Michael Howell Deane

Michael contributed so much to USGBC and the green building community. So as I came to appreciate other aspects of his life over the years - his zest for the arts, his beautiful family life - he was even more inspiring. Michael truly lived life large. What a legacy. Warm condolescences to Monica and their daughters.

Michael was such a role model in the green building world-and he did so much to bring larger construction companies into the fold. His impact will live on. On a personal level, his warmth was infectious. After getting to know him through the U.S. Green Building Council Board, we would spend time together at conferences and meetings. He will be sorely missed.

Michael helped me believe in my potential to do something about sustainability, resilience and climate change in the building sector. He believed in me when I didn't. I will always cherish his mentorship, making the time to talk to me and root for me, even after retiring. Michael made this world a better place.

I offer my sincere condolences to the Deane family. Whenever I ran into Michael it was usually at Greenbuild, and he was one of the leaders in the sustainable industry that I looked up to, even though we were competitors. He put Turner on the map with sustainability at the forefront. He´s one of a kind, and I never knew about his skills as a dancer.

I'm so sorry to hear of Michael's passing. He was a visionary (and I don't use that word lightly!) His contributions to Urban Green's events and education are foundational. We will miss him.

I send my deepest condolences and love to his family.

Ellen

I loved working with Michael on Urban Green in those early days when we didn't yet know what we had let ourselves in for. I learned so much from the wisdom and grace that he brought to that organization. He is already missed.

My shock and sadness in just hearing this news is already giving way to all the wonderful memories of the joy and laughter that Michael brought to our green building community. Our common connection to the performing arts made it easy to connect, though it was really his warm heart that made it so easy. I remember Michael bringing his beautiful singing voice to a gathering of the USGBC board in a lodge lobby outside Corning, NY while it was 4 degrees outside. And when he visited Phoenix, we went to a remarkable guitar performance at the graduation ceremony of a school for luthery. I was worried that it was too small-town for his professional NY entertainment roots but he seemed genuinely enthralled and made sure I knew he appreciated finding an artistic gem off the beaten path. It was clear that what he loved more than the arts and saving the planet was his wife and daughters. My condolences to Monica and their treasures, Grace, Claire and Noura. Michael was a great human being.

I just heard about Micheal's passing and am completely heartbroken. He exuded warmth, compassion, and always had a big smile on his face and a twinkle in his eye. His memories will live on in the sustainability community.

I was fortunate to have worked with Michael in the sustainability and construction world. We had some great times together changing the world. Lovely to learn about his role in dancing. Holding Michael and his family up to the light.

My heart and love are with Monica, Grace, Claire and Noura, as well with his siblings and Winky. This is such a huge loss to them, and I dare say the world as he was such a Renaissance Man, truly a beautiful man, striving to make it a better place. You will be missed, Michael...

Michael was a dear, kind and warm man who I had the pleasure to meet and work with on the musicals Oklahoma! and Joseph. He lit up on stage, and off stage he always seemed so calm and steady. He will be dearly missed. My sincere condolences to the entire Deane family.

My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Philip Carrubba, "Joseph"

Michael was instrumental in getting me engaged with the Urban Green Council and sustainability in general as a young professional. He was always helpful throughout my career and a great mentor. Sincerest condolences to his family.

He was clearly a remarkable men and he is definitely a great loss. My condolences to the family.

This is a sad loss for the Turner Construction family. Michael's determination to drive sustainability at Turner led the Company to a leadership role in the industry. We will be forever grateful for his contributions.

I practically grew up with the Deane Family. I have many fond memories spending time in the Deane household. Michael was a great guy so talented and will certainly be missed by all.

Dear Grace, and the lovely Deane Family,
Sending so much love and strength during this time. I remember your father fondly, and I loved reading about his brilliance and hearing stories from you all.
You are in my heart, in my thoughts, and I am sending love and light
Shauna Shrewsbury

I will forever remember Michael's incredible presence, his beautiful speaking voice that captivated a room, the image of him sitting on his chair with a newspaper in hand, and of course all the silly times with the Deane family, dancing around the kitchen and having cookies and tea. He lived an incredible life, and he changed many lives for the better.

From the Anthony family, we send our love and are thinking of you all.

All love from Deborah, Sophia, and Nora to Monica, Grace, Claire, and Noura. We will miss Michael and remember his wit, patient waiting outside ballet studios, and wonderful conversation.

My heartfelt condolences to Michael´s wife, daughters and siblings. Michael was an extraordinary man and I had the distinct privilege of working with him in 4 musical theater productions during in the 198O´s. His career success in each chapter of his life was indeed impressive, but it paled in comparison to the joy, love, pride and devotion he experienced as a husband and a father. He will be greatly missed by all of us who were lucky to have known him.