in mathematics. Enlisting in the Navy, he served aboard the escort carrier, USS Kwajalein, until 1946.

Upon his return, he resumed his studies at Cornell, earning his BA in 1947, an MA in Mathematics at Harvard in 1948, and his Ph.D - specializing in General Topology - at The University of Chicago in 1951. Recalling the beauty of the Puget Sound region during his time in the Navy, he was delighted when a position in his field opened up at The University of Washington in Seattle. He applied for the position and became one of the math department's longest-term professors, becoming Emeritus in 1993.

In Mathematics, Professor Michael became best known for his work on paracompact spaces. Two important developments in the field are named for him: the Michael line and the Michael Selection Theorem. During his distinguished career, he went on to publish over 100 papers and was Editor of Proceedings of The American Math Society and Topology and Its Applications.

Professor Michael was an Inaugural Fellow of the American Mathematical Society, four-time Visiting Scholar at The Princeton Institute for Advanced Study, as well as Visiting Professor at the E.T.H. Zurich, University of Stuttgart, and University of Munich. He was a grantee of the AEC Office of Naval Research, National Science Foundation, Guggenheim Foundation, and the Humboldt Foundation.

A lifetime collector of Judaica and modern art, Professor Michael supported many philanthropic causes, both in the Seattle region and in Israel.

A funeral service is planned for Wednesday, May 1st at 3:00 p.m. at Temple Beth Am, Seattle.

Published by The Seattle Times from Apr. 30 to May 1, 2013.
34465541-95D0-45B0-BEEB-B9E0361A315A

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Memories and Condolences
for Ernest Michael

Sponsored by David Michael.

Not sure what to say?





6 Entries

Dave,

Your father left a legacy to be proud of - a large body of original work, and a wonderful family including your own two great kids. I'm glad they got to know and love their grandfather, and I'm sure they'll remember him throughout their lives.

Ed Acciardi

May 5, 2013

After reading about your father I am sorry to have not meet him personally. Our families thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. Barry and Laura Hasson

May 1, 2013

R.I.P .may our God give the rest of the family peace.

rahab Muthaki

April 30, 2013

I am so sorry for your loss. I know losing a loved one is hard to go through, I will keep you in my prayers. May you draw close to God at this time.

April 30, 2013

Hillary, so sorry for your loss. May his memory be a blessing! xo

April 30, 2013

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Treina Siegel

April 30, 2013

Showing 1 - 6 of 6 results

Make a Donation
in Ernest Michael's name

Memorial Events
for Ernest Michael

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

How to support Ernest's loved ones
Commemorate a cherished Veteran with a special tribute of Taps at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Ernest Michael's life and legacy
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more