Search by Name

Add a Memory

Send Flowers

Make a Donation

Share Obituary

Michael David Blume Sr.

FUNERAL HOME

Robert A. Pumphrey Funeral Homes Inc. - Bethesda-Chevy Chase

7557 Wisconsin Ave.

Bethesda, Maryland

Michael Blume Obituary

BLUME, MICHAEL DAVID, SR.

On Monday, February 7, 2005. Beloved husband of Betsy. Beloved father of Michael, passed away at his home. He is survived by his mother, Helen and father Melvyn, brothers Paul, Alan and Charles, one nephew and three nieces. Friends will be received at PUMPHREY'S BETHESDA-CHEVY CHASE FUNERAL HOME, 7557 Wisconsin Ave., Bethesda, MD on Thursday, from 7 to 9 p.m. where service will be held on Friday, February 11, at 11 a.m. Interment Parklawn Memorial Park In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, 100 Raoul Wallenberg Place, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20024-2126. Please view and sign family guestbook at www.pumphreyfuneralhome.com

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

Published by The Washington Post on Feb. 9, 2005.

Memories and Condolences
for Michael Blume

Sponsored by a friend.

31 Entries

Mark Anderson

April 23, 2005

Being a sporadic participant on SI, I have just now heard about Michael's passing, and am sad to hear of it. I am on "the other side" of the political spectrum form Neocon,as we knew him, but still hold him in high regard because of his personal traits which showed through in his postings. He showed respect, even when he disagreed with the person's position. He also was willing to take on topics and discuss them honestly, and not just fall back to the party line positions that are so commonly espoused on SI. He was one of the people that make SI a worthwhile place to visit. My sympathies go out to his family.. He will be missed.

Peter Friend

March 9, 2005

Michael touched my life only in cyberspace. It was a touch that was uplifting and informative. He is missed. His lucidity, courtosy and humor were unmatched. If you can hear me Michael, thank you for all you did for me. You are missed.

Gordon Langston

March 3, 2005

I was drawn to Michael as anyone might to a good soul and teacher. Some people make a site like SI truly live and he was one.

I'm sure his family will appreciate knowing how many people felt grateful to have known him even through such a limited spectrum as the internet.

In my world he was one of the best.

"No man is an island

No man stands alone

Each man's joy is my joy

Each man's sorrow is my own

Do not send and ask,

For whom the bells toll

They toll for you.

~ John Donne

Leslie McGrath

March 3, 2005

Dear Betsy and young Michael,

It's now been weeks since Michael's passing, but there isn't a day when I don't think about him and feel a sense that the world's lost a little bit of its humanity. It's a testament to Michael that so many SI folks have noted his intelligence and gentlemanliness, as he had good, long-lived correspondence with many of us, despite any political differences.

On the day of the September 11th attacks, I worried about him, knowing your home was close to D.C. He responded quickly, assuring me he was all right, but worrying instead about you, Betsy. You two were his center, and I followed young Michael's school successes, his getting his driver's liscence, and your literary projects with great fondness. Every woman should have a husband as tender and devoted as Michael. I'm grateful to have known him.

Michael (PartyTime--SI Posting Alias)

March 2, 2005

At first I was hesitant to sign this book given my SI posting name. But now some time has elapsed and I feel easier making a comment.

Michael (Neocon--SI Posting Alias) and myself--even though we were both named "Michael"-- were at opposite ends of the political spectrum, and each of us during our SI debates tried very hard to make the other see what we saw ourselves.

He kept his beliefs right into the Next Moment; and I will too--perhaps we'll get to debate again.

My very best to his family and to all dear to him.

Sherry Fox

March 2, 2005

Michael will be missed. His gentleness, his kindness, his intelligence.

"Some people come into our lives and quickly go.

Some people move our souls to dance.

They awaken us to new understanding with the passing whisper of their wisdom.

Some people make the sky more beautiful to gaze upon.

They stay in our lives for awhile, leave footprints in our hearts, and We are never, ever the same."

Charles Hennessey

March 1, 2005

As others have already said, Michael was a teacher, and a patient one. I'm grateful for the things he taught me, he was so generous with his time.

We had tentative plans to meet and have lunch, I regret very much not having seized the opportunity. It's unlikely I'll meet anyone of his caliber again.

Gerard Mangiardi

March 1, 2005

I didn't know until today that his name was Mike. He was one of the few people I exchanged ideas with inline that communicated both integrity and respect for others. He will be missed in many large and small ways by people that his family never knew. A true testament to his value as a human being.

TigerPaw

February 26, 2005

The world of ideas was a much larger and more exciting place when Michael was sharing in it.

Rudi

February 17, 2005

As a friend of Michaels on SI, it will be difficult to imagine him not posting an answer to a humdrum

question with a witty, intelligent response.

He often mentioned his family. His love for the two of you, and the satisfaction he took in your achievements are well documented.

Thank you for sharing him with us if only for a short while.

"My words fly up, my thoughts remain below."

A friend indeed!

PatiBob Hill

February 17, 2005

I only knew Michael "Neocon" from SI. He was an extremely patient and well spoken man, I follow many others in saying he was one of the most repsected people in cyber space. My deepest sympathy to his family and friends.

John Nicewonger

February 17, 2005

Michael (Neocon) bantered back and forth for years on S.I. and he once did me the favor of checking out my sons new apartment in Germantown for me. I thought very highly of him and am very saddened by his departure. God Bless him. john

Dan B.

February 17, 2005

As J.F. Sheppard has noted, Neocon was a teacher (I've newfound respect for you, J.F., for your words here). I know that what "Neocon" has shared on Silicon Investor has certainly spread around the world many times over. He showed us all a way to enjoy and spread otherwise unattainable degrees of both sound thinking & civility, to countless minds the world over, and his influence will live on in unexpected places, without a doubt. I so enjoyed and applauded Neocon's presence on SI for so long (both on and offline)...let there be no mistake...this is a loss which is VERY strongly felt. Take good care, everyone.

Joseph F. Shepard

February 14, 2005

I only knew Mike on line and he and I were on opposite ends of the political spectrum. In my opinion, he was the best from his side. He was not so much a debater as he was a teacher and he taught me many things about many topics. I will miss him. I send my deepest sympathy and condolences to his wife and family.

Bill Millan

February 11, 2005

I had many interesting discussions with Neo at SI, and am saddened by his demise. I am sorry for your loss.

Dan

February 10, 2005

I, like many others, met Neo in cyberspace. Always a level head, a great sense of humor and all around nice guy. One of a kind. He will be missed.

Anita Brower

February 10, 2005

With deepest sympathy to Betsy and family.

John Allen

February 10, 2005

Dear Betsey and David:

I was stunned to learn that Mike had passed so suddenly.

Mike and I did not always agree on our approach to life....but one thing we did agree on was our love for our families. Mike was unfailing in his expressions of love and devotion to you both whenever I spoke with him and inquired after you. Mike was courteous, patient, kind hearted and polite to a fault (as I often kidded him). His skills as a debater on SI were unmatched in my opinion. I will certainly miss his erudite and well thought out contributions to SI. And I regret that I never had a chance to meet him in person although we kept up a fairly lively correspondence over the years since we first "met" on SI.

My heartfelt condolences and best wishes for your both to make it through this trying time....

Sincerely,

Josh Wright

February 10, 2005

Michael was an wonderful person and friend. He was always compassionate and always the gentleman.

He had an exceptional talent with the written word that all found very engaging. His love of the arts from music to philosophy was quite evident.

Michael's love of family was also obvious and he spoke highly of them. His pride as a husband and father was known to all.

For his family which he loved dearly I offer my condolences for their loss.

I will never forget Michael and feel blessed that he was a friend.

Bill Vaughn

February 10, 2005

Michael loved the written word. He respected academic analysis. He celebrated culture. He honored tradition. He valued friendships. He appreciated a good joke. He trumpeted his courtesy. And he cherished his life with Betsy and young Michael.

He left a legacy of intellect and civility documented on the servers of Silicon Investor. I will miss him greatly. Please accept my heartfelt condolences.

Rob Johnson

February 10, 2005

Michael and I didn't always see eye-to-eye on things but it was always a pleasure to read his contributions to SI and I will miss him.

George Coyne

February 9, 2005

I had the highest esteem for Michael. He was intelligent and interesting, but above all, he was a gentleman.

Jane Spear

February 9, 2005

Oh, Betsy, I could not believe the news when I received it through a friend from the Johnny Xpress. To say that he died way too soon, is never to say enough. His mind was brilliant. His conversation SO engaging. But mostly I knew that his heart was good because he knew enough to love you. I will keep you and your son, and all of his family in my thoughts and prayers.

Jane

George Wigginton

February 9, 2005

I encountered Michael only in cyberspace. He was articulate, informed, and always the gentleman: a fine example for us all. My condolences to his family and friends.

Bruce Lingle

February 9, 2005

I wish to extend my sincere sympathies to the family of Michael Blume Sr. I am one of those who knew him only online where he was known and appreciated not just for his intelligence and eloquence, but for his generosity of spirit, civility and upstanding character. There are a host of people all over the country who have been enriched by knowing him and who will miss his presence daily.

Michael 97123

February 9, 2005

Since I know Michael only from SI, it may be hard for you to understand the sense of loss i feel at his passing. I wish the best for the family and his kids should always keep in mind that Neocon was passionate about what he believed but always a gentle man, even when provoked. He had a great love of both country and a special place in his heart for the Jewish people which of course were also part of his heritage. Some folks pass through life, live for a long time and are not missed much when they depart. Neocon had only 48 years, but i know he will missed greatly. A sign of a good life and a caring person and a great legacy to be passed on. Love to you all. Mike

Colleen Maddox

February 9, 2005

We have all lost a good man and a good friend. I am thankful that I had the chance to know him. My thoughts and prayers are with his family. May he rest in peace.

Sincerely,

Colleen Maddox

Michael Cummings

February 9, 2005

After thousands of words and hundreds of conversations typed to Michael over the years, I find myself at a loss to type what I most want to say now.

I will miss you Mike, but saying that doesn't seem to come close to what I want to say. You were like an older much smarter brother to me, a brother who always treated me with kindness, patience, understanding and acceptance.

In so many ways you were my mentor, you taught me about philosophy, about politics, religion, history and so much more.

I loved the most wonderful part of you, your mind. I also loved your gift for writing, so a person like me could come to understand a small part of your intellect and grow from the experience.

My deepest condolences to Betsy, your son and family. I am sure having been exposed to the complete you for so many years, has them feeling a much deeper loss than I could ever imagine.

I hope to see you again on the other side. I will never forget you.

Thank you for everything you gave me.

Thank you for everything you shared.

Ron Maddox

February 9, 2005

Michael was a true statesman in the way he communicated with others. He was the most stable component of the threads on SI, and became a valued friend to many of us. My wife, Colleen, and I had the greatest respect for the words that he posted. He leaves a very large empty space that no other can fill.

Betsy Blume

February 9, 2005

My heartfelt thanks to all of you who set this up for my husband. He loved the time he spent with you on SI.

Showing 1 - 31 of 31 results