Memories of Michael Patrick Conway

In memory of

Michael Patrick Conway

Santa Rosa, CA

January 15, 1953 - December 22, 2020

Jan 15, 1953 - Dec 22, 2020

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Belle McBeth (Macomber)

So sad to stumble upon Mike's obituary. He lived a few houses above the street on Stevely in Long Beach. I will always remember his jokes, playing basketball, and walking to Sunday mass. What a kind, generous soul that I had the privilege of knowing. Rest in peace Mike.

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Betty Meyskens

Shared a heart

Betty Meyskens

“Find a purpose to serve, not a lifestyle to live.” Saw this quote today and it reminded me of Mike. I introduced myself to the sweet young couple who bought Mike’s house. They seem perfect to live in and enjoy the house Mike worked on with such love.

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Colleen Pederson

My condolence to the family. Michael's sister Mary's respect of her brother spoke volumes to his character.

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Helen Howard

To the family and all friends,
Wonderful memories of Mike from the garden and yoga. Just always there with a smile, tending every tomato, helping to build the fence and the seasonal greenhouses, working every Saturday with our volunteers, even coming in early or staying later to help their schedules. I also enjoyed many yoga classes in 3 different studios and on yoga hikes. What a wonderful family man and friend to all.
He’ll ride on in my memories. Thanks for creating this site and sharing so much.

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Marshall Taxer

Terese and Jeff and families:
I did not know Michael for very long and I am very sorry that is the case. I first met Michael through yoga (Soul Yoga, YogaONE, and Revolution Yoga); but didn’t really get to know him until we started hiking together. We had wonderful conversations together on all sorts of topics and I think I looked forward to the conversation as much as to the hiking. I will always miss those discussions/hikes and will regret not getting to know him longer. I am sure you will always miss him too. He was a wonderful person and a very positive force to have in one’s life.

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Sylvia Nieto

Michael was my soul mate. I am grateful for the light and love 💕 he shared with me and for all the precious times we had in Oregon, Minnesota, Indiana and California, growing our family and ourselves. My love for Michael is abundant and everlasting.

As Joni wrote- “We are stardust. We are golden. We are billion-year-old carbon. And we’ve got to get ourselves back to the garden.”

You are in the glorious garden now Michael!

Rest in peace, my dear and forever friend. I love and miss you,“Buggy”.

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Kimberlee Foster

Annamaria Pardini

Donna Conway

Dearest Terese, Jeff, and Family: We are so very sorry about the loss of your “beautiful” Dad...He really was a kind and loving person and we will miss him so much! Our hearts are heavy, but our memories will live on forever! We love you All! Love, Aunt Donna and Uncle Charles,,(Tom) ❤️🙏

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Terese Daniele

1978, Minnesota, USA

Dad, Jeff & Me

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mary Johnson

Cathy Mallory

Shannon Gruetzmacher

Kimberlee Foster

Sylvia Nieto

Comments:

mary Johnson

oh my, just babies , so sweet oh my, just babies , so sweet oh my, just babies , so sweet

Terese Daniele

1981, St Paul, MN, USA

Graduation - PhD Program

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Cathy Mallory

Kimberlee Foster

Sylvia Nieto

Comments:

Sylvia Nieto

Such a proud moment. Lots of hard work and such a great accomplishment. We met so many great people along... Read more Such a proud moment. Lots of hard work and such a great accomplishment. We met so many great people along the way. Such a proud moment. Lots of hard work and such a great... Read more

Terese Daniele

Oregon

Mom & Dad - Young Love

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Cathy Mallory

Shannon Gruetzmacher

Kimberlee Foster

Sylvia Nieto

Comments:

Annamaria Pardini

I love these family pictures! I love these family pictures! I love these family pictures!

Kimberlee Foster

LOVE these!!! xoxo LOVE these!!! xoxo LOVE these!!! xoxo

Terese Daniele

2017, Mt Tallac Peak, Mount Tallac Trail, South Lake Tahoe, CA, USA

Bucketlist - Father & Daughter Hike

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mary Johnson

Cathy Mallory

Kimberlee Foster

Sylvia Nieto

Terese Daniele

2017, Mt Tallac Peak, Mount Tallac Trail, South Lake Tahoe, CA, USA

This hike was on dad's bucket list and he was so excited to go on it. the rest of the family warned us of bears and worried that we would encounter them along the way. I happily volunteered to be dad's trail buddy and we embarked on this "hike" in the wee hours of the morning. With hiking poles, water, and determination we set out to reach the peak. Little did we know that it would be quite so challenging (round trip I think it took us 9 hours). All of it was dirt and rock and often times, it was quite difficult to know whether or not we were actually on a trail. When we got about half way up, we looked down and realized that at some point we had gotten off the trail and were actually scaling the side of a mountain! False steps led to loose falling rock. Instead of panicking, we calmly looked at the ridge line and found the best possible way to get to the top and back to the trail. In that moment, we both realized that how well we worked together under pressure. Needless to say, once reaching a meadow, we stopped for lunch and a beer (that i had secretly packed and intended to have when we got to the peak). Re-energized, we soldiered on until we reached that breathtaking view at the top. Along the way, we saw the most pristine little lakes, flora and fauna. I will never forget that day. I feel such a deep sense of gratitude to share that moment with my beautiful dad. The look on his face was priceless.

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Cathy Mallory

Shannon Gruetzmacher

Kimberlee Foster

Sylvia Nieto

Comments:

Betty Meyskens

Your dad shared that story with me and he literally glowed as he shared your adventure. He was so proud of... Read more Your dad shared that story with me and he literally glowed as he shared your adventure. He was so proud of you! My children are... Read more Your dad shared that story with me and he literally... Read more

Patricia Conway-Martinson

What an amazing experience Terese; that is a really difficult hike; precious memory💞 What an amazing experience Terese; that is a really difficult hike; precious memory💞 What an amazing experience Terese; that is a really... Read more

Terese Daniele

2016, Burney Falls, California, USA

Goofballs at the falls

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Shannon Gruetzmacher

Kimberlee Foster

Sylvia Nieto

Comments:

Sylvia Nieto

This was such a fun trip! Especially enjoyed the cave! This was such a fun trip! Especially enjoyed the cave! This was such a fun trip! Especially enjoyed the cave!... Read more

Terese Daniele

2016, Burney Falls, California 89, Burney, CA, USA

Dad organized this trip for us all - I am sensing a theme :)...he has definitely instilled a love of the outdoors in all of us!

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Shannon Gruetzmacher

Kimberlee Foster

Sylvia Nieto

Comments:

Sylvia Nieto

Fun!💕💕💕💕 Fun!💕💕💕💕 Fun!💕💕💕💕

Terese Daniele

2015, Moss Landing, CA, USA

Family kayaking trip together - gorgeous day, beautiful wildlife

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Shannon Gruetzmacher

Kimberlee Foster

Sylvia Nieto

Comments:

Sylvia Nieto

Here we are in our pillsbury dough boy suits. Sure was windy that day but oh so much fun! Here we are in our pillsbury dough boy suits. Sure was windy that day but oh so much fun! Here we are in our pillsbury dough boy suits. Sure ... Read more

Terese Daniele

2017, Zion National Park, UT, Springdale, UT, USA

Narrows Hike with the family

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Shannon Gruetzmacher

Kimberlee Foster

Sylvia Nieto

Comments:

mary Johnson

beautiful memories for all of you, absolutely fun times you spent with your Dad. Make a good team! beautiful memories for all of you, absolutely fun times you spent with your Dad. Make a good team! beautiful memories for all of you, absolutely fun times... Read more

Sylvia Nieto

Fantastic trip. It surpassed all expectations. This day in particular was great. Hiking the Narrows was one... Read more Fantastic trip. It surpassed all expectations. This day in particular was great. Hiking the Narrows was one of the highlights!... Read more Fantastic trip. It surpassed all expectations. This... Read more

Loretta Esparza

Michael was so very kind. I am fortunate to have practiced yoga with Michael at many classes over the years. Pam Sauers was one of his favorite yoga teachers and he and I regularly attended her classes. As regulars often do, we usually chatted after classes. I thought Michael would also enjoy yoga with teacher Shane Davis and indeed he did, so we practiced yoga together in those classes as well. Every now and then, Michael and I would treat our beloved Pam to sushi dinner after an evening class. Those were sweet and relaxing outings, full of smiles and pleasant conversation.
Michael’s kindness, intelligence, and positive energy contributed a warmness to the yoga community. Even during the pandemic, I was always happy to see him before and after Pam’s Sunday morning yoga class via one of the Zoom squares in gallery view.
I am grateful for Michael’s friendship and for the kindness he shared with me. He was an interesting person, a skilled listener, and an excellent conversationalist. Rest in peace, Michael. You will always be remembered with love.

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In response to "What always reminds you of Michael?"

Maureen and Chris Iversen

Comments:

Patricia Conway-Martinson

Thank you Loretta for your heartfelt remembrance. I enjoyed yoga with my brother on visits; Mike was loving,... Read more Thank you Loretta for your heartfelt remembrance. I enjoyed yoga with my brother on visits; Mike was loving, authentic, a light... Read more Thank you Loretta for your heartfelt remembrance. I... Read more

Loretta Esparza

It's great to hear that you had opportunities to practice yoga with Michael. His light certainly did shine... Read more It's great to hear that you had opportunities to practice yoga with Michael. His light certainly did shine brightly in the world.... Read more It's great to hear that you had opportunities to practice... Read more

Annamaria Pardini

About eight years ago, I went to see my dear friend, Terese skate in a Roller Derby match. Mike was there as well, cheering for his baby girl. I knew about Terese's dad from stories of her childhood, so I knew he was a stand-up guy, but I didn't know he was also gorgeous and charming! His twinkling eyes, that dazzling smile! He was also funny, comfortable in his own skin, giving to his family and community, he hiked and biked and gardened. Cupid's arrow hit me and hit me hard. I had an instant crush, unrequited but unwavering throughout the years. Terese and Jeff, my heart breaks that your wonderful dad was taken so soon and my heart breaks for your children at having lost such a fun and devoted grandfather.

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Maureen and Chris Iversen

mary Johnson

Dear Jeff, Terese and family. Mike , my wonderful brother and I were 1 yr apart. We shared many wonderful moments together and I will cherish those forever. He loved to surf, played football a bit, rode his bike everywhere and gardened later in life. When his younger sis needed a ride in the car he would oblige. When I started High School at St Anthony's all the girls would befriend me, they wanted to be nice because of my 2 brothers then, both handsome guys! He was the example that we all wish to strive for in our daily lives. He will be so missed! His smile, calmness, sense of humor, always genuine and grateful, not to mention the twinkle in his eyes! His willingness to always help others, too many to list. He always traveled to visit Mom and help her in her gardening adventures. He always wanted to visit with family no matter how far and he always would attend the many weddings . He and I would always end up dancing together! I could go on forever about his wonderful qualities but those whom had the pleasure to have him in their lives already know all of those qualities. I am so sorry for the loss of your loving Dad. He cherished his children and grandchildren so much. His eyes would always twinkle when he spoke of you as well as his friends in Santa Rosa and the people he worked with in the community garden. He always was a giver to others and this will be the legacy he leaves for all of us. May his beautiful soul RIP and may we all remember and try to follow his lead. I love the mantra one of his coworkers left, I wanna be like Mike! I will chant this often. Love to you all . Aunt Mary and Uncle Jim

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Maureen and Chris Iversen

Kimberlee Foster

Becky Olsen

2020, Harvest For the Hungry Garden, Yulupa Avenue, Santa Rosa, CA, USA

Michael conducts a tomato taste test

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mary Johnson

Kimberlee Foster

Sylvia Nieto

Comments:

Patricia Conway-Martinson

Thanks so much for sharing; so Mike💕 Thanks so much for sharing; so Mike💕 Thanks so much for sharing; so Mike💕

Sylvia Nieto

TomatoMan😉 TomatoMan😉 TomatoMan😉

Becky Olsen

My sincere condolences to Michael’s family. I knew Mike from volunteering at Harvest for the Hungry Garden where we both served on the Board as well as the Plant Sale Committee. Mike’s dedication to the garden was unwavering. He was an integral member of the team, always there to help with whatever needed doing. And always with a smile on his face. (I know you can see him smiling under that mask!). Mike was our “tomato guy”. He would often bring in tomatoes from his garden for the taste test. He watched over, watered and nurtured our tomato starts up through the day of the sale. I didn’t know much about Michael outside of the garden, except that we attended the same yoga class on zoom and I’d run into him hiking or biking once in a while. I’m so grateful to read these comments and learn more about the man he was. I will truly miss his smile and calming presence. We’ve lost a dear friend.

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Lee Foster

Mike was a garden mentor for the entire 3 years I ran the Ceres Community Project Garden in Santa Rosa. He was the one I leaned on the most to help out with the garden and to show up for our youth. I saw him nearly every week for this 3 years. Mike loved plants and gardening. He gave his time and energy volunteering in our garden and the Harvest for the Hungry garden. One of his passions was growing food and giving back to the community. We often shared plant starts, food we had grown and recipes that we enjoyed. Mike was such an easy going, gentle, helpful presence in the garden. I said goodbye to him just about a month ago and knew I would be seeing him again even though this job had come to an end for me. I was surprised to hear that his time had come swifter than anyone could have anticipated. A healthy and strong grandpa and father, I wish Mike a peaceful transition. He will be greatly missed by the Ceres community. Thank you for your friendship, Mike--I'll miss you too.

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Maureen and Chris Iversen

Becky Olsen

Comments:

Patricia Conway-Martinson

So soothing and appreciated, thank you. Love hearing about his dedication; he was always so unassuming, simple... Read more So soothing and appreciated, thank you. Love hearing about his dedication; he was always so unassuming, simple in lifestyle and... Read more So soothing and appreciated, thank you. Love hearing... Read more

Lee Foster

2020, Ceres Community Project, Summerfield Road, Santa Rosa, CA, USA

Mike and Chris with garden plans

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Maureen and Chris Iversen

Kimberlee Foster

Lee Foster

2018, Ceres Community Garden Santa Rosa

Mike harvesting maize with the youth

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Kimberlee Foster

Comments:

Terese Daniele

Thank you Lee. My dad was so inspired by all of the youth and fellow volunteers at Ceres. He often shared... Read more Thank you Lee. My dad was so inspired by all of the youth and fellow volunteers at Ceres. He often shared stories with me and ... Read more Thank you Lee. My dad was so inspired by all of the... Read more