Memories of Michael Patrick Conway | Ever Loved

Notifications

No notifications

Load more

In memory of

Michael Patrick Conway

Santa Rosa, CA

January 15, 1953 - December 22, 2020

Jan 15, 1953 - Dec 22, 2020

In lieu of flowers

Please consider a donation to Non-Profits Close to Michael's Heart.

Learn more & give
Help keep everyone in the know by sharing this memorial website.

Share

Story

Condolence

Year (Optional)

Location (Optional)

Caption

YouTube/Facebook/Vimeo Link

Caption

Who is in this photo?

Or start with a template for inspiration

About you

What was your relationship to Michael?

Cancel

By posting this memory, you agree to our Terms of Service and Privacy Notice.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Trudy Newmister Longest

The Conways were our neighbors in Terre Haute, IN 30+ years ago. Although we lost contact as our lives changed and we moved from our homes in the country. The last time I saw Mike he came to our new house to get an extra set of bunk beds to take to CODA since he was helping to furnish a safe house for victims of domestic abuse. I wasn’t surprised to read that he continued to help others. I remember that he bought a bag of Cheerios from my then 6 year old son who convinced Mike that they were really donut seeds! I was especially happy to donate to the Ceres Community Project since that son is now a chef and owner of 2 restaurants in Knoxville, TN. He would definitely support an organization that also follows his beliefs and love of food. Mike also taught me how to make really great enchiladas which I would continue to make with my Spanish classes until I retired. Jeff was also a fantastic friend to our first exchange student from Spain and would help with rides to school and soccer practice. Terese babysat for my kids a few times and I was surprised when one of my boys said he didn’t want her to watch them anymore...because Terese was so beautiful and he was too nervous to be near her.
I’ve enjoyed reading these memories and looking at the pictures. Even after more than 30 years I have fond memories of the Conways. I can only imagine how much Mike will be missed by those who were close to him. I’ve recently lost four people who were very important to me. I have to remember and want Jeff, Terese and those who loved Mike to know that as difficult it is to accept that he is gone, imagine how different your lives would have been if you had never known him.

Read More Read Less

Valorie Bader

I am sorry for our collective loss. I would like to share my memories of Michael and the qualities I liked best about him.

I first met Michael when he arrived in Sonoma County to be close to his children and new grandchildren. He loved them dearly and it was family first for Michael.

Michael was looking for work—and a community. I had signed up for a class in Self-Mastery at the Santa Rosa Center for Spiritual Living and he was in my group. The spiritual group shared many close encounters of a personal kind, and I grew to know Michael as a man who was committed to helping others. It’s not surprising that Michael ran a nonprofit back in the mid-West, helped out at the Special Olympics during the time I knew him, and rejected a number of positions for work until he found meaningful job with the Sonoma County Department of Human Services. Michael’s coworkers were special to him.

It was however, surprising to find Michael in my YMCA spin class along with his buddy Tom Burchell. We became the three musketeers, riding our bikes all over the county, and training for the Wine Country Century 100. There was a level of trust between the three of us, unknown to anyone who has not followed on your fellow rider’s back wheel within inches, while you draft—and rest-- in their wake. Michael was an easy man to trust and always ready to switch places and shield us from the wind. Yet, he never patronized me as a woman, but treated me as an equal member of the pace line. Michael was there to cheer me across the finish line after the 100 miles through Sonoma County. We then tackled training for the first Grand Fondo by climbing first Pythian, then Adobe Canyon and finally cranked up Los Alamos Road, cheering and sometimes egging each other on. Or cursing—quietly. Michael joined me for my birthday ride on the 100 mile Fondo route which was both a spiritual and physical challenge—done with a small group of like-minded companeros. Neither Michael nor I ever officially rode the whole Grand Fondo 100 mile ride, but we took it down a notch to change our rides to ride with Tom, starting from Tom’s home in Sebastopol to go out to the coast and through the rolling hills of south and west County. We had some great rides, great scenery, great talks and fine beers at the end of our rides. Sometime in 2011, Michael and Tom both began or returned to committed relationships. Michael also had proudly bought a house, and Michael’s weekends became full. Michael was riding every day to work, and that was enough for him, so our rides became less frequent and after one rainy winter we just never picked it up when the rain stopped. I started riding with a couple of other friends. The years passed. I last saw Michael January 2020 with his beloved yoga group. I had been invited to a special chanting session to this group by a friend. We caught up some, and I was glad to see Michael was happy and at peace. I promised that I would be back in touch for a ride in March when I came back from a trip to the mid-East. Well, you can guess the rest of that story. I was lucky to make it home, and the world had shut down. I never had the opportunity for the final ride but will remember our time together with fondness.

More important is the bigger question I ask myself and now put to you, is how do I translate this lovely friend’s spirit, encouragement and companionship, and his passing into my own language? In other words, what do I make of myself in the time I have left. Rather than dwell on death, I chose to thank Michael for my time with him, and pass on the best of Michael to all of my friends—that is, all 8 billion of them in this world. Valorie

Read More Read Less

In response to "How did you first meet Michael?"

2

Comments:

Kimberlee Foster

Valorie! This was so beautifully written! Some memories I share with you: the birthday ride and all of us... Read more Valorie! This was so beautifully written! Some memories I share with you: the birthday ride and all of us meeting up at the Union... Read more Valorie! This was so beautifully written! Some memories... Read more

Patricia Conway-Martinson

Thank you Valorie for this beautiful, heartfelt summary of your time with my precious brother. He lives on... Read more Thank you Valorie for this beautiful, heartfelt summary of your time with my precious brother. He lives on in the imprint he made... Read more Thank you Valorie for this beautiful, heartfelt summary... Read more

Terese Daniele

2017, Another one of the morning Angel’s Landing Crew;

Dad, Jimmy, Tony, Me, Jared & the Martini boys

Read More Read Less

1

Kimberlee Foster

Please consider a donation to Non-Profits Close to Michael's Heart.

$495.00

total raised

Learn more & give

Terese Daniele

2017, Angels Landing, Zion National Park, Utah, USA

My beautiful dad - top of the landing on Tony’s birthday morning.

Read More Read Less

4

3

Mary Johnson

Kimberlee Foster

mary Johnson

Sylvia Nieto

Comments:

mary Johnson

what a beautiful photo of the two of you, so very special, love you what a beautiful photo of the two of you, so very special, love you what a beautiful photo of the two of you, so very special,... Read more

Sylvia Nieto

That was a really special day. I remember how much Mike loved hiking to the top with you and what a great... Read more That was a really special day. I remember how much Mike loved hiking to the top with you and what a great vacation that was for... Read more That was a really special day. I remember how much ... Read more

Kimberlee Foster

STUNNING pic! xoxo STUNNING pic! xoxo STUNNING pic! xoxo

Paula Brown

2015, SonomaWorks lunchroom

Some of the Shady Acres gang

Read More Read Less

1

2

Kimberlee Foster

Comments:

Terese Daniele

I am just now learning of the name "Shady Acres Gang". It makes my heart so happy. I am just now learning of the name "Shady Acres Gang". It makes my heart so happy. I am just now learning of the name "Shady Acres Gang".... Read more

Sylvia Nieto

Michael loved working with all of you! He often shared how lucky he felt to be there. Michael loved working with all of you! He often shared how lucky he felt to be there. Michael loved working with all of you! He often shared... Read more

Paula Brown

2014

Me & Mike at SonomaWorks Holiday breakfast

Read More Read Less

2

Kimberlee Foster

Sylvia Nieto

Maureen and Chris Iversen

Santa Rosa, CA, USA

Retirement with friends gathered 'round to celebrate.

Read More Read Less

4

Rowan Maze-Conway

Maureen and Chris Iversen

Kimberlee Foster

Sylvia Nieto

Maureen and Chris Iversen

Santa Rosa, CA, USA

Last year's birthday party- so much love...

Read More Read Less

4

Rowan Maze-Conway

Maureen and Chris Iversen

Kimberlee Foster

Sylvia Nieto

Shannon Gruetzmacher

1961, Long Beach, CA

From Mary Johnson (Mike’s Sister) - Conway family on way to church. Mike being funny

Read More Read Less

1

2

Rowan Maze-Conway

Comments:

Sylvia Nieto

Love this family💕💕💕 Love this family💕💕💕 Love this family💕💕💕

Belle McBeth

Fun to see a photo of my neighborhood playmates. My maiden name is Macomber. Everyone called Mike by his... Read more Fun to see a photo of my neighborhood playmates. My maiden name is Macomber. Everyone called Mike by his nickname "Mugsy." Fun to see a photo of my neighborhood playmates. My... Read more

Patricia Conway-Martinson

5

1

Mary Johnson

Shannon Gruetzmacher

Rowan Maze-Conway

Kimberlee Foster

Sylvia Nieto

Comments:

Sylvia Nieto

Beauty X 3! Beauty X 3! Beauty X 3!

Patricia Conway-Martinson

Mike’s endearing presence will forever remain in our hearts. The countless times he was there for others with his tender peaceful way;
a gift he freely gave to this world. He left way too soon, yet gave so much. Jeff and Terese you filled his soul with such joy and how he treasured his grandchildren! Our grieving hearts are with you and may precious memories help to heal your hearts in time. You are so loved. Aunt Patti & Uncle Jim
Aunt Patti

Read More Read Less

2

Shannon Gruetzmacher

Rowan Maze-Conway

Diane Crannell

I’m so sorry for your loss. I’m Peggy Fritz’s daughter from Minnesota. Although I did not see cousin Mike except a couple of times, he made an impression. I remember him as a gentle soul and the guy that smiled a lot. I hope your memories of him help you through this difficult time.
Love
Diane Crannell

Read More Read Less

1

Shannon Gruetzmacher

Betty Meyskens

I worked with Mike at SonomaWORKS where we had the most laughs at our lunch breaks & 3pm coffee breaks with “The Shady Acres Gang”. Mike also lived down the street from me & helped me so much with projects I couldn’t do. He painted my white picket fence so that I’d “feel happy & smile every time I pulled into my driveway”. When we retired, The Shady Acres Gang formed a Book Club & Mike suggested our first book, Barking at the Choir. Mike was my movie buddy & we saw lots of good films which we enjoyed talking about over lunch or dinner after the movie. The last time we talked it was the weekend before the election and we were concerned about the division in our country & Mike started singing The Youngbloods’ song, “Come on people now Smile on your brother Everybody get together Try to love one another right now” Mike was so kind, generous, non-judgemental, hardworking and a patient listener with a great sense of humor. Mike made me want to be a better person. My mantra is Try to be like Mike.

Read More Read Less

1

Shannon Gruetzmacher

Paul DuRoss

Dear Jeff and Terese,

I'm very sorry for the loss of your Father, Mike. From the very first time I met him before marrying Eileen, Mike made me feel comfortable, accepted and loved. Over the years, I watched him do that with everyone he met. Eileen and Mike are now in heaven; Eileen gets to cook and Mike gets to have seconds and thirds and then they get to laugh. God Bless you and your whole, wonderful family.

Read More Read Less

2

1

Shannon Gruetzmacher

Rowan Maze-Conway

Comments:

Terese Daniele

Thank you Uncle Paul - your words brought me comfort and also a good laugh. We love you so much - God bless... Read more Thank you Uncle Paul - your words brought me comfort and also a good laugh. We love you so much - God bless you and your beautiful... Read more Thank you Uncle Paul - your words brought me comfort... Read more

Mary Johnson

Shared a heart

Betsy Penn

Carolyne’s retirement party

Mike always had a smile and was so kind. He will be missed greatly by all of us who knew him💔

Read More Read Less

2

Sylvia Nieto

Shannon Gruetzmacher

Dan & Kristen’s wedding

Read More Read Less

2

Sylvia Nieto

Jeffrey Conway

2012

Hiking in Tahoe

Read More Read Less

3

Mary Johnson

Rowan Maze-Conway

Sylvia Nieto

Jeffrey Conway

2012

Hiking in Tahoe

Read More Read Less

1

Sylvia Nieto

Jeffrey Conway

2012

Hiking in Tahoe

Read More Read Less

2

Rowan Maze-Conway

Sylvia Nieto

Jeffrey Conway

2012

Strawberry Music Festival, Camp Mather, Yosemite

Read More Read Less

1

1

Sylvia Nieto

Comments:

Sylvia Nieto

This is the year Mike made berry pies for Strawberry. He couldn’t keep his fingers out of them! They sure... Read more This is the year Mike made berry pies for Strawberry. He couldn’t keep his fingers out of them! They sure were yummy😋 This is the year Mike made berry pies for Strawberry.... Read more

Jeffrey Conway

2012

Strawberry Music Festival, Camp Mather, Yosemite

Read More Read Less

1

Mary Johnson

Jeffrey Conway

2010

Spring Break in La Jolla

Read More Read Less

1

Sylvia Nieto

Jeffrey Conway

2010

Spring Break in La Jolla

Read More Read Less

1

Sylvia Nieto

Jeffrey Conway

2010

Spring Break in La Jolla

Read More Read Less

1

Rowan Maze-Conway

Get notified when new photos, stories and other important updates are shared.

Connect with others in a formal or informal capacity.

View grief support

See all contributions

Please consider a donation to Non-Profits Close to Michael's Heart.

$495.00

total raised

Learn more & give

See all contributions

See all contributions

Created with love by Jeffrey Conway (Michael's son) and Terese Daniele (Michael's daughter).

Report memorial