John –
Pass a note to Fiddler’s Green – heave to, sailor inbound. Gloria’s dad, Lowell S. (Mike) Michels passed this morning, finally free from that cursed diseas
e, Alzheimer’s. He was a wonderful man and made a real contribution to society. He joined the Navy just before the end of WWII and was one of the early discharges that came at the end of the war – serving just under two years. Dad worked on the Liberty Ships in the port of Portland (OR) until he was old enough to enlist. Joined the Navy 5 weeks before his 18th birthday and one week after graduation from high school. The GI Bill financed his education and changed his life. As a physicist, he was one of the computer industry’s early pioneers ( no computer science majors back then). One of his early works is actually in the Smithsonian. He was part of the team that developed the magnetic strip on credit cards – no patent – company owned. Sure would like to have a penny for every time a credit card is used. He’s joining his wife, who passed nine years ago, but leaves his brother, two sons, Gloria, and three grandkids. Just one more tear in that ever-dwindling weave.
e, Alzheimer’s. He was a wonderful man and made a real contribution to society. He joined the Navy just before the end of WWII and was one of the early discharges that came at the end of the war – serving just under two years. Dad worked on the Liberty Ships in the port of Portland (OR) until he was old enough to enlist. Joined the Navy 5 weeks before his 18th birthday and one week after graduation from high school. The GI Bill financed his education and changed his life. As a physicist, he was one of the computer industry’s early pioneers ( no computer science majors back then). One of his early works is actually in the Smithsonian. He was part of the team that developed the magnetic strip on credit cards – no patent – company owned. Sure would like to have a penny for every time a credit card is used. He’s joining his wife, who passed nine years ago, but leaves his brother, two sons, Gloria, and three grandkids. Just one more tear in that ever-dwindling weave.Kyrie Eleison. ML
Now is the time at Castle Argghhh! when we dance: In Memoriam of Lowell "Mike" Michels, sailor, scientist, inventor, husband, father, friend. Just an everyday hero. And there is much honor in that.
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