Michael James Strickland

I just found out about Michael's passing. Reading what others have written about him, there is nothing to add. Michael was a delightful and wonderful friend to me through many years. Our relationship continued by phone for many years. About 6 years ago, I was in Portland and we spent an evening together in laughter and a Flying Pie Pizza. He was always a matter of prayer because of his pain, but he seemed always able to overcome it, and that was due entirely to his faith in Jesus, where...

I'm so sorry I didn't see this in time to attend the service. Michael was such a nice man and so good to work for. He'd hand me my paycheck and I'd say, "thank you" and he'd say, "no, thank YOU."

My heartfelt condolences to Michael´s loved ones. In our various and many iterations over oh so many years, he was my mentor, collaborator, co-creator, teacher, best friend and long lost buddy. The few times we were able to reconnect in the last few years were wondrous. We fondly remembered the nicknames we used for each other: "Dr. Shock" (me) and "Dr. Stricknine" (him, the misspelling intentional). I will always look up to Michael with deep admiration and love.

I was one of Michael´s employees in the early 90´s. He was really a visionary and placed his shop at the leading edge of digital technology for design and graphic production. He was also a teacher with a sincere desire to help his employees advance individual skills. It was easily my most gratifying professional experience in the private sector. Michael was supportive and gracious when I left the firm to pursue teaching. The skills I acquired under his tutelage positioned me to model some of...

I played in a band, Avant Garage, with Mike. His positive energy, great sense of humor, and wickedly good piano chops inspired us all. RIP Mike and thanks for the music.

I knew Michael through my husband because they played music together. He was a delight to be around, full of laughter and fun - all the more amazing because he was in pain much of the time. Possessed of many gifts, I greatly admired the boundless and daring brilliance he brought to their expression. Besides founding a very successful graphic design company and playing in bands, his insights included recognizing talent in others and supporting it with generous praise. A wonderful and rare...

Although we lost touch after graduation, I still remember Mike's warmth, humor and wonderful music. He helped make my grade and high school years so much more pleasant. Peace to you old friend.