Michael J. Penton

While I never knew Mike, my family has worked with his wife (Mary) and his daughter (Ashley). This obituary is the best, most finely crafted and most irreverent (no holds barred) obituary I´ve ever read. It seems to accurately capture Mike´s spirit and sense of humor. It truly made me wish I had met and worked with him. My deepest condolences to the wife and family of a wonderful man whom I truly wish I could have known.

Mike and I crossed paths 3 times during our careers, back in the '80s and 90s on Spacelab, during the 2000s on MSG, and recently on SLS. This is probably not a distinction with Mike, but he gave me some incredibly kind words at our first stop together but also wanted me fired on a bad day during our second stop. What I will always take with me about Mike is that he was a definitive strategist - whether coding or speaking of life. He loved his cars and we often shared discussions about his...

I didn't really work with Mike, but I sat out in front of 4203 and shared many stories from aerospace to fast cars to why a Corvette is not the smaller version of the Corvair. He would offer up absolute gems of knowledge freely, which would help clear the wheat from the chaff. He had these great sayings from just "hanging in there like a hair in a biscuit,", and in terms of fear, he mentioned that while going through a precarious motorcycle maneuver that he "clenched so hard, his throat...

Mike taught me so much at work (NASA), I valued his honest opinion and wit. Very sorry to hear this news, will miss him!

I had the great pleasure to work with Mike over the last 15 years on SLS. He was a friend and someone that was very knowledgeable that I could rely upon when I had a question or needed help. He was always willing to take the time to show me the newest corvette and explain why it was better than the previous one he had just bought a few months before. I´m very saddened by his passing but thankful for having known Mike. He was a good man and an excellent engineer. My thoughts are with you in...

Shocked to hear about this. Mike was a very useful person during his time here on earth. Productive, intelligent, inventive, and driven, as well as having a sense of humor that could cut those entities that were not pulling their weight. He will leave a big hole at work, as I'm sure will be the case at home.

Condolences Mary and family. All of you are in our prayers . God's speed to each of you for strength.

This is such a SHOCK, as I know it is for you! I am so sorry for your loss! I worked with Mike for a VERY long time and will miss him. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers as you go through this ordeal.