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Michael A. Maglich

Michael Maglich Obituary

Michael A. Maglich, artist, consummate wit, and iconoclastic thinker, whose public art projects for the cities of Phoenix, Scottsdale, and Tempe helped in recent years to shape the cultural landscape of those cities, died on August 2, 2007 in Phoenix. Known for the signature wit and wry humor that he brought to his work, he was a formidable artist, whose large scale creations include the installation, "Arizona Bolas," a series of 59 bronze sculptures installed in 1995 at the Phoenix Convention Center, a piece that spans two city blocks and celebrates the bola and its history as a regional icon, incorporating diverse elements from desert flora to swimming goggles Other important works include "Cereus Mechanicus,' a 2004 sculptural installation for the Cactus Garden at Sky Harbor Airport, and "The Sirens of Highway 60," commissioned by the City of Tempe, in which 180 small siren figures, based on a bronze from the Getty Museum, are captured in flight on either side of the freeway. In 1999, he created "Horseshoe Falls" in Scottsdale, an installation of fourteen columns, made of stacked horseshoes, with an internal misting system and pathway. As a true lover of the desert, Michael embraced the landscape of the Southwest. Born on July 1st, 1945 in Buffalo, New York, he was six months old when his family relocated in Phoenix. Following high school, in 1964 he moved to Los Angeles, where he enrolled in the prestigious Chouinard Art Institute, from which he graduated with honors. In 1982, Michael returned to Phoenix (as he wryly said, for love of the Susan) and it was here, in the early 1990s, that he began accepting the commissions that would result in his large public installations and bring him wide acclaim. He also continued to exhibit his art in galleries and museums across the country. (www.maglich.com). Following graduation from Chouinard, Michael was offered teaching opportunities, but he preferred the life of a working artist and the freedom that came with it. His curiosity and instinct for adventure led him to travel widely, in India, Hungary, China, Tahiti, France, Mexico, and the Czech Republic. For Michael, travel became a means of stimulating his imagination and refreshing his artistic sensibility, and wherever he went, he made friends who appreciated his rare talent to amuse, his eye for the absurd, his love of the bon mot. He was an avid reader, a lover of music, a droll man who could make anyone laugh---and often did. He will be deeply missed by his family, his many friends, and long appreciated by the strangers who encounter his enduring work. As one close friend said upon hearing of his death, "We have been robbed of a treasure." He was preceded in death by his mother, Catharine Maglich and is survived by his father, Andrew Maglich, a sister, Karen Elaine Maglich, his son, Emory Maglich, his stepson Byron Carrick, his mother-in-law Cheech Griffith and his wife, Susan Carrick, who often worked with Michael on his public art projects. A private memorial service will be held August 26th at the Maglich home in Phoenix. Memorial donations can be made to www.emahofoundation.org or www.heifer.org.

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

Published by The Arizona Republic on Aug. 9, 2007.

Memories and Condolences
for Michael Maglich

57 Entries

carolyn S sechler

August 4, 2025

Just thinking of michael and giggling today

Susan Singer

January 25, 2024

I knew and very much loved Michael in the 70's, when we had studios on Raymond in Pasadena. He loved playing my piano and I was entranced with his writing. He taught me about pia pico sauce on quesadillas; I once worked with his mom to create special dishes with drawings done by his son, Emory, who he loved so much and missed terribly. Once Michael fell injuring himself, and I drove him to the hospital. It all lasted for about a year, and then no more. I have never forgotten Michael and how special he was. I was so sorry to hear of his passing.

carolyn sechler

August 3, 2023

I remember him nearly every day. He still inspires me

Michael Todd

September 19, 2007

Susan, Emory, & Family -

I am so sorry to hear of Michael's passing. He was a generous man who followed his heart.

My thoughts go out to you.

Mike Todd Mike Todd

Paul Hartsfield

September 8, 2007

The main point about Michael’s art is the refusal to be pigeonholed into one style, the fearless exploration of a wide variety of artistic pathways, from extreme political statement to ascetic ambient beauty.
The art world is diminished by the loss of an artist of Michael’s abilities. I would love to see a retrospective exhibit of Michael’s lifetime creations. This would be the only way to appreciate the broad spectrum of his art.
I will miss Michael’s enthusiasm for life, his curiosity and thoroughness in pursuit of his varied interests. Most of all, I miss Michael’s puckish sense of humor, developed in Mr. Olson’s class at Grandview Grade School, sharpened at Central High School, and brought to perfection by subsequent residence in California during the 1960’s and 1970’s, a time when a well developed sense of humor was a prime requisite for survival. Rest in heavenly peace Michael, you have certainly earned it.

Shelley Carter

September 7, 2007

I didn't know Michael in elementary school nor at Central High, where Michael, my husband Paul, and several others hung out. I didn't even know Michael in LA. I did meet Michael a few years ago when he welcomed us into his home. It's strange thinking about that time. Paul told me about Michael, his art, and his wealth of creativity. From Paul's report he seemed bigger than life. However, that wasn't the case at all. He was warm, open, and immediately connected with the simplest things that were of interest to me. In walking through his studio, I think he was more interested in my perceptions, which are not educated nor enlightened, than the original intent of his work. For me that part of Michael was one of the remarkable parts of his life. He made an effort to seek out something, to have some way to connect to everyone. He used humor, sensitivity, and creativity and he processed it through all of us and his art. I will truly miss him.

Kate O'Mara

September 7, 2007

Michael,
Thank you for bringing so much fun, friendship, and......well, ART into our lives. I'll never forget how you bought one of your own works at an auction, where someone had bid over me, and then gave it to me! It's one of my favorite pieces. Your memory will always be with us through your artwork.

Hugs.... as you used to say,
Kate and Carl

Julie Johnson

September 6, 2007

It's with much sorrow that I write after your passing away, so early in your life. Your father, wife, sister and son miss you terribly. I think what I remember most was not your art work, but the time that we spent golfing, on occasion, and your sense of humor. You will be missed by all that have known you, Julie

Susan Carrick

September 6, 2007

I carry your heart...in my heart.

Jackie Weatherby

September 3, 2007

Dear Susan,
A lifetime of Michael's good work becomes the wind beneath your wings. And, he will continue to be here while you begin yet another chapter of your life. Yes, everyone has a "Michael Story". Mine is about the kindness he showed to my mother & my family when while visiting for some holiday dinner noticed that Evelyn had great difficulty going up and down the stairs to our porch. Without discussion he set about making a ramp to ease the task. He took at least three days of his life to measure, cut, fit, nail, paint and install the ramp. It remains a perfect speciman, a trademark of Michael's work, is used with regularity and never fails to make me thankful for its creator.
Michael was so much a part of the fabric of our neighborhood. I saw him daily walking Paco and then Coco in that dog walking style that was all Michael's. Then on the return, bringing bits of stuff from the park which would be transformed into..."Art Lovers Beware..."! The little surprises of magazines which he would leave at my door..happy to be "delivery guy" for us. He always had the joke behind the joke...always felt that I connected with him on that. A good, thoughtful, talented and wonderful man, your Michael. I ache missing him.

Larry Hurst

September 1, 2007

It feels very surreal to be writing an entry in this guest book, although I am compelled to do so. To me Michael was my brother. We meet when I was 17 and we were attending Chouinard Art Institute. Everyone allways mentions Michael's humor and I guess that our similar sense of humor became an instant bond. We shared our lives in wonderful ways and there is a terrible void for me now. I love him and I am not yet ready to accept that he is gone.

Bud Vandersnick

August 29, 2007

An example of Michael's sense of humor:
For several years, Michael and Susan lived across 16th Avenue from George and Maria Falater. They were friends, which allowed him to pull this off. George had a dog that wasn't particularly menacing but would bark if it heard someone walk by the gate on the driveway.
My wife, Jackie Weatherby, and I lived across the alley from George, so I walked past their gate often. One day I noticed a "Beware" sign on the gate, with a word in small type after "Beware of." I just assumed the last word was dog, but I decided to walk closer so I could see. I started laughing out loud when I noticed that the sign really said: "Beware of George."
I immediately suspected Michael, so I asked him and he confessed. At this point, he said the sign had been there about a month and that he had covered "dog" on the original sign with "George." It was at least several more weeks before George finally discovered it.
It was just very funny. We'll miss that wit.

Fred and Sari Freedman

August 27, 2007

I recall the warm evenings we spent in your home during our visits to Phoenix enjoying good food and your company. Michael took us into his studio to share his latest artistic creation. My thoughts are with you, Susan, during this time of great loss.

Linda Price

August 26, 2007

Emory, Susan, Karen, family,
Rest assured, as time goes by, the special memories of our special loved ones will always give our broken heart a special "hug" lift every moment until we get to join them. My love to you all and I'm only a phone call away.
Cuzin Linda

Lucy Hall

August 25, 2007

My fondest memory is of Michael and Susan together. One afternoon I came over to pick up Susan and found Michael reading aloud to her. It was if there was a spell between the two that no one could break and some enchanting chemistry at work. I felt warm to the tips of my toes. I will never forget that and because of that afternoon, I believe in true love.

Helene Rosen

August 25, 2007

I am sorry that I won't be able to make it to AZ for Michael's feast but I will be thinking of you tomorrow. All my condolences are with you and I just hope that as time goes by, each day will become a little easier. He was certainly very special person.

Kathy Lauritzen

August 24, 2007

My dearest Susan: I'm so sorry you're having to go through this pain. When the initial stab of grief has lessened you will have wonderful memories to cherish. I will always remember Michael's wonderful sense of humor and I will miss going to his studio to see what his latest project is. My favorite project was the penile figures he did years ago. Of course out of all his talent that would be the one I would remember. I hope Michael, Steve, Paco and Tarik are hiking in the great beyond and discussing the latest book they are reading. The good ones leave us all too soon.
Much love

Claude Vogel

August 24, 2007

Michael is not gone. He is still alive through his wonderful and creative work as well as through Susan the love of his life. When I think about Michael, I think about an incredibly vibrant and funny human being, so gifted, so talented, always so much fun to be around. My love and thoughts are with you Susan. Michael is certainly so proud of the incredible and courageous human being you are. Claude

Safia Sampson

August 23, 2007

I love you, you were always sweet coughsarcasticcough towards me and I'll always thank you for it

Angela Sopp

August 23, 2007

Michael: I was wrong. I thought you would live forever.

....or was I?????????

Tom Bollinger

August 23, 2007

Michael's satire and sense of humor always made our day when he visited Arizona Bronze to check on his sculptures. We are honored to have been part of Michael's artwork and public art projects.

Rick Rose

August 23, 2007

I met Michael across a table at The Waffle House on a Sunday morning. His truelove, Susan, and Carolyn, my truelove, had been friends for twenty years. What I noticed about Michael was his wit, which was a dry as the desert air that day. Michael never went for the obvious jab but rather came about humor from odd directions. I could tell he was educated on many levels. Some jokes went over my head but I laughed because Susan and Carolyn were giggling.

About half way through my steak and eggs I noticed that Michael’s tee shirt was inside out. The normal method of determining insideoutedness is either a lumpy seam on the shoulder or a label dangling outside that should be hidden. But this was not the case. Michael’s tee shirt was of the pocketed variety and what should have been on the outside was nestled against the hairs of the chest that Susan loved. I didn’t know how Michael would feel about having his petit fashion faux paus pointed out but I went for it.

“Can you tell me where I can get one of those shirts with the inside pocket?” I said. Michael’s reaction was swift and sure. He didn’t throw his head back in a belly laugh and he didn’t slap his knee. The smallest upturn of the corners of his mouth preceded his response, “WallMart.” And a friendship was born.

On Michael’s birthday the following year I bought a pocket tee shirt and had the words ‘Secret Inside Pocket’ ironed on the inside of the pocket so that the wearer would have to wear it inside out. Michael loved it.

We shared a common bond. We tended dogs. We weren’t crazy enough to use the term ‘owner,’ when it came to our animals. When they lost their beautiful friend of ten years, Paco, we all cried. Two days later they sent a photo of Paco saying a new dog, Coco, had come their way. A month or two later we acquired a puppy we named Bentley and brought him over to play with Coco. The dogs got along fine for the first hour and then it got interesting. Time seemed to slow down as the two dogs decided they both wanted the same squeaky toy. Then they started wrestling, as young dogs will do. Coco had the upper hand but Bentley held his own. This continued for a few minutes when I looked over at Michael. He had a look of pure glee on his face.

Michael is gone now and the world is a poorer place for it. We lost him on a Thursday morning early in his 63rd year. I’d been taking Coco for walks and decided that he and Bentley needed a morning at the dog park. They still wrestle like pups but Bentley has grown twice the size of Coco. True to form, Coco, gives as good as he gets. At one point all the other dogs had left the park and I was alone listening to the dogs pant. They started in again and I felt a presence. I knew who it was. One of the pure joys of his life was watching those two dogs play.

Maxine Perkins

August 23, 2007

Oh, how lovely, I didn't know about this. I did not know Michael well, but my best memory of him was when you left those few years ago to go to India for a month. All the goodbyes had been said, excitement was in the air, and I was stnnding in the doorway with Coco, whose care had been so trustfully given over to me and the two of you were climbing into the car for the ride to the airport. Michael turned around to wave and I called out to him, "Bring me a bauble!" He grinned and said, "What's a bauble?". And I laughed and replied, "You'll find out when you get to India". And apparently he did, as he came back bringing Coco lots of hugs and kisses and me a bauble....a beautiful little round silver box, the lid highly embossed with intricate flowers. I'm sure it is for pills...but I use it for my earrings too tiny for the big jewelry case. And every time I wear any of those, I see Michael's grin and wave and hear im say, "What's a bauble?".

Susan, I'm sure you treasure the memories of that marvelous time you spent together in India, and I am so happy that I had a small part in enabling you to have that time with Michael. Our memories keep us afloat in these times when we think we shall surely drown in our grief. We can tell ourselves, "Oh, but we had THAT!", and the visions of those wonderful times give us comfort.

Namaste'

" Butch " Cooper

August 22, 2007

I grew up with Mike, three houses down on the same street. Our Mothers were best friends and are both in Heaven now waiting for Mike who is on his way. God speed Mike. You're strange and spectacular, I want to "be like Mike".

"Butch" Cooper

August 22, 2007

I grew up with Mike, three houses down the same street. Our Mothers were best friends and are both in heaven now awaiting Mike, he will be there soon. God speed Mike.

Doug McDonald

August 22, 2007

I went to Grandview and Central High with Mike from the 50's through the 60's. I haven't seen Mike since Central graduation. He "is" inventive, articulate, irreverant, hugely talented and a nice person. I plagerized an irreverant "Santa Claus" sculpture based on one of Mike's drawings in high school...and has been a family laugh each year since. Mike "is" and not "was". He will be missed by all who knew him.

Doreen Korman (Hankins)

August 16, 2007

In friendship and with warm memories of Michael, a former classmate. We were in many of the same art classes at Central High and at Phoenix College.

He was without a doubt extremly brillant, a unique, unusually talented and gifted artist.

Sharing in your loss of someone who was exceptional to you all.

With deep condolences.

Sheilah Britton

August 16, 2007

Dear Emory and Susan:
I am sad to learn of Michael's passing--but happy I was able to know him in this life. HIs talent was great, his humor--a rare gift in the selection panels, where he made the panelists feel comfortable.
Emory, I knew you before I met your father and you were a lovely introduction.
My heart goes out to Michael's family and friends.
Love and peace.
Sheilah Britton

Amie Kafer

August 15, 2007

I'm sorry not to hear his loud "Ah-CHOOOO!!!!"s anymore from the backyard and am sad for the void he's left behind, but am glad he is no longer in pain. He's probably walking Paco right now.

Ernest Maglich

August 15, 2007

Sorry for the loss of our nephew
Ernie and Ellen Maglich

Sherrie Reynolds

August 13, 2007

My heart cries with the heart of my friend. Karen has lost a brother and the world has lost a great talent.

Kathy Weech

August 11, 2007

The common thread in these tributes to Michael is the longevity of his friendships. Many of us knew him from our teen years (or earlier) and his tremendous wit and charm made us want to keep that friendship alive. While traveling the world, he always found some bizarre treasure to bring home and delighted in sharing his hilarious version of where he found it and why he had to have it for his collection. Our hearts are broken and our thoughts and prayers are with our dearest Susan and the entire family. Michael left a tremendous legacy in his wonderful creative works but also in the treatment and love of his family and friends. He will be in our hearts forever.

Judie Popkin - Mitten

August 11, 2007

I was very saddened to hear of Michael's passing. He was always such a great guy, so funny and oh so talented. I went to grade school (Grandview) and high school (Central High) with him and have known him practically my whole life. He was so blessed to have such artistic talents that will live on forever, and we were all so blessed to have him in our lives, and to have such good and humorous memories of our wonderful childhood. My deepest condolences to all of Mike's family, I know how much he will be missed.

Jeff & Meagen Wilson

August 11, 2007

Michael was always a pleasure to work with at the foundry, his dry sense of humor always kept me on my toes. He was a gifted artist and a unique individual that I feel lucky to have met. Susan, we are sending you thoughts of peace and love at this difficult time. We are so sorry for your loss,

Tim Gluck

August 11, 2007

Emory and family,
My thoughts are with you today.
To me Michael was a man apart from the crowd, and I was always amazed, envious, humbled and appreciative of his work and the way he worked. What remains for tomorrow are the singular artifacts of a unique talent, and the love surrounding it all.

Mitzi Tolzin

August 10, 2007

While I only met Michael once as a welcomed guest for Thanksgiving, I instantly liked him. This obituary is one of the few I have read that captures the personality of someone so well and even brings a smile! You are in my prayers.

Michael Box

August 10, 2007

Mike and I were neighbors, friends, and classmates. I have many great memories of this very unique wonderful guy when we were kids growing up. He was an independent thinker and an original human being. Being friends with him was an adventure. He once taught me how to drive (in about an hour with no license) then had me drop him off at his house where he jumped out and said "see ya". His idea of a little joke. I'm sorry he's gone.

TOMALEE SMITH

August 10, 2007

55 YEARS IS A LONG TIME TO KNOW SOMEONE...MIKE WAS A VERY SPECIAL PERSON, NOT JUST HIS ARTWORK BUT THE MAN HIMSELF. HE WILL BE GREATLY MISSED. MY DEEP CONDOLANCES TO HIS FAMILY.

Sharon (Saad) Bradley

August 10, 2007

With the sadness of Mike's passing, it is yet another reminder that life is a flicker... we must remember to love and cherish our family and friends every moment of our lives. My deepest sympathies to the Maglich family.
Me ke aloha pumehana~

Linda Lazar

August 10, 2007

My first thought when I heard that Michael had passed, was for his family and secondly, that GOD must have wanted to enhance Heaven with Michael's unique talent and wit. Uncle Andy, Karen, Susan and Emory, I can't be with you now, but know that you are in my prayers. With much love to all.

Larry Triplett

August 9, 2007

Knowing Mike since our early years at Grandview, riding to Central with him in his orange English Ford, I have very fond memories of Mike. In 7th or 8th grade, I remember being blown away that anyone could draw the alphabet letters out of human figures. Although my memories are distant, I haven’t seen him since Central, he was certainly unique and a really nice guy. What a shame. My deepest sympathies to his family.

Barbara

August 9, 2007

To Michael's family and friends: What a unique individual Michael was and his unique art will always
reflect that special personality. Whenever visitors came to the Valley, I would take them on a tour of his art in Phoenix and Scottsdale. Planning on continuing that tour, especially with his artwork being used on the new rail system in Phoenix.
Susan, you are in my prayers.
I was proud to be a member of Michael's family.

Central High Class of '63 Reunion Committee

August 9, 2007

Words can't express our feelings from our days at Central High with Mike. We will always remember him as one of "OUR" Classmates with whom with share special memories.

Alan Rohwer

August 9, 2007

Mike was the first person to befriend me when I moved to W. Phoenix in 5th grade(1955). "I go by your house in the way to school," I remember him saying, "let's go together." That's the kind of person he was then and he was the same when we got to visit most recently in 2003. I got to see "Sirens" as a work in progress and we walked over to the AZ State Fair. He was an awesome person to know. Glad I did. Condolences to all.

Rae Ann Rumery

August 9, 2007

Known for only a short time but remembered for a long time with laughing thoughts.

Amy Maglich

August 9, 2007

Michael was very kind I met him once with my granparents. I never really knew him but I can feel the pain in everybodys Hearts right now. It feels like knifes cutting thru your heart , it also sometimes feels like someone ran away and stole and locked up your heart in a chamber prison and it can't break free . That's how i'm going to feel when my grandparents, Aunt Bonnie, Mom , Dad , And Aunt Mo die (ETC) I'm so sorry but Jesus is here with us .

Maureen (Maglich) Trejo

August 9, 2007

Dearest Susan, Emory, Karen and Uncle Andy ~ We were all touched by Michael's life in many ways. May we all cherish his memory in our hearts forever. Let us never forget the Michael that we all loved so very much. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all always.

Don Nemeth

August 9, 2007

Dear Susan and family, we will keep you in our thoughts and prayers.

Dick Holtrz

August 9, 2007

Although I only met him once, when Jane and I visited the Maglich's, I was equally impressed with his personality as I was with his creative talents as evidenced in the many peices we saw during our visit,

Julie Wahl

August 9, 2007

Although taken from us, Michael left us so much of himself through his work. His pieces show his love and wit and humor for us to remember him.
My love to Uncle Andy, Susan, Emory, and Karen always.
Your cousin, Julie

Dan Boyle

August 9, 2007

Mike and I were classmates at Central High School 59-63. A guy who is kind, subtle and gentle to all. I enjoyed his dry humor and special smile. He accepted all of us for who we were. Thanks to Mike for his unique life.

Linda (Weech) Blackburn

August 9, 2007

Susan and Michael's Family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this tragic time.
May your sweet memories of Michael soften the tough years ahead.

Karen Maglich

August 9, 2007

From the day he was born he has made me laugh -- first with his antics then with his irreverent remarks. My world will never be the same.

Byron Sampson

August 9, 2007

I will miss him deeply for he was a great and dear friend.

carolyn sechler

August 9, 2007

we loved our friend Michael and will hold him in our heart forever

carolyn and rick

Sherry Davis

August 9, 2007

Susan and family. Treasures are hard to come by and even harder to give up. You will always have those treasures in your hearts and minds. Cherish them and enjoy and the legacy that he left for you to share with the world.

I love you all. Take care.

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