Michael Shafai Obituary

I met Mike when our wives were part of the Mom's Club in Anaheim Hills, CA. He was always full of energy and enthusiasm; a truly contagious personality. He was always there as a friend and was willing to get involved in anything that sounded like an adventure. He couldn't wait to come over an install a ceiling fan. I didn't even ask, he just wanted to do things, anything, all the time. Always giving of himself to others, he will be deeply missed by many. My thoughts and prayers are with his family. I have not seen his children for several years but they should know what a special man he was and that a part of him still resides in the hearts of so many people he touched through his friendly, loving spirit.

My husband and I have known Mikey for over 20 years. Met him initially through Enterprise Rental! He was a great person and we trusted him entirely with all of our financial needs. He was special to us, always had a good sense of humor and making the best of every situation and gave us the best financial advise. Man, he will be missed by us. Prayers go out to his family. God called home a young angel too soon.

Linda Seger and I met Mr. Shafai earlier this year and on first visit felt comfort, ease and friendliness with him and his financial advice. He was a truly and good intended spirit; and, he will be missed by a good number of diversely engaged people. May his spirit be blessed and may God's face shine on those he loved and cherished. Peter Le Var

I was so sorry to hear of Mike's passing. I worked with Mike for several years, and through one of the worst markets in modern history, he was one of the few who kept his sense of humor and his smile. He was an inspiration then and will continue to be.
My sympathies,
Kalle

God Bless Mike - I listened to Farewell to Kings by Rush, as the King Mike touched so many. Despite some differences we faced (two highly passionate people), things worked out and I appreciated his friendship. So sad to see him go at such a young age.

My thoughts, prayers and hope is with Stephanie for her to find calm, peace and reflection. As someone who has experienced the loss of a loved one at such a young age, I know all to well the hurt and pain of coming to terms with it.

In loving memory and respect. God Speed Mike. Till we meet again on the other side.

My memories of Mike are light-hearted and full of inspiration. He was my mentor at my first corporate job, Enterprise Rent-A-Car. His positive attitude and professional focus were unmatched and gave me a solid foundation to grow my management career. As a human being, he lived a life that mattered...one that focused on making a difference to the world he lived in. With his untimely passing, he continues to inspire me to live my life with passion and intention. As my friend, you will be remembered as a beautiful force of nature. May your family find solace in the wake of friendships you cultivated.

Our deepest sincere sympathy to you and your family. My husband and I are clients and only met in person one time here in Texas when he attended a business conference. We had brunch together and his in personality shown through just as it did over the telephone. He was a man who followed up and took care our business instantly when we called. We will miss his happy uplifting voice and his energy that he passed on to us. We only hope that time will help heal your loss. Fred & Donna Wilson, Argyle, TX.

Mike and I went to college together and worked at our first post-college jobs together. He was always energetic, passionate, and committed to helping everyone around him; truly a gentlemen and great guy. Mike - you will be missed more than words can express. I wish the family comfort during these difficult times. So sorry to hear this news...

Stephanie,

My deepest sympathy to you and your family. May you find peace and love in the memories you cherish.
My memories are of Mike at the Winter Series and award ceremonies. Always funny and cheerful. I loved his Coach Carmine series. I had to stop by his office a couple times for awards or pint glasses and he always came out to greet me. He was an inspiration to us all.

Mike liked to tease and made me laugh, at one of the winter series races as I came through the finish, he announced my name and then followed it up with your daughter beat you... He encouraged me to do things I didn't think I could do, when I told him I wasn't sure I was of the caliber for the Sunrise Striders, he told me to just keep coming out and it would get easier. (That was actually a lie. It was NEVER easy. Ha.) He listened and advised and cared, I shared with him on a run once some struggles my daughter was facing, I barely knew him! But he cared and was compassionate. He inspired so many of us with dedication and discipline, I have no idea how he accomplished so much in the same 24 hours we all have. Amazing. He had a heart to help those who were struggling, and actively networked to create resources for them. One of his many projects was, he was creating a program to help addicts recover through running and inviting them to the sunrise striders. I was looking forward to running with the newbies at the back of the pack. He was a great man. He was taken too soon, although he certainly lived his life to the absolute fullest. He is greatly missed.

Stephanie I did not know Mike personally however, my son Cory told me all about him.
He could not say enough, about what a super guy he was. Also, told me so many wonderful stories about him.
Be comforted at this most difficult time knowing that you are surrounded by many who understand and are nearby to help, for they too share in your sorrow and loss. In loving sympathy, for you and your family.
Pete and Mary Alice Leppert

Mike's absolute joy in every bite of life is what we will miss most. We never saw him without a smile, a kind and enthusiastic word, an invitation to enjoy the sunshine or something else that might have crept by unnoticed without his raw enthusiasm for absolutely everything.
We mourn his loss. There is no doubt he is home with the angels, organizing on a spreadsheet with his trademark smile.
Stephanie, you and the Shafai family are in our thoughts and prayers.

Jeremy Loew told my husband and I Mike was the best financial person we could invest some of our son's pension with after he was killed by a drunk driver. He was right. Not only did we find a great financial person, we found someone who really cared about us. He called me a couple of times just to see if I was ok. He never cringed when I told him stories about my son and started to cry. His compassion shone through my tears. The community lost a truly kind and generous person. Words can't express the sorrow I feel for his family.There is no greater grief that the death of someone who had so much more to do.Prayers to the family. Kelly Sifford

Stephanie: My heart goes out to you, your children, and your family for your loss. I wish you all the best during this difficult time.

Stephanie,
My deepest sympathies to you. You are in my prayers.
Lisa Brommer

Mike truly was an inspiration and his smile infectious. He will be missed. Praying for peace and comfort for his family and all his friends.

Shayne and Bonnie McDonald

Mike,

Thank you for loving Stephanie the way that you did.
We will miss you, especially Thanksgiving in September and spending time together cooking and laughing.

Safe travels,
Kristin & Matt

Mike, you truly gave "Service above Self." Run with the Angels! You will be missed by all who you touched in life.

I worked with Mike for a few years, i respected him so much, he was funny and uplifting - i still can't believe he is no longer with us. You will be missed
Lynn Milosevic Estes Park, CO

Very sorry that you were called home so early. RIP

I did not know Mike personally, but I went to pick up an award from him a couple of years ago and listened to him speak at the Winter Series dinner last winter. After getting my award from him at his office I said to myself, "That is a very special person." Mike was so kind to come to the front desk to give me my award personally, smile, and had the most positive energy. My condolences to his close friends and family, the entire running community will miss him dearly for a long time.