MICHAEL IRWIN LESCANDER

1935 - 2022

MICHAEL IRWIN LESCANDER
A resident of Santa Fe for 14 years, Michael was born in Brooklyn, NY to Beatrice (Sobel) and Edward Lescander on June 1, 1935. He was an only child. He died on September 9, 2022.
Raised in Brooklyn, upon high school graduation, Michael participated in a unique program at Columbia University, where he received a BA/MA-City Planning, Design and Marketing. Upon graduation, he became the first City Planner for Bangor, Maine.
He went on to join the American Council to Improve Our Neighborhoods (ACTION) as the Vice President, Educational Programs, US Atlantic cities.
Later, Michael directed and marketed multi-level housing. He was also an entrepreneur, creating and marketing products for the retail industry.
Prior to their moving to Santa Fe, Michael and his wife, Robin Merlo, resided in Los Angeles and New York City.
He is preceded in death by his parents and two sons, Edward and Eric.
He is survived by his wife, Robin; daughter, Lori Anderson, and husband, Scott; step-son Bill Hague and wife, Lisa, and two grandchildren, William and Caroline.
Michael had a successful and diversified professional life, but he is remembered most dearly by all who knew and loved him for his wit and humor. His love for life fostered an upbeat way of looking at the world. As important, he was heralded for his cooking creativity. Just over a week ago, Michael was preparing a full meal for friends-the day before he was admitted to the hospital!
Michael was the product of a very small family; he embraced his wife's family and they him. Michael and Robin enjoyed many adventures abroad with the 'cuginos', as well as their own international excursions both for business and for pleasure.
He also was a proud member of the Los Angeles "Salon", a select cultural group that enthusiastically shared Shakespeare and Martinis!
Michael loved Santa Fe and its environs. He always felt that this small town should stand proud for the high quality of its cultural arts. He appreciated the opportunity to make friends with shared interests.
Michael tutored at the Literacy Volunteers for several years. He respected the program and found the experience most rewarding. Contributions in Michael's honor can be made to:
Literacy Volunteers of Santa Fe
6401 Richards Ave
Santa Fe, NM 87508
www.lvsf.org
His family would like to thank the entire medical team that responded to Michael's needs from the Fire Dept. to Christus St. Vincent's Emergency and ICU departments: the doctors, nurses and staff were expert and caring. Of course, Drs. Ronan and Villenga, Christus St. Vincent Heart & Vascular Clinic, Dr. Seredowych, IMS, and Dr. Bieniarz, Heart Hospital, Albuquerque: all dedicated to Michael's care to enjoy his life for a long time.
A full and interesting 87 years!
There will not be a funeral. A reception will be held in the future in honor of Michael.