In Memory of Michael

In Memory of Michael: Supporting His Mother During This Difficult Time

A Light That Touched Countless Lives

With heavy hearts, we share the devastating news of Michael's passing. His absence leaves an unfillable void in our lives and across the many communities he nurtured with his boundless generosity and spirit. In this moment of profound grief, we're reaching out to all whose lives Michael touched—friends, colleagues, and the countless people he championed—to come together in supporting his mother as she faces the unexpected burden of funeral expenses while mourning the loss of her beloved son.

Who Michael Was

Michael was a cornerstone of the Southern California tech community—a dedicated mentor, a passionate advocate for open-source software, and a natural connector of people. For over a decade, he devoted countless hours to organizing SoCal Python meetups, volunteering at PyLadies events, and even helping launch the inaugural PyBeach conference.

But Michael was so much more than his professional contributions. He was the person who saw potential in others before they saw it in themselves. He was the friend who would go out of his way to help someone in need. He was the colleague who made everyone feel like part of the team, whether they were sitting across the table or appearing on a mobile cart from thousands of miles away.

Michael lived by the philosophy that "a stranger is just a friend you haven't met yet," and his life was a testament to this belief. He launched careers, fostered communities, and built bridges between people who might never have connected otherwise.

How Your Contribution Will Help

All funds raised through this campaign will go directly to Michael's mother to cover the costs of:

Funeral service arrangements

Memorial expenses

Burial costs

Related travel expenses for family members

At this painful time, we hope to ease the financial burden on Michael's mother so she can focus on honoring her son's memory and beginning the healing process.

Stories of Michael's Impact

For those who would like to learn more about Michael or who didn't have the chance to know him well, we've collected stories and memories from friends and colleagues whose lives he touched. These tributes showcase the remarkable person he was and the lasting influence he had on so many people's lives and careers.

Visit Our Memorial Stories Page

https://socalpython.org/in-memoriam-michael/

Michael's Legacy Lives On Through Us

The stories shared about Michael reveal a person who changed lives through small acts of kindness and unwavering belief in others. From hiring someone for their first tech job, to ensuring remote workers felt included in office celebrations, to simply connecting two people who should know each other—Michael's impact ripples out far beyond his years.

As one friend put it: "He was a true leader, a great mentor, and a friend without peer."

Let's come together as a community to support Michael's family just as he supported so many of us. Any contribution, no matter the size, will help honor the memory of someone who gave so generously of himself to others.

Thank you for your kindness and support during this difficult time.