Michael Dean Bliss

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Michael Dean Bliss, 68, of Klamath Falls, Oregon, following a courageous six-year battle with Multiple Myeloma. He passed peacefully at home, in his favorite room by the fire, with classical music playing softly, surrounded by the women he loved most—just as he would have wanted.
Mike was born on June 11, 1957, to Linda and Jerry Bliss at Holloman Air Force Base in Alamogordo, New Mexico. His mother often joked that she told Jerry if their first child was born before their first anniversary, she might have had to "kill him"—but Mike arrived one year and one day after their wedding, unknowingly sparing his father's life and providing a story the family would laugh about for decades. Soon after Mike's arrival, the family returned to Klamath Falls, where Mike was raised alongside his siblings, Kirk and Lisa. His childhood was filled with simple joys and hard work—helping on potato and chicken farms, tending gardens with his grandmother, and spending time camping, water skiing, and exploring the Lava Beds.
He graduated from Henley High School in 1975 and built a career defined by dedication and strong relationships. Mike worked at Nelson's Tire, Andersch Home Furnishings, and spent many years as shop manager at Basin Tire Service before transitioning to a loan officer role at All Seasons Mortgage, where he worked until retiring in September 2025. He was known for his integrity, loyalty, and his guiding principles: treat others with kindness, don't burn bridges, and trust that everything will work out.
In 1979, Mike married Diane Elzner, and together they raised three daughters: Lorisa, Kendra, and Jaylin until their separation in 2010. He was a devoted father who never missed an event—whether a band concert, game, or ceremony—and took pride in teaching his girls independence, from changing a tire to driving a stick shift, always reminding them they were capable of anything. In 2011, Mike met Jeanne Nelson on a blind date, and they quickly became inseparable. They married at The Hallmark in Newport, Oregon in 2016, creating a life filled with love, laughter, and shared adventures. Newport became their special place, where they spent countless weekends walking the beach, enjoying the coastal air, and relaxing by the fire together.
In 2020, Mike was diagnosed with an aggressive form of Multiple Myeloma. Through a clinical research program at OHSU, he was given valuable time, which he embraced with gratitude. Even in the face of hardship, he remained focused on the good in his life and never complained about the hand he was dealt.
Mike lived life fully and rarely sat still. He was an accomplished sailor and longtime member of the Klamath Yacht Club, where he served as Commodore and Vice Commodore and achieved many first-place racing finishes with his crew. He also loved sailing simply for the joy of it and for sharing that passion with others. His dedication to scouting began in his youth as an Eagle Scout and continued throughout his life as a leader and mentor at both the local and national levels. He attended every Jamboree he could, at times helping oversee thousands of scouts, and his decades of service were recognized with numerous honors, including the prestigious Silver Buffalo Award in 2023.
Beyond these accomplishments, Mike's passions were many. He loved cycling, photography, classical music, and hosting gatherings for friends and family—especially when his signature BBQ brisket was on the menu. He was a wine enthusiast, an adventurer, and someone who was always eager to try new things and bring others along with him. Whether sailing, traveling, or simply sharing a meal, Mike found joy in connection and in making life rich with experiences.
Mike will be remembered for his kindness, steady wisdom, adventurous spirit, and deep love for his family and community. He believed there was always something to be grateful for, and he lived that belief every day. He will be profoundly missed.
Mike is survived by his father, Jerry; his beloved wife Jeanne, and his constant companion, dog, Spinn; first wife Diane and their children/spouses Lorisa Bliss & Michael Larson, Kendra & Zachary Cundiff and Jaylin Bliss-Ferguson & Blake Ferguson; his bonus children Richard Callison & Jason Barr; Erin Callison and Philip Callison; cherished grandchildren and bonus grandchildren Adela & Elanor Larson; Evalee & Isla Cundiff; Frances Bliss-Ferguson; Ethan Callison, Emeila Callison & Lucas Callison; aunts Pamela & Ralph Earp and Lois Delap, siblings Lisa Bliss, and Kirk & Tina Bliss and countless cherished friends.

Mike was preceded shortly in death by his mother Linda who passed on January 24th, 2026. She is surely shocked that he joined her so quickly, but we are grateful she was spared the pain of losing her oldest son.

A celebration of life will be held at the Klamath Yacht Club on June 13th, 2026 at 2pm. Please visit the website below to RSVP and leave a memory of Mike for a memory book for family
https://everloved.com/life-of/michael-bliss/