Michael Painter

1935 - 2018

Michael Robert Painter

January 27, 1935 - June 29, 2018

Michael Painter passed away peacefully, surrounded by his beloved family, at home in Mill Valley on June 29th, following a long illness. He is survived by his wife Sue, son Josh, daughter Melissa and her husband, Sandro Meallet, and his grandson Alonzo Meallet. Mike's brother Blair preceded him in death, as did his parents, Lillias Armour Painter and John Guy Painter.

Mike completed over 850 projects in his 63-year career as landscape architect and urban designer, winning over 60 awards. His design of the Presidio Parkway, developed over decades, was a capstone of his distinguished career. He was named a Distinguished Alumnus, College of Environmental Design, U.C. Berkeley, and a Fellow of the American Society of Landscape Architects. Always active in the community, he served on the Board (and later the Advisory Committee) of SPUR (San Francisco Planning and Urban Research), the Exploratorium, San Francisco Architectural Heritage and the Presidio Historical Association. He was an active participant in the life of his home community, Mill Valley, serving on the architectural review committee and volunteering time with other local design professionals to plan for the Community Center. Just before his death he eagerly joined a neighborhood team to champion a safe walking and biking path in the Mill Valley Golf Course.

Mike was an explorer, always ready for a hike on his beloved Mt. Tam or in other Bay Area locales. He and his wife Sue enjoyed adventures to many parts of the world, soaking up new landscapes, new foods, encounters with new people and different points of view. His camera was always ready to record whatever caught his eye. Mike was also a collector, especially of things from the natural world- shells or rocks- that would remind him of special places. Curious by nature, he never stopped learning. He loved people and was quick to strike up conversations with strangers on a bus or at a large gathering. Music of all kinds brought him great joy. Mike was a good person and will be missed by all who knew him.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, August 25th, 3:00 p.m. at St. Stephen's Church, 3 Bayview Avenue, Belvedere. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to College of Environmental Design, U.C. Berkeley; San Francisco Planning & Urban Research (SPUR); St. Stephen's Church, or a favorite charity.