Michael John Bispeck

His father managed movie theaters and directly influenced Mike's later love of theater. Mike graduated from Walsh Jesuit High School in Cuyahoga Falls, OH and later with a Bachelor of Science in Speech - majoring in Theatre - from Northwestern University in 1978. Finding that computer programming paid more steadily than being an actor, in 1983 Mike changed his profession but not his passion. During his time working as an independent database consultant, Mike started playing online computer games. He found that he could combine his programming skills with his theater background.

In 1988 Mike moved to Virginia and took up a computer gaming career at the multiplayer gaming pioneer, the Kesmai Corporation. His most cherished business card is from his Kesmai days, as Manager of Interstellar Operations. He later worked at Retro Studios, Edge of Reality, and Abalone Studios. Mike was passionate about many things but he cared most deeply about making games fun. Ultimately, Rheumatoid Arthritis forced him from the workforce, and he spent his remaining years playing the games he loved.

Mike is survived by his wife, Mary Michelle (Lambert) of Austin; his mother Antionette of Silver Spring MD; his brother Bill, wife Maureen and niece Katie of Clear Lake TX; his nephew Matt, wife April and their children Logan, Taylor and Miles of Macungie PA. He will be sorely missed by his many cousins, family and friends. He was preceded in death by his father.

A Memorial will be held at Weed-Corley-Fish Lake Travis Event Center on Saturday, 16 May 2015 at 1:00 p.m. with a reception to follow.