Micah David Bycel

Micah David Bycel

Obituary

Micah entered the world on early Shabbat morning, July 19, 1980, and his parents Judy Pam-Bycel and Lee Bycel were ecstatic about the birth of their first son. Even in his early years one could see that he had a distinct sensitivity, warmth, joy and presence, qualities that would endure throughout his life. This man, full of heart and love, died suddenly at the age of 42 on Shabbat afternoon, August 27th.

He is mourned by his wife, Liat; his children Eva (8) and Levi (6); his brother Moti (Danielle); his parents Judy and Lee; his nieces and nephews, his entire family; and many, many friends.

Micah mindfully and intentionally shaped a life that was a chorus of meaning, purpose, enjoyment, and gratitude. His composition was tragically ended but the resonance of the melodies of life he created, live on and impact all who knew him.

He grew up in Mar Vista, California. His childhood was filled with many wonderful moments at Stephen Wise Day School, Windward High School, Mar Vista Park and his many summers at Camp Swig and Camp Newman. He deeply resonated to the living Judaism he experienced there which had a lifelong impact on him. What was abundantly clear was how engaged he was in all that he did from playing piano, to pitching on the baseball diamond, to hanging out with his friends, to his passion for photography and his role as a leader. He was his high school's graduation speaker, and he received an award for All Around Excellence. He was anchored in values of respect and kindness, had an inherent humility and understood that the most important acts in life are the everyday ones.

Micah was two and a half years old when his younger brother Moti was born. As kids, they thrilled in all they did together - playing games, riding bikes, hanging out on Stoner Ave, going to Dodger games, and wrestling in some intense brotherly matches. The two remained best friends and close throughout Micah's life. Micah was Moti's role model and hero, and Micah adored his little brother and was inspired by the balanced and thoughtful way Moti had shaped his life.

Micah attended the University of Wisconsin, Madison and spent his junior year at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem. He felt so rooted in Israel that it became his second home, even with his deep concern about the Israeli - Palestinian conflict. After finishing his undergraduate studies in History, he went to live on Kibbutz Lotan in the Negev.

After returning from Israel, Micah was admitted to the prestigious Coro program - a yearlong intensive course to shape future leaders with the knowledge, skills, and networks to accelerate positive change in all sectors of society. He credits the rigorous program with teaching him how to think strategically, expansively, and creatively and then synthesize his thoughts into focused actions.

At a New Year's Eve party at the end of 2003, Micah met Liat (daughter of Elaine and Rami Shani), and the connection was deep and magical. In 2007 they moved to New York where Micah earned a master's degree from NYU. They were married in 2008. They shared a life rooted in Jewish values, the sacredness of life and laughter. Liat's words at their wedding so well captured him: "Micah is thoughtful, understanding, and loving. I love his curiosity about life, his love of friends, his critical thinking. I love his personality and his ability to flourish in so many different situations." The two of them truly brought the best out in each other and all who knew them marveled at their understanding, support, communication, and ever-growing love.

In 2014, their daughter Eva was born, followed a few years later with the birth of their son Levi. They shaped a loving, nurturing, and fun-filled home in San Francisco and then in Lafayette, where they spent time as a family and with friends enjoying the delights of the Bay Area. Micah's schedule allowed him the flexibility to spend lots of meaningful time with the kids. He took great pleasure in walking them to school, taking them to activities, volunteering as room parent and coach, and playing creative games with them and with Liat raising two amazing kids.

Micah had a fulfilling career at Metrovation. He contributed much to the company and took great pride in his role in creating Hotel SLO in San Luis Obispo. He oversaw the project and worked tirelessly and collaboratively with his partners to create a hotel that reflects both Micah and Metrovation - welcoming, beautiful, and graciously embracing, a hotel which is known for high quality guest services.

One of Micah's great passions was the Dodgers. For Micah it was more than being a fan, it was a way of life with great interest in the powerful rituals, the nuances of the game, history and intense spirit shared with Moti and Lee when they celebrated a World Series win in 2020. He also was proud of the Dodgers' history of diversity and inclusion.

Since Micah's death, the outpouring of love and comments has been astounding and deeply affecting. Hundreds of people attended his funeral, with over a thousand more attending on Zoom. The words attributed to him - great friend, deeply caring, always present and mindful, curious, joyous, funny - all the magnificent words used to describe him would have embarrassed him. He was humble, a person who was mindful of his own flaws. He only wanted people to fully embrace life, to laugh with friends and family, and do a bit more to transform the world each day.

The poet Ingersoll speaking decades ago while mourning his brother said, "He added to the sum of human joy; and were everyone to whom he did some loving service to bring a blossom to his grave, he would sleep to-night beneath a wilderness of flowers."

Micah, too, in his wonderful way added to the sum of human joy. All those he encountered in his personal and professional lives will always hold him in their hearts. He too will sleep under a wilderness of flowers. How grateful we are to have known this extraordinary man. Our hearts are broken by his death because we loved him so much and always knew we were loved by him. The music of his well-lived life will long endure.