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Michael Cornelius Obituary
Michael Andre Cornelius, 45, (of Hermosa Beach, CA) passed away on July 8, 2016 after a fatal car accident near Clarksville, VA. He was born in Yokosuka, Japan on January 8, 1971 to William Eugene Cornelius and Andrea Brousseau Cornelius.
Michael graduated from Curtis High School, Tacoma WA in 1989, received a B.S. in Aviation Science from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University in 1994, and a M.S. in Aviation and Aeronautical Management from Purdue University in 2014.
Michael was passionate about flying. He earned his first pilot's license in high school. He worked as a dispatcher in the summers at Kenmore Air and learned to fly floatplanes, traveling to numerous destinations throughout the Pacific Northwest. For over 12 years, Michael flew Boeing 727s, 737s, 757s, and 767s for ATA Airlines, Southwest Airlines, and American Airlines. He also taught other pilots to fly Boeing 747's in a simulator at Pan Am Academy. Along the way Michael played a mean trumpet.
At the time of his death, Michael was a project manager in industrial construction for PlanNet, Inc., working on a data cloud facility for Microsoft in Boydton, VA. He led the effort to develop the Microsoft Global Drone Program. He was teased for his "California spirit" in the small Virginia town, but that spirit turned out to be "the glue that held the team together". He was admired and deeply loved by his co-workers, who knew him to be smart, hardworking and, most of all, playful and funny.
California friends knew Michael as humorous, highly intelligent yet humble, and a great storyteller. He took a course called "Verbal Advantage", weaving new words into his speaking vocabulary, much to the amusement of people around him. He brought people together and made everyone he met feel welcome, included, and comfortable. Michael was a true gentleman, always generous and helpful.
Michael is survived by his brother Bill Cornelius III (of Phoenix, AZ), sister Katherine Cornelius Diepold (of Needham, MA), nieces Elisabeth and Abby Diepold, parents Bill (of Seattle, WA) and Andrea (of Needham, MA), and a greater extended family that will miss him forever.
A celebration of Michael's life will be held on August 7, 2016 in Hermosa Beach CA and on September 10, 2016 in Charlotte NC.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Michael Cornelius
Sponsored by The Family.
Laura Middleton Trachtenberg
June 13, 2017
I just learned of Michael's unfortunate passing. May his memory be a blessing for all who knew him. Love to all my extended Brousseau family.
Michelle Gouge
October 13, 2016
I think of you daily and miss you so much!! Hope you are flying all the time in heaven!! I love and miss you my dear friend!!
September 21, 2016
My deepest condolences to the family and friends. May you find comfort by drawing close to God during this difficult time. James 4:18.
D. Wilmington - California
Michelle Gouge
September 3, 2016
What a huge loss!! Man full of life, laughter, fun and generosity!! I miss him so much!! I think of him daily!!! He was a great friend!! Bill and Andrea it was a pleasure meeting and spending time with you both!! I now see where he got it from!! My sympathy is with the whole family!! I keep you all in my prayers!! Miss you Cornholio!!
August 22, 2016
To Bill and family, saddened for your loss. I have been thinking of Mike for the last 2 weeks since I heard the news. Reflecting on our memories near Soundview Drive. Hang in there we are all with you. Thomas Cronk
Karen Robbins
August 7, 2016
My heartfelt sympathy to the entire family. Mike was a great student at Curtis H. S. and admired by my son, Scott. I recall the joy he brought our family soon after he had received his private pilot's lesson. He buzzed over our beach home on Anderson Island, and we all cheered and waved to him from our deck as he was soloing in the sky. We were so happy and proud of him. Keep soaring Mike! Our love and prayers. Karen Robbins Bigler
August 7, 2016
Sending my condolences to the family. May God give you strength and peace during this difficult time. (Psalms 29:11)
Timothy
August 3, 2016
I am sincerely sorry for the loss of your loved one. May you find comfort in knowing that God keeps those who pass away in His memory - because they are precious in His eyes.
Psalms 116:15
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