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1952 - 2021 Michael Ellis of Sierra Madre passed away August 24th following a brief illness, just one month shy of his 69th birthday. Though he was born in Spokane, Washington, his family didn't stay there long, and was always on the move as his father was in the military. When his father left the military, the family settled in Bell Gardens where Michael attended Bell Gardens High School. After graduation, Michael enlisted in the Air Force with the goal of receiving training. His outstanding scores on their testing landed him in their prestigious one-year training to become a metrologist, a person who specializes in calibration and measurement. This training was to provide him with a life-long career. It also provided him with the opportunity to serve overseas, where his base in Thailand supported the aircraft flying in the Vietnam war. There he met and married Sun, bringing her and her baby daughter Sherry, whom he would soon adopt, back to the U.S. Not long after, their daughter Melissa was born. Michael continued in the Air Force, eventually serving nine years. Now a single dad to Melissa, he left the military for the private sector, accepting a position with Baxter Pharmaceuticals in their Glendale production plant. He worked there for decades, and eventually become the metrologist for their research facility in Duarte. When that facility closed, he worked brief stints for Pharmaceutical Services Corporation in Pasadena and Broadley-James in Irvine. He then landed a position at Finesse Solutions where he would finish out his career running their calibrations lab in Irwindale. Michael was very active in the community, helping out the Sierra Madre Civic Club and the Sierra Madre Historical Society. Later in life, he joined the Tournament of Roses. He was very involved in the Elks, working his way up through their officer positions to become the Pasadena Lodge's Exalted Ruler and then going on to serve in District positions, the last of which was District Deputy Grand Exalted Ruler. Michael was also an outstanding dancer whose favorite dance was the Lindy Hop. His black and white shoes swing dance shoes became his trademark. It was at dance class that he met his future wife, Maggie. They would have 25 wonderful years together, as he was the best and kindest of husbands. In his retirement he would achieve his dream of escorting a float down Colorado Boulevard, decked out in his white suit and riding a white scooter. He also bought his retirement dream, a 1969 Corvette, and took it to car shows. Michael is survived by his stunned and grieving family: sister Marcella Gilmour and her husband Bob of Flowermound, Texas; daughter Sherry Karle and husband Jake of San Antonio, Texas; daughter Melissa Flynn and her husband Brian of Palmdale, California; and wife Maggie of Sierra Madre. His daughter Melissa calls him "my first love, my forever hero." A gentle and kind man, a man of dedicated responsibility to those he loved, a man free of malice or prejudice, a man of absolute integrity, Michael was a hero to all of us whose lives he touched.
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5 Entries
Michael was already missed here at work. Many of us 'old-timers' who worked with Michael for years are pretty shocked as well.
Michael was...really balanced. He LOVED his work. He LOVED his family. He LOVED the Elks. He loved his dancing and the big band music.
It's been said that the Greeks, at a man's death, asked only one question - 'Did he have passion?' Actually they used the word 'Arete'; The Meaning of Life , which is more like "wonderfulness" combining honor, courage, intelligence, loyalty, great deeds, love of home, skills, etc.
Michael, you measured really high on the 'wonderfulness' scale. You will be missed.
Jerry Merrill
Work
October 8, 2021
Mike will be missed at our Elks Lodge. His caring and sharing was legendary and personality magnetic. We will toast him in the eleventh hour and observe his absence with a sense of sadness at
His departure.
His memory remains in our hearts and minds till we meet again in that Lodge in Heaven above.
My Condolences to his Family and Friends.
Tom Joyce
Friend
September 29, 2021
So sad to hear of Michael's passing. We were brother Elks for many years. He was a friend who will be missed. He was a dedicated Elk's Exhalted Ruler and did many wonderful things for the lodge and Elkdom.
Chuck Ryerson
September 23, 2021
Dearest Margie,
I was sad to hear this news. We send our sincere and heartfelt condolences. I believe that your love story will stay with you forever.
Julie Parola Sim
September 13, 2021
Maggie
I am just stunned to wake up this morning to this news. The last paragraph above says it all. Such a dedicated man in all aspects. A very proud man. Hug your family everyone, don't take anything for granted. My heart breaks for you Maggie!
BARRY BROCK
Friend
September 12, 2021
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