Michael Albert Ewens

Ventura, CA

Michael A. Ewens reported to his final duty station on 16 May 2018, upon orders from his highest commander. He always obeyed orders from those appointed above him. Mike passed away at age 79, following a brave battle with cancer.

Born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on 13 March 1939 to Bud and Meta Ewens, Michael laid out his life from the very beginning as a young man. He was greatly influenced while reading Theodore Roosevelt's "African Game Trails" at an early age and became a devoted admirer of our 26th U.S. President. His goal was to follow Teddy as a cowboy, policeman, Army officer, National Park staff, environmentalist, conservationist, educator, big game hunter and climber of mountains. All of Roosevelt's writings remained a creed of behavior for Mike's entire life, as he accomplished everything he set out to do.

Michael was deeply involved in Boy Scouting for over 60 years - from childhood into adulthood, leading his two sons. He has passionately volunteered with the American Red Cross for 60+ years - as a boy assisting his mother and grandmother during World War II and for decades as a CPR/First Aid Instructor, Disaster Preparedness/ Emergency Response Administrator and Mass Care Shelter Manager. He retired as a U.S. Army Colonel after 31 years, having served tours in Vietnam, Cold War Germany, Kuwait, Iraq, Saudi Arabia and many stints at the Pentagon. Professor Mike enthusiastically taught business courses at Ventura College for 34 years, continuing to receive compliments from prior students. Throughout his life, he had been a Reserve Police Officer, a National Park Ranger in the Grand Tetons of Wyoming, a Safety Manager in the off-shore oil industry, a Social Services Director for the Salvation Army, a Manpower Programs Chief with County Government, and an active member of his church Our Lady of the Assumption, as a Eucharistic Minister. Whatever the endeavor, Michael fully committed and shared himself with compassion, dedication, and a missionary heart.

The word Outdoorsman doesn't do Mike justice ... he needed to be outside appreciating "God's Country". He eagerly enjoyed hunting, fishing, hiking, and camping all over the Mountain West while owning and operating a ranch in northern New Mexico.

Michael Ewens always filled the room with his presence. He was larger than life with a vibrant personality, easy to know and such a kind, memorable man. He definitely touched many lives, but none more than his beloved family: lifetime soulmate Col. Lydia, his sons, Scott and Matt, his brothers John and Tom, Nieces Becky and Denise, Nephew Andy, godson John & wife Amy, and all of their amazing families. He will be greatly missed by numerous cousins and countless friends.

Please consider donating to the American Red Cross in Camarillo, CA. or to the Martinez y Ewens Anasazi Scholarship at Ventura College Foundation to honor Mike.

A Rosary and Celebration of Life Mass will be held Thursday, 7 June 2018, 10:00 A.M., at Our Lady of the Assumption, 3175 Telegraph Road, Ventura, CA. 93003.

A Military Funeral Service and Inurnment will take place at Riverside National Veterans Cemetery on a date to be announced.

Arrangements are under the care of Ted Mayr Funeral Home and Crematory, 3150 Loma Vista Road, Ventura, CA. 93003

Online condolences may be offered at: https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/ventura-ca/michael-ewens-7853786

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

Published by Ventura County Star on May 27, 2018.

Memories and Condolences
for Michael Ewens

Sponsored by Perez Family Funeral Home - Ventura.

5 Entries

Mike Post

November 8, 2018

This came s as late news to all Mike's friends at the RMEF. RIP Mike. Your many contributions to RMEF and more so to the world at large will never be forgotten.

Stephen A. & Maria Gloria Andruszkewicz

June 3, 2018

Stephen A & Maria Gloria Andruszkewicz

Thank you Michael for your lifetime of devotion and service to Family, Church, Country and Community.
It was our pleasure to attend many Masses with you and Lydia at Our Lady of the Assumption Church.
May you now Rest In Peace with your Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and may your Family be comforted by Our Lord.
Your fellow parishioners,
Steve & Gloria Andruszkewicz
Ventura, CA

Carla Kraetsch

May 30, 2018

Mike has been a good neighbor for more than 40 years. Scott and Darin have been school mates room mates and friend since junior high. Will miss sayin hi to Mike, and lovingly hearing his very familiar voice from across the street on Dean Dr.
My love and condolences to Scott and Matthew and family♥

Scott Walker

May 30, 2018

I met Mr. Ewens when I was in middle school when I joined Boy Scout Troop #143. Mr. Ewens was a wonderful Scoutmaster, a great mentor, a very compassionate human being, and almost like a second father to me. Unbeknownst to me, before my mother died she asked Mike to make sure I stayed on the path to become an Eagle Scout. I vividly remember Mr. Ewens giving me a reality check one day when he disclosed my mom's hopes for me, and when he told me how behind I was in Merit Badges and Ranks since I had distanced myself from the troop. I have him to thank for setting me on the right path. I will miss Mr. Ewens' laughter, his big smile, and his friendship. The world would be a better place if all the people he mentored just tried to be Mike for one day.

Sincerely,
Scott Walker

Patrick Hall

May 27, 2018

Mike was a real Gentlemen. He was one of our Ushers at Our lady Assumption Church in Ventura.
My prayers, thoughts are with his Family at this difficult time. May, He R.I.P.

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