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Michael O'Hara Obituary

O'Hara, Michael Age 51 Passed away on Dec. 1 He was survived by his beloved wife of 24 years Connie, daughter Christine, son Peter, his parents Elvira and Charles O'Hara, brother Chuck O'Hara (Cheryl), in-laws Josephine and Steve Bicanich, and many loving relatives and friends. After a courageous five year battle with cancer (Multiple Myeloma), he died peacefully at his home with his wife by his side. Throughout his life, he was known for his love for family, intelligence and wit, and keen business sense. He started his own successful engineering firm 20 years ago called The MountainStar Group. He loved the outdoors and was an avid mountain climber. His greatest climb was Mt. Kilimanjaro in Africa. Mike was a devoted husband and father who supported his children and assured them that there was nothing they could not accomplish without hard work, faith and a positive attitude. Memorial Service, Tuesday, Dec. 11, 6:30PM, Cathedral of St. Paul, 239 Selby Ave.

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Published by Pioneer Press from Dec. 5 to Dec. 9, 2007.

Memories and Condolences
for Michael O'Hara

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Rick Lind

December 18, 2007

We only knew Michael for a short time but admired his determination to find the truth. We are sorry for your loss. Rick Lind, Lind, Jensen, Sullivan & Peterson, P.A.

Wes Bue

December 11, 2007

Connie,

You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers at this most difficult time.

Troy/Patti Huber

December 11, 2007

I was extermely saddened when I heard of Mike's passing, I had the pleasure of getting to know Mike when I coached Peter's hockey team in Burnsville. Our thoughts and prayers are with the o'hara family

Steve Maurelli

December 11, 2007

Connie -
The design industry has lost one of our great assets and allies - and he'll be greatly missed. Michael worked with me on the "difficult" projects for about 15 years, and his help and efforts always made the projects better. That legacy is one of which you should be very proud - as I trust he was. Peace be with you.

Patrick Parsley

December 10, 2007

On behalf of the Association of MN Building Officials and myself we would like to extend our deepest sympathies as you grieve the loss of a great man. I had the privilege of working with Mike on projects in southern MN. He was always willing to share his vast knowledge in fire protection engineering. Many in the code enforcement profession appreciated Mike's integrity and willingness to assist in the task of building safety. He will be greatly missed by those who had the opportunity to work with him.

Erica Eide (Nilsen)

December 9, 2007

I am very sorry for your family's loss!

Barbara Harrison

December 8, 2007

Dear Connie, Christine and Peter,

I am terribly saddened to hear of Mike's passing. He was a super guy.
He was our fitness instructor at the Midway Y back in the 80's and it was great fun. Please know that you are in my prayers and will be in touch.

Kent Davidson

December 8, 2007

I had the privelege of getting to know Mike over the years working with him on several building projects during my career as an architect with Opus. He was one of the brightest, most knowledgable and articulate people I met in the construction industry. Well known and respected in the professional community, Mike was always a welcome member on our project team and would enthusiastically take opportunities to educate us on fire & life safety as we went along. We'll miss you Mike.

Sherry Wings

December 8, 2007

I was saddened to hear of Mike's passing. I met him when we worked at 3M Fire Protection years ago. And then again off and on over the years with St Paul Fire Dept. He was very knowledgable and willing to teach others. He will be missed. Mike will be celebrating Christmas in heaven with God this year. May God bless his family and friends.

Brad Whitmore

December 7, 2007

I'm sorry to hear about Mike's passing. Mike was one of the first people I met when I moved to the Twin Cities 8 years ago when the company I was with hired the Mountainstar Group on a Project. I worked with Mike 2 or 3 times after that, and ALWAYS found him to be a great individual. Take care.

Linda Hersom

December 6, 2007

Connie
My deepest sympathy to you and your children.

Debby Hall

December 6, 2007

Connie, Christine, and Peter
We were so sorry to hear about Mike's death. We feel like Christine is part of our family and, by association all of the o'Haras. Our prayers are with you - Robert, Debby, Nick and Jane HC'08 (Sarno)

Faculty and Staff Shenehon Center

December 6, 2007

Connie and family,
We were profoundly saddened to learn of Mike’s passing. Mike was an outstanding instructor and had been involved in teaching courses and seminars for the University of St. Thomas and for the Building Owners and Managers Institute for several years. Mike was a very dedicated teacher and as you know, had a passion for engineering and building safety. We last saw Mike on September 18th when he taught a two hour session on fire protection systems. Mike was well liked by students and his presence will be deeply missed. We are keeping you in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

Kay & Mike Arola

December 6, 2007

Connie and Family,

My sincere sympathy for your loss. My mother also suffered with multiple myeloma and lost her battle in October. You will be in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

Bruce E. Ryden

December 6, 2007

My heartfelt sympathy in your loss of Mike. He and I were friends when I was Fire Marshal in Roseville, MN from 1969 - 1987. I know all of you will miss his great smile and warm heart.

Bruce E. Ryden
Fort Mill South, Carolina

Kimberly Michaelson

December 6, 2007

I did not know Michael, but his son Peter is a fine young man. Peter and my brother, David Michaelson, played sports together and are very good friends from high school. Peter visited my in Chicago when he lived there and when David was visiting from Minneapolis. My sincere condolences to the family for this sad loss.

Brad & Lynnette Pint

December 6, 2007

Connie and Family - we are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you, your family and friends. Mike was an amazing person. I met Mike at the Myeloma Support group shortly after I was diagnosed. His positive attitude, his zest for life and his compassion for others was amazing! He will be greatly missed.

Robert Nelson

December 5, 2007

My pray and thoughts are with you during this difficult time. Mike will be truely missed.

Sincerely,
Robert W. Nelson
ARUP FIRE
Estrada do Istmo, Cotai, Macau
E-mail: [email protected]

Phyllis Stewart

December 5, 2007

Dear Connie, So sorry to hear of your husbands passing. Our thought and prayers are with you and your family. Phyllis and Bill Stewart

Phil Awker

December 5, 2007

I've known Mike for over 25 years. He was a "friendly" competitor in our industry and a true professional. Nomination and acceptance as "Fellow" status in the Society of Fire Protection Engineers was one of the highlights of his career and I was proud and honored to be one of his sponsors. We needed a "name" - someone to pioneer the local efforts and Mike was the obvious first choice for those of us in "flyover country" to get Minnesota on the map. This has led to other Minnesota nominations and acceptance for world-wide recognition and will continue to do so. On the personal side, he spoke highly (and often) of his family and how proud he was - always ready to brag. And, all I had to do was mention the word "hockey" and he would bend your ear for an hour with opinions and stories. We will truly miss this character.

Dean Thomson

December 5, 2007

Dear Family,

I had the pleasure of working with Mike on a number of cases. Mike had extrordinary integrity. If I had a difficult question, and I needed a thoughtful and straight answer, I called Mike. When I presented Mike's opinions to others, they were accepted due to Mike's reputation. In a contentious industry this can rarely be said, and it's a tribute that it can be said of Mike. Mike was held in the highest regard, and I will greatly miss him. Please accept my condolences.

Jack Kennelly

December 5, 2007

Connie- Peter - Christine

My thoughts and sadness are with you. I will miss, but always remember you Mike!

Mary Berg

December 5, 2007

Dear Connie, Christine, and Peter:
You are in my thoughts and prayers. My memories will be of all the support Mike gave to Burnsville Hockey. His attention to young athletes and your family's open home were a special gift. My condolences.

Ayrlahn Johnson

December 5, 2007

We are so sorry to hear of Mike's passing. Our family has fond memories of our kids playing on the same hockey teams and of you, our neighbors down the street. May the Lord bless you Connie, Christine and Peter during this difficult time.

Alyssa and Scott Simpson

December 5, 2007

Connie, Christine and Pete -
We are good friends of your brother, Peter, and his wife, Cindy. They have shared updates on Mike's courageous battle and we have been with you in prayer. It is so hard to understand God's plan sometimes, but we pray that family, friends and faith will get you through this difficult time. God Bless.

Meg Katzman

December 5, 2007

On behalf of the Ronald McDonald House, we send our love and sympathies. Mike always understood the heart and soul of what our families face and his commitment to helping families is an enduring legacy.

Donna Lennartson

December 5, 2007

Dear Connie, Christine and Peter,
You are in our thoughts and prayers as you face this difficult time. We will remember Mike for his energy, his optimism and especially for his love of family. He was so proud of each of you for your individual endeavors and achievements. As for his own achievements, which were many, he was humble. We were all so proud of his remarkable feat, climbing Mount Kilimanjaro! Be proud that Mike lived his life to the fullest and tackled everything he did with positive enthusiasm. He never, ever gave up. We will miss him.
Steve, Donna and John

Maureen Kelly

December 5, 2007

Dear Connie, Christine & Pete,
You are in my thoughts and prayers today as I recall my years with Michael at MountainStar. May the Lord give you strength and courage to move ahead with the next chapter of your lives.

Fond memories

Maureen Kelly
Eden Prairie, MN

Scott Newman

December 5, 2007

We are so sorry to hear of Mike's passing. I so enjoyed the lunches Mike and I shared together, talking about our daughters and hockey. God Bless.

Peggy Rolle Provenzano

December 5, 2007

Dearest Connie,Christine and Pete:

I am so sorry for your loss and the suffering you experienced watching your loved one slip away. You have endured such a difficult walk.

Know that Mike is no longer suffering and is in a better place with the Lord. He will be with you now all the time--watching and supporting each of you.

Be good to yourselves and know that Mike would want each of you to be happy and to enjoy your time on earth like an adventure.

If you need anything, please do not hesitate to contact me.

God Bless!!

Peggy Rolle Provenzano
612.889.4440

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