Michael grew up in Medford and Ashland, where he gained an appreciation for the Rogue River. In his 20's, Mike was co-founder of Sundance Expeditions in 1973. It was a unique kayak training facility that developed a national and international reputation as the premier school in the nation. Thousands of students learned to kayak at Sundance and went on to conquer the rapids of the Rogue Wild & Scenic section. In addition, many more thousands utilized Sundance Raft trips to gain an appreciation for the beauty of this section of the Rogue.
When he was diagnosed with cancer, Mike and his wife turned their Galice facility into a retreat for survivors of cancer, providing outdoor expereiences and drawing on the healing power of the river flowing by. After a five year struggle, Mike finally succumbed to his own disease in June of 2024.
Rogue River Watershed Council is honored to receive a donation in his name to further the efforts to preserve the river that Mike loved so much.
For time immemorial, the now-named Rogue River watersheds that we live within and work to restore, have been the traditional homelands of the Athapascan, Takelma, and Shasta peoples, whose descendants still live in the region and throughout Oregon today.