Michael Alan Chrobak, 72, of Newport, KY, left this earth August 17th after a brief, but difficult battle with cancer. God shed tears of rain in the early morning hours over San Diego as Michael's spirit entered the galaxy, onto his next great adventure. Michael had requested cremation and that his ashes be kept in a "Folgers" can until scattered among rivers. Only fitting, a simple can for a simple man.

Michael was born on January 27, 1950 to Chester and Rita (nee Charette) Chrobak in Holyoke, Massachusetts. An original hippie, he attended Woodstock '69 when he was 19 years old. His college roommates remember him as handsome, charming, and for being a great friend, as well as his ability to have a good time. Michael was also an artist, creator, deep thinker, analytical, and philosophical. He was stubborn, intelligent, and challenged a good debate.

Michael received a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst in 1971. After graduation, he said farewell to his family and the East Coast and became a nomad, heading to the mountains of Colorado. Eight years later with a duffle bag and a backpack, he was on the shores of San Diego, California where he would call home for the next 32 years. Over the years he spent most of his time working in carpentry, building beautiful Southern California homes. In 1985 he would marry and in 1989 he would create his most beautiful masterpiece and prized possession, his daughter, Shari Marie.

Michael moved to Kentucky to be close to Shari in 2012 where he has spent the last 10 years in retirement enjoying peaceful time with her and friends and cultivating a small garden.

When asked what his friends remember of him the most common attribute mentioned is Michael's smile. It was from ear to ear. Even covered by a grizzly beard it could not be overshadowed. Shari said, "I'll never forget the way he smiled at me. You could see the love in his smile."

Michael was predeceased by his parents Chester and Rita, as well as his former spouse Ashlee Leslie Ross. He is survived by his daughter Shari (Brian Schlanser) Chrobak; step-children Rob (Lindsey) Riffe and Shannon (Nicodemus Ison) Schrode; and 5 step-grandchildren; siblings Ed (Cindy) Chrobak and Dolores Chrobak; and 2 nephews. 

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