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Michael E. Barnowski

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Williamsville East High School University of Colorado

Michael Barnowski Obituary

Michael E. Barnowski Michael E. Barnowski of Tiburon, CA passed away suddenly at his home on Monday, September 7th. He was 44 years old. Son of Cynthia and Edward Barnowski, Mike was born in Rochester, NY and grew up in Williamsville, NY with his brother Chris. As a child Mike was always drawn to the outdoors, and he and his brother learned to ski together and became avid skiers. Mike was a graduate of Williamsville East High School where he played lacrosse and football. Mike went on to receive his bachelor's degree in business from the University of Colorado at Boulder. While in Colorado his passion for skiing and the outdoors continued to grow. After graduation Mike moved to San Francisco, and during a Fourth of July weekend in Lake Tahoe he met his wife, Michele. Mike ultimately proposed to her on the same spot where he first met her and the place remains very special to the family. Mike built a successful career in private wealth management at Thomas Weisel Partners, Lehman Brothers and UBS. He took great pleasure in helping his clients and he was inspired by their dynamic and interesting backgrounds. Mike was known for his patience, integrity, thoughtfulness, helping others and perhaps most of all, his legendary sense of humor. He was a much-loved soccer and softball coach and always a "hands on" dad with his children. Above all, Mike loved his family. His children were his biggest joy and Michele was the love of his life. He savored every chance to spend time with his brother Chris and his mother Cindy. He is terribly missed by his friends and family, who are seeking comfort by sharing their favorite funny things he said. Mike is survived by his loving wife Michele; his son Hayes (10) and daughter Rory (8); his brother Chris; sister-in-law Maureen; niece Eleanor; nephew Tate; and his mother, Cindy. In lieu of flowers, and to support his love of family and the outdoors, donations may be made to the Boys and Girls Club of San Francisco, www.kidsclub. org, and Save the Bay, https://savesfbay.org.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Marin Independent Journal on Sep. 23, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for Michael Barnowski

Sponsored by MarinIJ.com.

20 Entries

Jared Brick

September 17, 2021

Offering my deepest sympathies and warmth to the whole family, especially his children. Mike was a great man, a great father and great husband, so glad his legacy will live on.
His death shocked me for sure, his youthful life cut so short, it's has made me and I am sure many of his friends refocus our priorities. I will forever regret not making more time to reconnect with him and meet the family.
Being somewhat local I really hope I can support Michele and the kids in some way, please reach out anytime. May your grief ease with time and be replaced with gratitude for all he created in his short time here with us.
Much love to you all. Jared Brick, CU Boulder friend

Sandy Kraemer

October 9, 2020

Cindy and family. I am so saddened by the sudden loss of Michael. It just seems so wrong. There really aren’t words to express the loss of a child, a young father, husband and brother. I can’t imagine the grief. I am sending all my love and will plant a tree for Michael.

Jordan Freedman

October 8, 2020

I was shocked when I heard the news about Mike. I always remember him having a smile on his face. Really was one of the nicest kids I have ever met. Very genuine. I wish the best to his family

Jordan Freedman

Planted Trees

Arul S. Velan

September 30, 2020

Mike was not only a friend but also someone I consider a salt of the earth guy. He was a good human being from all that I knew and saw, who could be a standard for so many others in how to treat others and tread softly. Mike will be missed. Our deepest condolences to Michele, Hayes, Rory, and the entire family.

Nathan Gettings

September 30, 2020

We're going to miss you, Mike.

Donna and Les Meszaros

September 27, 2020

Dear Cindy Chris and Family Our thoughts and prayers are with You
and Michelle and Family.
May all the beautiful memories of Mike give You All comfort=O<û

Nilo & Norma Quintilla

September 25, 2020

Dear Michele & family
Condolence to you and your family.
We will pray for Mike, you and your children. May the Good Lord have a nice place for Mike in heaven.
Sincerely,
Nilo & Norma

Brad Northcutt

September 24, 2020

We are deeply saddened at Mike's passing. We worked at TWP together and he was a quintessential gentleman in everything he did. He will be missed but his legacy remains with his family and Hayes and Rory. Our prayers are with you Michele!

David Ellerstein

September 24, 2020

Cindy, Chris, and all. I am so, so sorry for this horrible loss. I have so many amazing memories of you all from our childhood. I remember playing in the yard at your house, Mike's new waterbed (I was so jealous), and most of all skiing. Mike, Chris, and I used to go out to the furthest run at Concord and spend all morning building a kicker so we could hit it in the afternoon. After hitting the kicker we would create our own "Ho" trails through the woods on our way back to the lift shouting "Ho" as we skied through. Those were great times. While it has been decades since we've seen each other those great memories live strong in my heart. Sending you all the love in the world. -David Ellerstein

Susan Crocker

September 24, 2020

Cindy and The Barnowski Family,
I am so sorry to hear about Michael, you are all in my thoughts and prayers.

Ellen Warner

September 23, 2020

Cindy and Chris, we're so shocked and sad. This is not the order we expect from life. So sorry for the pain you're all enduring.

Here's how I remember Michael always with a twinkle in his eye, doing things his way. I remember he saved enough money to buy a waterbed. What kid does such a thing, but it was definitely a Michael move. I remember all the times we went skiing at the Concord Club. We'd ski with the boys in the morning, break for elaborate lunches including wine for us, and then the boys would go off to ski on their own. What fun times. The obituary said that both Chris and Michael loved skiing. Well, David took that to the next level. For the past 20+ years he's been a ski instructor at Jackson Hole. We both laid quite the foundation.

As I read the obituary, I could see the grownup Michael, full of personality. Being a financial adviser made perfect sense. And staying young and active while giving back to others as a youth coach.

Gene and I send you our love and wishes for the strength to get you through these horrible times. May his life be a blessing.

Jamie Davidson

September 23, 2020

I grew up w mike and went to middle school w him. There was a group of guys that always hung out when he lived on red oak. We all just found out and we're devastated by the news. It's been a while since we've seen him but will always remember the great times we had together. A group of us got together last night to share stories and have a bunch of toasts to mike. Our hearts brake for his wife, kids and family. The comment are all right he will be remembered as a great friend, family man and just a great guy. He will be missed. Below is the group that went out to morn mike last night.

Christian Sommer

September 23, 2020

I first met Mike when I was living in San Francisco when he was dating Michele. I was instantly drawn to his amazing sense of humor and his ability to perfect sarcasm. He became a great friend and over the years saw him turn into an incredible devoted husband and an amazing father. He will be greatly missed. God bless Michelle, Hayes and Rory.

William Long

Planted Trees

Jared Brick

September 23, 2020

I went to CU Boulder with Mike and was a great guy! I have not seen him for years but so sad to see this tragedy, he was such a friendly good man, so young. My heart goes out to his family and friends and kids and wife. If there is a service I'd like to attend. Rest in peace Mike!

Anne Stone

Planted Trees

Lauren Barrash

September 22, 2020

Even in Mike's passing, he has brought friends from across the globe together, sharing tons of our memories of our times w/Mike. Some themes that are consistent are his loyalty to his friends & family, his utter zest for life, his humor, his willingness to take any adventure, and how everyone could always count on Mike to be there for them. You all are in my thoughts. Know Mike's legacy is everlasting.

Leslie and Geoff Hutchinson

September 22, 2020

Michael was such a bright star in our family and he will live on in our hearts and memories forever d

Sarah Fleischmann Larson

September 22, 2020

I am so terribly saddened by this loss. We were thrilled to see Mike last year when he decided to fly to Chicago to join our family in celebrating Simon's daughter's bat mitzvah. It was such a strong move and we were all just so happy to see him and catch up. He seemed truly happy and was proud to show us pictures of his family. He was part of our extended household growing up and will be remembered by all the Fleischmanns with love, admiration and many laughs. Sending love, prayers and our deepest sympathy.

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