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Michael Ord Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Michael Ord
Kristie Miller
December 10, 2011
Love and Miss you tons!! Your smile always made my day.
December 9, 2011
Mikey,
Living on the east coast with you in California was difficult, but with frequent phone calls we became close confidants and told each other things we didn't share with others. So not having you to talk to for a year has been tough. I just want to hear your voice and catch up on your news, hear you laugh, give and get some good advice, and talk about the relative merits of different grades of cocoa. I would be thrilled if you could interrupt Masterpiece Theatre one more time.
Amber told me that you said that to you, she is perfect. So to me she is and always will be. I love her laugh, her intelligence and her wicked sense of humor. She has a great deal of you in her. One of these days we're going to take a trip to England or Spain and we know you'll be with us - you just won't have to deal with the travel hassles.
During our last conversation, you said you liked to talk to me because simply, I listened. And you'd recently had a breakfast of bacon, eggs, toast, and the blueberry jam I sent. "I was in heaven." Well, Mr. Ordwardy, party of one, I fervently pray that that is the case.
I love you, Mike, and miss you each and every day. The tears continue to come easily. Memories pop into my head all the time and when I look at the pictures of us when we were little I remember the good times.
I hope you're taking care of Daisy for me. Promise me you haven't stuffed her...
Love,
Cher
December 7, 2011
Mike,
I've been trying to write this for a year. I'm going to try one more time. Mike, you're my big brother. I'm supposed to be able to pick up the phone and talk to you any time I want. I can't do that now, and that's not fair, so now I have to get through the tears and try to tell you how much you mean to me.
You were the best big brother when we were little. You taught me how to shoot a BB gun. And when Larry sent you the bow and arrows you taught me how to use them, too. What a brother. When you played first base for Parker Paints, you taught me how to play baseball. I never could figure out how to wiggle my butt when I went up to bat, though. You taught me how to play first and that's where I always played. Thank you.
When we were in our teens, we did what teenagers do and didn't spend much time together. Then we became friends again in our twenties.
Amber's birth will always be the defining moment in your life. She made your life whole. I don't remember the exact quote, but as they say, "Anyone can be a Father, but it takes a special man to be a DAD." You were more than that, you were Best Friend, too.
When I hear the Stevie Wonder song, "Isn't she Lovely," I can't help but remember the look on your face, the indescribable look in your eyes when you turned up the volume, and you told me, "That's my song to my little girl, the love of my life, Amber."
So I guess it's gone full circle. We've gone from the best big brother, best dad, and friend to Amber, Cheryl and me. The last time I talked to you, you were letting 'the boys run', which always gave you a sense of peace. And even if I can't pick up the phone and talk to you, meet you for dinner or go somewhere together (here come the tears again), you will never be out of my heart or far from my thoughts.
A sudden loss is the hardest one of all. So I guess that's why this is the hardest thing I've had to do for years, Mike.
Goodbye for now. One day I expect you to be there to wipe my tears, give me a big hug, and we'll all let our 'kids' run free one more time.
I love you Michael Elam Ord. And I miss you every day.
Laurie
Mom
December 5, 2011
My dearest son, Michael,
This is the hardest thing I've ever done, to try and put in a few sentences what you meant to me. It is hard to find joy when tragedy strikes, especially in the loss of a child. But I am so grateful to God that he allowed you to die at home. That was merciful. When Amber saw you later that day, she told me you looked very peaceful. That really comforted me. In our last conversation you declared to me your faith in Jesus Christ. That has sustained me.
Amber was your great joy, your greatest accomplishment, the person who meant the most to you in the whole world. I know that. That is how it should be. She is, also, my dear granddaughter.
To try and explain your talents isn't easy, and I think the most important one was your ability to make friends wherever you went, and to give a helping hand wherever needed. You were loved and cherished by many people, not just your family. That family stretches from one end of the country to the other, and the word spread rapidly. I had many calls and cards from them and they were in disbelief. Too young, they all said, at 63.
Before you became a chocolatier, you had a career in remodeling homes, doing a superb job with many grateful clients. When I visited, I saw some of your work and how you could turn an old house into something new. It truly was remarkable.
Then there is your Australian Shepherd, Shorty. You told me how you found him at a gas station, all dirty and matted, in need of a bath, and starving. You took him home and he became your closest companion. He, also, through the years, has become the father of many more little Shepherds, and is still with Amber. I'm sure he's been looking for you.
In one of our last conversations, you tole me you had entered a chocolate competition in Sonoma, and had won five first place awards and one second place. I think you were planning on moving there. That certainly validated your abilities as a chocolatier and, I believe, gave you confidence. You were competing with the best.
I will always miss you, and always find myself talking to you, and always miss the, "I love you, Mom," at the end of our phone calls.
All my love,
Mom
November 9, 2011
Hi Dad,
Its been 11 months tomoorw since we lost you. Its seems like one long day that won't end and the anticipation of seeing you again is probably the hardest thing I deal with on a daily basis. So much has happened and yet everything is basically the same with one painful and glaringly noticible difference. Youre not here. I have a million things to tell you and I miss having someone to tell all about the small things that happen everyday. I miss hearing I love you everyday and above all else I just miss having you around all the time. I still have your number in my phone, still get mail for you and still think sometimes that tomorrow I'll wake up and this will just be a nightmare but I keep trying to do the things I think you would want me to do and still try to make you proud of me. I know I'll see you again, the only thing is the wait. It sucks!
Love you Dad. Miss you more than anyone has ever missed anyone in the history of the world!
Am
David Morrow
October 3, 2011
I found out about Mike's passing from Warren Burns,a long time friend of Mike's. Mike and I grew up in the Canoga Park area and shared many of the same friends. I have thousands of stories that I could share, but most are better left between Mike and I. Mike was a true friend, who would do anything for a friend or anyone else for that matter. Although we lost touch, not long after high school, I have thought of him often and tried to keep track of where he was and how he was doing. As the year's past I lost track completly until I ran into Warren, who filled me in on the last few years of Mike's life. According to Warren, Mike's proudest accomplsiment was raising his daughter Amber, who I would like to actually meet someday.
Although he died much too young,I pray that when my time comes I go out in the same way, with half as many friends and great adventures to my credit.
Kindness, generosity and loyalty were his most enduring qualities and the ones for which he should be judged.
Michael Williams
September 6, 2011
Mike was one of my best friends for a long time when my mom made me leave the house at 14 Mike and his family took me in along with the Wheeler family He had a lot to do with the shaping of my life although he was 2 years older than me he always stood up for me. When we were older around 21 I remember meeting Bev and the 3 of us lived in this park in Santa Barbara If I remember right I think it was called Schofield park and the rangers name was John. And from this time on he always had an aussie dog and loved them very much. I had just gone up to see Mike for a few days about 7-10 months before he passed and he was still the same old Mike. I will miss him and I only wish the best for Amber I know they were very close his passing is 1 of the things that is going to happen to all of us,we are dying from our first breath and should treat life with care . Again I wish the best for Amber and if she ever needs my help she can call me anytime
Warren Burns
August 18, 2011
August 18, 2011
I was at service but didn't/couldn't speak about the nearly Half Century of Friendship!! I still don't know where to begin? I met Mike while still in High School. We lived under the same roof several times. We Shared MANY Great, Good and Not So Good Adventures/Times Together. We haden't seen each other for some time, but talked often on the phone. It was a real shock when Amber returned my last call to Mike before Christmas telling me of his passing! Mike will always be in my thoughts, and I will miss talking to him. I am sorry I never tasted any of his Sweet that everyone talked so highly about at the service.
Happy Trails Pardner!!!!!
Amber Ord
January 10, 2011
I love you Daddy.
Mauri Taylor
December 17, 2010
We are so sorry to hear of Michael's passing. He was a very special man. My family and I have many fond memories of him, his daughter Amber and the wonderful chocolate he made. He was talented beyond words in so many fields.
Adobe Creek Funeral Home
December 16, 2010
Our thoughts are with the family and friends at this time.
Valerie Ord
December 17, 2010
I can't believe that Uncle Mike is gone. It's so shocking, and I feel so bad for Amber. (who by the way is like SUPER COOL!) Anyway, Uncle Mike and Amber, you're in my thoughts. And just for the record, that dog who won the ugliest dog contest when we went to the fair (when we last saw Uncle Mike), shouldn't have won! The dog was cute not ugly.
Natalie Lydon-Eikel
December 17, 2010
I cannot add anything new to the wonderful sentiments already shared about Mike, only heartedly agree, but I will add a story. My most memorable interaction with Mike Ord (aka Amber's Dad) coincided with an event I will refer to as "my first and much later, last drop of gin". The aftermath to this event was Dickensian unpleasant, only to be appeased when Amber called in her Dad for help. Mike simply glided in like a superhero, all action and understanding. And the next day when I, quiet, humble, and extremely grateful saw him, he did what only Mike could do so beautifully well -he laughed at me. Because he was just always that cool! My memories of Mike will shine longer than any candle, he was that gentle fire we all wanted to be near and feel its warmth. Amber, I will always love you and your Dad.
Terri Filippo
December 16, 2010
Mike was a wonderful father, friend, and mentor. He always knew just what to say to brighten my day. Mike's positive outlook on life was contagious; he never failed to remind me to not sweat the small stuff and enjoy the people around me. Mike was one of the most caring and thoughtful people I have ever had the pleasure of meeting. Amber was Mike's world and I admire their relationship. They were much closer than your average father and daughter; their relationship reflected the deepest understanding of one another and their love was mutually unconditional. I always looked forward to spending time with Mike...and getting my hands on his amazing candy!!! I am honored to call Mike a friend and mentor.
Sheila Baker
December 16, 2010
I only met Mike a few times via my good friend Andy Miner. Despite our brief acquaintance several years ago, I will remember his great sense of humor, twinkling eyes, and warm smile. My sincerest condolences on your loss...
Andy and Brandon Miner
December 15, 2010
Amber, our hearts go out to you at this time and in the days ahead. Your Dad was a remarkable man, a true friend and a genuinely hilarious comic. His heart was huge and he welcomed so many people into his life. I will miss him immensely and think of him often.
With much love,
Andy and Brandon
Sue Sims
December 15, 2010
Amber and family, I'm so very sorry for your loss. Mike was a great guy.
Ninety-nine percent of the people I have met and interacted with about as many times as I interacted with Mike over the years, I'd consider acquaintances. Mike was Mr. Instant Rapport. He made me comfortable, welcomed and feel valued with each and every conversation. I felt like an old friend. Mike was an interesting guy, so present in every conversation. AND my picky dog loved him!
And...what a DAD! Who has a dad like Mike Ord? The blessed Amber did, that's who!
Rest in peace, love and magic, dear Mike!
Janet Tomasek
December 15, 2010
My thoughts and prayers are with the family. Amber please know I will always be here for you. God Bless
Michelle Bordessa-Lopez
December 15, 2010
Mike was a huge part of our lives for many years and will truly be missed! I will never forget his insight in the many hobbies that Amber and I pursued! He taught me carpentry, garage sale haggling, poker, how to fix a leg lamp after complete failure on my part, how to properly chase a dog across the highway, and so much more! He was an expert in so much and made things look easy. He always welcomed me into his home with a smile even when I gave him a quick "hello" and immediately searched for his most recent batch of candy! Mike had a huge heart and I was lucky to know him!
Michelle, Jefe and Charlie
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