Rest In Peace

Michael G Ary

Beloved husband, father, brother,uncle, cousin and friend to many (including several furry friends over the years).

After a short battle with cancer, he passed away peacefully on Monday November 11, 2013 in Portland, Oregon.

Born February 25th, 1948 in St Louis MO, the first of three children to Eugene and Leola Ary.

He grew up in Southern California. Graduating from high school in Huntington Beach, California and entering the U.S. Navy in 1967. He married his one and only love Noreen Ary. Noreen preceded him in death as did his sister Linda, father and mother. They had two boys Jason in 1973 and Thad in 1976. After the passing of Noreen, both boys became their dads most trusting confidantes and friends.

They moved to Portland and the surrounding areas in 1978 and never looked back. He loved exploring the many mountains, forests trails, waterfalls, beaches that Oregon had to offer. Many times he would pack up the family and head out yonder for a long drive to who knows where.

He worked for BPA in several capacities over the years retiring in 2005.

Michael had a big personality and even bigger heart. He was a gentle giant. Over the past several years he picked up new hobbies of bowling, swimming at the local community center and taking in several rescue dogs. He loved those dogs. Several have passed over the years and with each one he would write a euglogy for each and send it out to friends and family. He was a great writer. He loved putting words to paper. If you hadn't known who "Corky" was you would have thought it was his child based on the eulogy he wrote. He also loved music. He could listen to many types of music, jamming out, cocking his head back and forth. For many years, a typical Friday night consisted of him heading to the nearest Tower Records to peruse the newest releases. And then the Saturday mornings, he would put the lastest record or cd on for us all to listen to. "Man, this great!" you would hear him say as he played the air drums to the beat.

Big Poppa, we will miss your big smile and "stoic" attitude. Gone in spirit but never forgotten. We hope you are celebrating with other loved ones who have passed before.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to your nearest animal shelter in memory of him.