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BORN
1947
DIED
2013
Michael Dean Obituary
Mike was many things: a musician and artist; a lover of motorcycles, sports cars and airplanes; an avid follower of politics; and a man proud of 30 years of sobriety. He was a gentle, intelligent, caring soul with a great sense of humor. His professional life included teaching, commercial photography and public service as Mayor of Coburg.
A Mass will be held at the Episcopal Church of the Resurrection in Eugene on July 20, 2013, at 1:00 p.m, with a small reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations in Karen's name will be accepted at Oregon Community Credit Union to help support her during this difficult time.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Michael Dean
Barbara Mickelson
July 8, 2024
I will always remember Mike as the big brother I never had. We could talk about anything and everything. I think of him often. Blessings to the family.
Tracy (Crowson) Hickey
July 21, 2013
Oh gosh, so sad to hear Mike has passed. He was one of the first adult men to listen and treat me like an equal, even though I was a 21 year old girl fresh out of college and he was 15 years older. His respect was so meaningful, it helped me grow up and overcome some of my own issues. I will never forget him and the deep conversations as we worked together while I worked at McKenzie River Graphics, where we shared his studio space. I'll always remember some of his photos too, especially the one of his adult sized men's dress shoe beside one of his child's. Ah, and the gelato ice cream. Got to help him clean up after that photo shoot. Work never tasted so good! My condolences to Mike's family. I never met you, but I know Mike was a true gem. I am richer for having known him for a few years.
Jan Eliot
July 20, 2013
Mike, you were a wonderful man. From the days I visited your studio to talk about photography to lunch at L&L years later...you were great for conversation and perspective. I know ou will be missed.
Barbara Mickelson
July 16, 2013
The time I spent with Mike over the years added so much to my life. We talked about everything while we worked on "photo shoots". I learned things I never would have thought about... he helped me to see the mystical beauty of mathematics... I always hated math before! I learned about light and airplanes and old cars and Goethe and Rumi and jokes and another way to look at life. I watched him get sober and stay sober and fall in love with his wonderful Karen. I will always remember Mike and his great smile and his amazing appreciation of life. He will be missed... he gave way more to this world than he ever took from it. A rare treasure.
Art and Leslie Noxon
July 15, 2013
Mike, Your gentle perceptions and friendly suggestions, offered so long ago, continue to live on, exerting their positive influence daily. You will always be truly missed.
Jenny Peterson
July 14, 2013
Oh my goodness, I am so saddened to read that Mike has died. What a wonderful man, and such a gentle soul. I will always remember how kind and helpful he was to me after my husband Kent (who was also a photographer) passed away. He will be greatly missed by all.
Michael Fifield
July 14, 2013
Mike, I'll miss our lunches at 5th Street, your wit, your stories, your photos, and your passion for life.
Rogene Manas
July 14, 2013
Oh Michael, we will miss you...your laugh, your wit, your charm, your kind spirit, your spin on this whacky world. We have lost one of the greats who has defined our generation in the best possible way. Peace and comfort to the hearts of all who loved him.
Bill Randall
July 14, 2013
Mike, my friend, you will be missed. Karen, our prayers are with you and your family.
July 14, 2013
What a stand up guy you were! Sharing your happy smile with us and your path to happy Destiny Dom and Jacquie. You will be greatly missed.
Debbie Fites
July 14, 2013
Thank you Michael for all you have given,to your students your family and your loving wife my cousin. You are missed and very much loved. Thanks again for the goodness you left. We will all learn from this! God Bless.Love Debbie and Roger Fites
David Kelly
July 14, 2013
I can't say it any better than the obituary: "He was a gentle, intelligent, caring soul."
I was blessed to know Mike and to work with him while he was Mayor of Coburg.
Michael Faris
July 14, 2013
We loved you, Michael.
Allison Sinclair
July 14, 2013
Though I only met him once, he brought out the very best in all of us that day. He was a very charming, intelligent and funny man. I cannot imagine the pain of your loss. My deepest condolences to Karen and his family. I am deeply saddened by the loss of such a great man.
July 14, 2013
Karen, Jim and I are deeply saddened by your loss. Michael was a wonderful man who had great insight to the world around him he will be greatly missed. His passion fir life was an inspiration to all of us
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