Michael Cohen, who many of us knew as Mike, passed away on December 21 in Herzliya, Israel, where he had lived since 1979.
“We are shocked and so deeply saddened that he is gone,” wrote his nephew, Rob Greyber, on Facebook.
“Michael was a musician, a singer, a photographer. His pictures are poignant, even tender, and moving each in their own way.”
In a letter in 2014 to former OHS classmate Lindi Bortney Shedd, who called Mike "the brother I never had," he focused on music. He sang in choirs, including Fa-Mi-La, which traveled to Germany and Italy and performed with choirs from those countries and from Spain. He mentioned Debbie Guth, his third wife ("My last, I hope!"), and a daughter, Smadar.
At OHS, Mike was remembered as a funny, friendly and talented young man who, among other activities, performed in the fall term play, Oklahoma!, as Ali Hakim, the peddler man. In spring, he served as Commissioner of Assemblies.
As his nephew Rob said: “May (his) memory be a blessing in the years to come.”
I'm saddened by Mike's passing. I have many happy memories of him in high school and we kept in touch through Facebook. Sincere condolences to his family and friends.
So so sorry to read of Michael Cohen's passing. He was one person I could always count on to be happy and uplifting. He always had positive things to say about everyone. I am grateful to have had him in my life and send love and prayers to his family and friends
I am so sorry to hear of Mike's passing. I remember many of his activities and times he made us all laugh. He, like so many others in our class, have done amazing things. We are all proud of the class of '62 and Mike was a significant member.
Michael Cohen was my best buddy--I looked at him as the brother I never had,and he was my go-to for teenage angst problem solving. When he moved to Israel we slowly lost touch, only to be reunited at one of our class reunions and again when he attended a family wedding in Vermont. He sent me an article about the choir he joined. He was singing bass and really loving the variety of music and the variety of experiences. This choir performed in different countries with singers of different faiths and different cultures. Music , the "universal language", has the power to unite people , and Michael loved being part of this. In this video Michael is the MC. I miss him. Lindi Bortney
Michael was dear to me, and I am sad about his passing. Thank you for the connection to his choir & to see his lovely face again! Do you know if we can make donations to the choir in memory of Michael?
Dale Evans Drew
Michael was my roommate for three semesters at UC. I got to know Micahel well and we formed a connection that was special. His father had a connection to the Raiders and Michael and I were able to work the chains at a Raider game. He seem to love his life in Israel and I believe he had a good life there. Rest in peace Michael, life will miss you.
What a lovely idea Dale! Anyone wishing to donate to Michael's choir can get the info from the video I attached. The video was actually a fundraising plea from his choir--a perfect way to celebrate Michael's passion..
Michael messaged me on Dec. 13 to share "good news" to which I immediately responded inviting him to share and offered to exchange our stories. I am sadden to learn of our classmates passing. I will remember him as a kind and always welcoming soul. He was blessed with many talents.
I'm a little behind in life it seems, but I just saw that Michael passed and he he was such a good friend to all and a reason I loved attending ohs. He always had a smile on his face, so welcoming and made one feel he truely cared about you. As I face my brothers surgery for esophageal cacer today I realize how tenuous life is. How we need to nourish all those in our lives. Voice and song has always been a blessing to God and all the the.communities he reached with his incredible talent. I am confident he is above us in heaven probably telling us he is at peace and even singing to us in our saddness. May he always be remembered for sharing his love and caring with us. Rest In Peace my friend your memory is blessed.
Ben Fong-Torres
Remembering Mike Cohen
Michael Cohen, who many of us knew as Mike, passed away on December 21 in Herzliya, Israel, where he had lived since 1979.
“We are shocked and so deeply saddened that he is gone,” wrote his nephew, Rob Greyber, on Facebook.
“Michael was a musician, a singer, a photographer. His pictures are poignant, even tender, and moving each in their own way.”
In a letter in 2014 to former OHS classmate Lindi Bortney Shedd, who called Mike "the brother I never had," he focused on music. He sang in choirs, including Fa-Mi-La, which traveled to Germany and Italy and performed with choirs from those countries and from Spain. He mentioned Debbie Guth, his third wife ("My last, I hope!"), and a daughter, Smadar.
At OHS, Mike was remembered as a funny, friendly and talented young man who, among other activities, performed in the fall term play, Oklahoma!, as Ali Hakim, the peddler man. In spring, he served as Commissioner of Assemblies.
As his nephew Rob said: “May (his) memory be a blessing in the years to come.”
Helen Pulver (Rosenberg)
I'm saddened by Mike's passing. I have many happy memories of him in high school and we kept in touch through Facebook. Sincere condolences to his family and friends.
Marsha Warren (Addiego)
So so sorry to read of Michael Cohen's passing. He was one person I could always count on to be happy and uplifting. He always had positive things to say about everyone. I am grateful to have had him in my life and send love and prayers to his family and friends
Vicki Dutro (Davis)
I am so sorry to hear of Mike's passing. I remember many of his activities and times he made us all laugh. He, like so many others in our class, have done amazing things. We are all proud of the class of '62 and Mike was a significant member.
Lindi Bortney (Shedd)
Michael Cohen was my best buddy--I looked at him as the brother I never had,and he was my go-to for teenage angst problem solving. When he moved to Israel we slowly lost touch, only to be reunited at one of our class reunions and again when he attended a family wedding in Vermont. He sent me an article about the choir he joined. He was singing bass and really loving the variety of music and the variety of experiences. This choir performed in different countries with singers of different faiths and different cultures. Music , the "universal language", has the power to unite people , and Michael loved being part of this. In this video Michael is the MC. I miss him. Lindi Bortney
Dale Evans (Drew)
Dear Lindi,
Michael was dear to me, and I am sad about his passing. Thank you for the connection to his choir & to see his lovely face again! Do you know if we can make donations to the choir in memory of Michael?
Dale Evans Drew
James Porter (Big Daddy)
Michael was my roommate for three semesters at UC. I got to know Micahel well and we formed a connection that was special. His father had a connection to the Raiders and Michael and I were able to work the chains at a Raider game. He seem to love his life in Israel and I believe he had a good life there. Rest in peace Michael, life will miss you.
Lindi Bortney (Shedd)
What a lovely idea Dale! Anyone wishing to donate to Michael's choir can get the info from the video I attached. The video was actually a fundraising plea from his choir--a perfect way to celebrate Michael's passion..
Jim Wayne
Michael messaged me on Dec. 13 to share "good news" to which I immediately responded inviting him to share and offered to exchange our stories. I am sadden to learn of our classmates passing. I will remember him as a kind and always welcoming soul. He was blessed with many talents.
Carolyn Giffin (Conrad)
I'm a little behind in life it seems, but I just saw that Michael passed and he he was such a good friend to all and a reason I loved attending ohs. He always had a smile on his face, so welcoming and made one feel he truely cared about you. As I face my brothers surgery for esophageal cacer today I realize how tenuous life is. How we need to nourish all those in our lives. Voice and song has always been a blessing to God and all the the.communities he reached with his incredible talent. I am confident he is above us in heaven probably telling us he is at peace and even singing to us in our saddness. May he always be remembered for sharing his love and caring with us. Rest In Peace my friend your memory is blessed.