Michael John Ivey

 October 12, 1953

May 12, 2020 

Michael was the firstborn child to proud parents, Samuel Albert and Janette (Olmsted) Ivey in Detroit, Michigan.  Mike’s life was cut short far too early, after a valiant battle with complications of esophageal cancer.  He passed away peacefully with his wife Jan, and his brothers, at his side.

Big brother Mike was always looked up to by his siblings, brothers Jay, Matthew, Paul, and sister Jennifer.  Throughout his early life the Ivey family moved cross country several times, between Michigan and the southwest, finally settling permanently in the Portland, Oregon area.  The challenges of new schools and communities helped to form Mike’s friendly, confident and outgoing personality and his strong family bond and values.  He built lasting friendships everywhere he went, whether at school, work or play.

Mike often shared hilarious stories and fond memories of growing up, and the many adventures and mischief he and his brothers got into.  As a teen Mike worked as a lifeguard, was involved in school activities and sports, excelling in competitive swimming.  Mike maintained and treasured his early friendships throughout his lifetime.

Mike had an early interest in design, which led him to pursue a career in the engineering field at Lawrence Tech in Southfield, Michigan.  However, before graduating he moved cross country once again, to rejoin his family in Oregon.  There, he began his career in drafting, and was early to learn and adapt CAD.  He enjoyed a long career as a mechanical and structural designer, working on many large projects all around the states.  As Mike’s career expanded, he started his own company as a design and CAD consultant, until his retirement in 2016.

Mike met his wife Jan (Drysdale) in 1977, in Portland, Oregon.  Mike and Jan were married in 1982, and resided primarily in the Portland area, sharing their home and lives with their beloved Persian kitties.  Golf was Mike’s favorite pastime, especially at his favorite course, Willamette Valley Country Club, and it was a common thread among Jan and Mike’s many friends.  Meeting new friends and sharing adventures with them, traveling many times to Hawaii and the desert southwest, were some of their fondest memories.  Mike was also a movie and classic TV buff, was a whiz at trivia, and took incredible photos of the horizon.  He loved watching college sports on TV and rooting for his favorite teams, and watching golf when the weather was too foul to play.

Mike was loved by many and will be dearly missed, though he will live in our hearts forever.  He is survived by his wife of 38 years, Jan (Drysdale) Ivey, father, Samuel Ivey, mother, Janette Olmsted (Al Padur), siblings, Jay Ivey (Susan), Matthew Ivey, Paul Ivey (Brenda), Jennifer Ivey Brown (Kelly), and many nephews and nieces.

A celebration of Mike’s life will be held at a later time, when safety restrictions for gatherings are lifted, due to the global COVID19 pandemic.  An announcement will be made at that time.