Michael Bentley Zinkgraf

1975 - 2023

Michael Bentley Zinkgraf (48) died suddenly in his sleep at home in Severna Park on October 5. He was born July 4, 1975 to Patricia Ellen Zinkgraf and George Zinkgraf. Michael's proudest achievement was his 13-year-old son Carson. An "Original Cape Boy", Michael discovered his vocation as a small boy in the Cape St. Clair Junior Sailing Program on the Magothy River. He was instrumental in starting the Broadneck High School sailing team, moving on after graduation to race bigger boats in multiple north American championships and national championships up and down the east coast from Massachusetts to Florida, notably on "Nightingale" ("night-in-jail") a Nightwind 35. For many years he served as tactician and driver for his mentor, Dr. George Prout on his Farr 37 "Mountain Lion Eater" competing in all CBYRA regattas. He was also tactician and trimmer aboard "Millenium Falcon" in four J24 World competitions. Racing up to 100 days a year during the early 2,000's, he could be found in North American championships and national championships along the East Coast from Massachusetts to Florida. He failed to make only one race start to be at his son's birth. Recently he and Carson could be found competing in the Annapolis Yacht Club Wednesday night series. Michael worked in wide array of positions in the local marine service industry, starting as a sailmaker at Hood Sails he went on to be a rigger shipsystem mechanic at Whitehall Yacht Yard. Later he was at Muller Marine in Eastport, MD ultimately working for Stout Marine preparing race boats during the winter regatta season in Florida. In 2010 he established Zinkgraf Marine, LLC as a fibreglass and gelcoat specialist for one design racers. Michael's mother pre-deceased him. He is survived by his loving son, Carson, his father George Zinkgraf whose service in federal law enforcement as a U. S. Postal Service Inspector Michael was very proud of and Carson's 'partners in shenanigans': Kelly and Mary. A talented and multifaceted man who once intended to go to clown school, he could be found ten years after graduating high school tutoring students preparing for advanced math degrees. Michael was vibrant and adventurous, delighting in pursuing new experiences and reveling in new challenges. He was a constant and faithful friend who eagerly sought to spend time with those he loved. He and his best friend, Eric Haneberg would gather their kids to go camping, fishing, sailing, scouting… anything that got them all out doing something together. Carson did not have enough time with his father and for that purpose everyone who knew and loved Michael is invited to email their photos of Michael and their appropriate and not-so appropriate memories of Michael's life to kellyq1038@gmail.com. They will be put into a book about his dad for Carson. Michael had a wide and disparate circle of friends and acquaintances, Kelly remembers looking for him in downtown Annapolis one day and realizing that she could ask just about anyone on the street if they had seen Michael or his van, because many had and could tell her when and where. Everyone is invited to an informal Celebration of Life on Saturday, November 11, 2023 from 12-4 pm at Barranco Severna Park Funeral Home & Cremation Care, P.A., 495 Ritchie Highway, Severna Park, MD 21146. Starting at 1pm his family will share a very informal "program" of memories. Cold weather aside, we expect some folk will appear with flipflops on – and that is as Michael would have wanted. This is a time for us, all those he left behind, to enjoy our happy memories of him and grieve together the great gap that his absence leaves in our hearts. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made at www.barranccofuneralhome.com to help Kelly and Carson with the expenses Michael's death has incurred as well as address the reality that Michael will no longer be able to contribute towards Carson's education, particularly college. The family will hold a yard sale of Michael's tools, parts and 'things', probably in the Spring.