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Michael Caldwell Obituary
Michael was proud to have spent 34 years as an employee of the airlines and would often be seen wearing an Alaska Airlines hat or showing off his Alaska Airlines tattoo.
He was a lover of the outdoors and cherished the times he spent with his children collecting rocks or walking when they were small. He continued this tradition with his first grandchild, Evan Caldwell, and in summer, would take him outside on an almost daily basis to throw rocks in the river or help him ride his bike.
One of the things he looked forward to every year was the fair. He would purchase a season ticket and would go every day, with his folding chair, just to sit and watch people while eating as much as his stomach could hold. Though last year, he did dotingly squeeze in next to his grandson, Evan, on the small rollercoaster every time Evan rode it, just to keep him safe.
Michael was musically talented. After graduating from Lathrop High School in 1974, he joined Up with People, where he traveled the U.S. playing the harmonica. Although Michael had never received a single lesson, he could play any tune or song after hearing it only once.
Michael prided himself as a family man. He loved his wife, Trina Caldwell, with every ounce of himself and was proud when they celebrated their 26th anniversary shortly before he passed. He loved his two daughters, Corri Caldwell and Hayley Storie, and was thrilled to welcome Hayley's husband, Daniel Storie, into the family. He finally had someone he could talk football with after being stuck in a house full of women. One thing we know he will sadly miss is the birth of his second grandchild, Hunter Storie.
Michael was preceded in death by his father, Howard Caldwell.
He is survived by his wife, Trina Caldwell; daughters, Corri Caldwell and Hayley (Daniel) Storie; grandsons, Evan Caldwell and Hunter Storie; sister, Kelly Caldwell; brother, Shawn Caldwell; mother, Diane Caldwell; niece, Cheslea DeLaune; and nephews, Thomas, Eric, Kevin and KC DeLaune.
Memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday, May 18, 2013, at Fairbanks Funeral Home, 3704 Erickson Ave., in Fairbanks.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Michael Caldwell
Sponsored by Corri Caldwell.
Hayley (Caldwell) Storie
May 21, 2015
Thinking of you today Dad.. Have my necklace on. I love you.
Dana Bowen
August 29, 2014
I worked with mike at fai for 8 years. Never meet a nicer guy, always had something funny to say. Every time I walk in the bagwell I think of mike.
May 13, 2014
It's a year today and I still miss and love you.
Trina
Jim McLaughlin
August 10, 2013
I worked with Mike in Anchorage. I remember him as being a nice guy. Mello, and he loved Alaska, and Alaska Airlines. So sorry to hear of his passing.
Rebecca Darling
June 9, 2013
Mike was a bright light for the Up With People cast. Thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Randy Brush
June 7, 2013
I guess God needed a harmonica player old friend, I'm sorry we had to lose such such an excellent one down here.
Playing music with UWP
Randy Brush
June 7, 2013
Randy Brush
June 7, 2013
I was incredibly fortunate enough to have traveled with Mike in Up With People's 74-75 Cast. I am at a loss for words. Great human being (and musician) my honor and privilege to have known him. I'm so sorry for your loss.
Mike Valentine
June 1, 2013
Dear Trina, Hayley, Corri, and Evan
I am thankful to have known Mike while we traveled in UWP. Sorry for your loss. God Bless.
Brian Roach
May 31, 2013
Even though I only got to see you Uncle Mike, you will greatly missed. Thoughts and prayers to you Aunt Trina, Corri, and Haley and the rest of the family.
May 30, 2013
Thanks to everyone who has sent messages of love and caring thoughts. They mean a lot to us. If any one has photos of Michael feel free to post them. He would get a kick out of it. again thank you.
Trina
Corri Caldwell
May 29, 2013
Dad,
Everything reminds me of you, a Raven flying overhead or even a colorful rock on the ground. Your in everything & will never be forgotten. I love you.
Mike, Randy, and James K. - tenor section, high school choir. I think Kevin Barnes took these last two pictures.
Maribeth Back
May 28, 2013
Mike and Randy Miller goofing around with an "air canoe." High school.
Maribeth Back
May 28, 2013
Mike in his Eagle Scout uniform, around age 16?
Maribeth Back
May 28, 2013
Mike leaning into a photo with my friend Barb.
Maribeth Back
May 28, 2013
Mike gave me this picture back in high school. He was probably 16?
Maribeth Back
May 28, 2013
Deanna Lund
May 27, 2013
Trina, I was sorry to hear about Mike. He was a great man and was always pleasant and kind to me when I was working at Alaska Airlines. My thought and prayers go out to you and your family.
Susan Soest Johansson
May 23, 2013
I was also a cast mate of Mike's in UWP. We often sat together on the bus & chatted. He was a special friend, and I will always have fond memories of our time in the cast together. Blessings and hugs of comfort to all of you.
Randy Corsi
May 23, 2013
Dear Caldwell family, although I met him 40 years ago I never forgot his kind manner or his ready smile which was contagious. My heart and prayers go out to you.
Jan Patterson
May 20, 2013
Trina, I'm so sorry to hear about Mike. Please know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Nadine Roach
May 17, 2013
Trina, Corri, Hayley, and Evan,
We will miss Michael and know that we love you. Sorry we could not be there for you.
Nadine (Mom) and Chuck
Nadine(Mom) and Chuck
Julie Myers-Foster
May 17, 2013
My deepest condolences to the Caldwell family. As a family friend of the Frasers in North Pole, I knew Howard & Diane well. My thoughts & prayers go out to all of Mike's friends & family.
Gilbert and Pat Verdugo
May 17, 2013
Peace Be Still!
Denny Hobbs
May 17, 2013
Trina, Hayley, Corri and Diane
My strongest memory of Mike was when he was traveling in the orange VW with his HUGE white dog. Most individuals in VW's back then were Hippies from California. Mike was a far cry from that...... He was truly a macho man's man!!! Just like his Dad.
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Barb Rima
May 17, 2013
I enjoyed working with Mike. As I recall he loved to read and we had great discussions over favorite books. Sorry I cannot attend his funeral. My sincerest condolences.
Reed Robinson
May 17, 2013
I was in the Navy and Mike was visiting 'Up With People' friends in the States. He had an orange V.W. Beetle and a huge white Great Pyrenees dog. He stopped by my parents in Arizona and they fed and bed him, and gave his dog the run of the yard. About three in the morning the sprinklers came on and the poor dog must have been sleeping on top of one. Soaking wet and muddy he made a beeline for the door, broke through the screen, ran down the hall and jumped in bed with my folks. I can only imagine the first few moments, but soon after they were laughing hysterically while Mike was apologizing near tears. They got up and had breakfast and and coffee, helped Mike clean up his dog, and sent him down the road back to Alaska. I'll miss you Mike.
Greg Kinney
May 16, 2013
Mike was a great guy. I will never forgot the Scout canoe trip down Birch Creek in August 1972. We shared the canoe, him ruddering, me in front. Mike was so nice, so patient for a beginner like i was then, and so mature beyond his years. And yet fun to be around. As I look back, Mike made that trip special just by being himself. He probably had more to do with my love for rivers than anyone else as a result. Even though I never saw him again after high school, I have never forgotten him. Like everyone here, I am so sorry for your loss and you should know he touched many lives.
Brenda Agee
May 16, 2013
Kelly, I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your brother. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
susan Lowe {Markey}
May 16, 2013
And so it goes - the passing of the seasons. Your smile will be missed.
Ivy (Karella) Hollinrake
May 16, 2013
Two roads diverge in a yellow wood....the paths in life we choose to take...the hearts we touch...the lives we impact...the love we share...all builds the legacy we leave behind as we complete our earthly journey and enter our Lord's embrace. Mike leaves behind so much love and so many memories that will be with each of us forever. May God hold you close now, Mike, and may your family always feel your presence and your love.
Rita Roach
May 16, 2013
Trina, Hayley, Corri, and Evan:
Mike and I had a special bond and I will miss him. His letters made me laugh and brightened my day. I couldn't have asked for a better brother-in-law.
Hayley StoStorie
May 16, 2013
Dad, I miss you so much, but now know that your grandkids will have an amazing guardian angel to guide them. I will always remember your silly laugh and how you had such passion for music (except country of course!) and once in a while play your harmonica for us.. I love you Dad. You'll forever be in my heart. Xoxo
sandy henry
May 16, 2013
Sorry to hear about your loss, my prayers are with you and your family Trina
Margaret (Burcell) Taylor
May 16, 2013
I am sorry for the loss of your husband, father, and grandfather. I knew Mike years ago in high school. Few people stand out so much that you instantly remember them some 40 years later but Mike was one of those people; very kind and always with a smile on his face. Please know you are in the thoughts and prayers of those who were lucky enough to have crossed paths with Mike.
Priscilla Todhunter
May 16, 2013
Sorry to hear of Mike's passing. He will not be forgotten. I pray his family will feel God's healing touch.
Donna Murphy-Bernier
May 16, 2013
Diane, Kelly, Shaun..I send my love to each of you and grieve with you for your loss. I loved Mike and that never changed. I cherish the memories of time spent with Mike and all of you. Contact me please.
nansi and mike norum
May 16, 2013
dearest trina, corri and hayley..what sadness must fill your hearts to lose mike. his smile and crooked cap will be missed by many. may his memories be near and dear to your hearts. we feel blessed to have known him and worked with him.
prayers of peace
nansi and mike norum
Gina Shuttleworth Gilmore
May 16, 2013
My memories of Mike were of a happy-go-lucky very nice guy. As for me I will try to live my life with more of Mike Caldwell in it. Your kindness will live on, Mike. You will be missed.
David Wiederich
May 16, 2013
Mike, you were one of the good guys, and we will greatly miss you. God speed our friend.
kathy jones
May 16, 2013
so sorry for your loss will miss that great smile
Pat Schmidt
May 16, 2013
Mike was a wonderful person, always had a smile and a great laugh. I am so sorry for your loss. Hold his memories deep in your heart and he will always be with you.
Randy Snider
May 16, 2013
Mike and I were inseperable in our formative teen years. A true heart that was concerned with defending those unjustly oppressed. His exuberance for life inspired many good adventures. We played our Sears catalog Silvertone guitars to the neighborhood from my parents garage in Island Homes, and canoed eight days down Birch Creek with my new wife (Edy) and Steve Olsen. He love music and the outdoors. Mike was naturally gifted with strength and balance, he stood out among all of our friends, performing feats that we could only wish we could do, like walk up the stairs backwards on his hands. He could whistle like a bird or a police car. He taught the canoeing merit badge at Lost Lake Boy Scout camp, and led songs during the big gatherings at bonfires. A true and dear friend that I will miss greatly. I saw him last a couple of summers ago, and found him playing in his yard with his grandson... God rest your soul Mike.
Cathryn McGlaughn Harjung
May 16, 2013
Kelly, Shawn, and Diane,
Please accept my heartfelt sympathy in the loss of Mike. He was a good guy. Wishing you peace and courage. Love, Cat
Fairbanks Funeral Home & Crematory
May 15, 2013
Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.
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