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Michael O'Hearn Obituary
Michael J. O'Hearn, 71 years, died in strength, glory and love on August 2, 2011.
A retired Silicon Valley architect, he left a legacy of hundreds of commercial buildings throughout California and the restored beauty of over thirty historic homes and landscapes in Santa Cruz where residents thrive.
His wife Gretchen, his adult children and their mother, his grandchildren, siblings and friends will carry on his joy of creative living with purpose and gratitude.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Michael O'Hearn
Kim Beecher
August 22, 2011
Michael, we miss you in the neighborhood. Whenever I drove down New Street to teach at the TriYoga Center I would think of you. I would look and see your carnival-carousel horse in the window and smile. Sometimes I would be lucky and see you. We greeted each other warmly.
You kept the neighborhood so beautiful with the fine trimming and landscaping. I miss you every day. Your strength, your caring, your overseeing everything with such care. Please know you were loved, Michael O'Hearn. And so appreciated by your neighbors at the TriYoga Center.
Suzie Lankes
August 9, 2011
To Michael O'Hearn's Family:
I met Michael through my business partner,Dan Floyd. Dan was involved in some real estate projects with Michael, and a good friend. They both came over for dinner one night to my newly-purchased home, and they seemed surprised when entering the house how nice it was on the inside. I mentioned that was one of the drawbacks of the home --- that it was not as attractive on the outside. After dinner, Michael took out a pen and started sketching on a paper napkin. He was sketching the outside of my home, adding a pergola, new walkway, and a wall. I was just amazed at his generosity and not expecting anything in return--just a gift to me. I still have that napkin. He continued to be a good friend over the years, helping Dan and I with our business, The Inn at Depot Hill, The Babbling Brook Inn, and The Cypress Inn on Miramar Beach. I would give him travel tips every once in awhile. I thought he was brilliant, and I respected him so much for the kind person he was. I am sorry I lost contact with him after we sold the Inns, and Dan moved to Montana. I had always planned to contact him someday and say hello, but now it is too late...another lesson he has taught me.
Susan Wagner
August 9, 2011
Dear Family, Michael was an integral part of my life for almost 30 years, as a dear friend, adviser, encourager, and co-conspirator in the pursuit of beauty. I think of him as a Titan.....larger than life in his energy and creativity...compassionate and loving towards those around him. We will all miss him.
Gen Ponder
August 8, 2011
To the O'Hearn family. It was with sadness that I read the death of this dynamic man. He was such a good friend of my late sister, Rose Fihe. He, Don Davis and Rose worked on many real estate deals. He was so sweet coming to her memorial and talking such beautiful words about my sister. I just know that those three vital people are together in Heaven cooking up yet another real estate deal. Thank God for bringing Michael into our lives. Gen Ponder, and the family of Rose Fihe.
Susan Connelly
August 8, 2011
Mike was a wonderful person. I enjoyed the times he came in to my shop and specifically requested me to shrink wrap his toys. He loved his hobby and the friends he made along the way...He was a really special person and I'm honored to have know him over 25 yrs. he will be missed greatly and I'm sorry for your loss
Michelle Nash
August 8, 2011
Mrs. O'Hearn, your husband was wonderful to the congregation of Progressive Missionary Baptist Church. I remember when I first met him thinking how TALL he was, of course i was only 4"11 then but he was a wonderful man and I am honored to have known him and to be able to still see ALL the great works he did for Santa Cruz. If there is anything you need please do not hesitate to ask. We love you and will always consider you a part of our family.
Vikki Golsh-Cervantes
August 8, 2011
8/8/11 Michael O'Hearn was one of the teachers in my life that changed my whole life.I was lucky to have worked for Michael for 15 years.Looking back I know so many families that changed being employed by Michael.I learned how to do everything better&bigger , how great it is to work as a team.He was a honarable man .My daughter Rahael and I will foever be grateful for being here with Michael.
doris hixon
August 8, 2011
Gretchen, We are so sorry for your loss of dynamic Michael who was such an asset to any group. I am glad he settled the toys so that is a burden you don' have while missing him so much. You both are a joy to know. Dan and Doris Hixon ATCA
Lana Cracchiolo
August 8, 2011
Gretchen and Family,
We were so saddened to hear the news of Michael's passing. He left a wonderful legacy and made the world a better and more beautiful place. May you have a lifetime of fond memories and carry on as he would have wanted you all to.
Love,
Lana, Craig, Danielle, and Alec
Julia Jackson
August 8, 2011
Michael’s vision for things artistic and beautiful went beyond most people’s imagination. His eye for detail in architecture and landscape was exquisite. He was a wonderful friend full of spirit, wit and life. He made many of us a bigger person as a result; our neighborhoods so beautiful with his exceptional work. His footsteps will be hard to follow, but we will.
Betty Puterbaugh-Clay
August 6, 2011
Mr. O'Hearn was an amazing creative, generous, kind and honest person. Those of us who worked for him were the luckiest to be given the creative latitude to ride along on his creative adventures. Working on projects with Mr. O'Hearn was not work, it was a calling to the creative spirit. He was a wonderful mentor to many artists and good business people in Santa Cruz. I am so glad that he met Gretchen who could take him away to traveling fun adventures and laughs when he worked too hard on his projects. He was and will be always loved by those that had the opprotunity to work not only for him but with him. Betty Puterbaugh-Clay, Santa Cruz, California.
Ron Smith
August 6, 2011
Gretchen; I'm so sorry to hear about Mike. He will be missed very much
amalie sinclair
August 6, 2011
So sorry... a kind and generous spirit ...
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Funeral services provided by:
Lima Family Santa Clara Mortuary466 North Winchester Blvd, Santa Clara, CA 95050
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