I wrote this message with great sadness losing a great colleague and a great friend. 
Mike and I had started our working and friendship journey at the time he just joined Seagate and we need to work together to resolve the Wuxi tax issue. Having a new player worried me a little as it was a very difficult time, full of tension and required tremendous effort, knowledge and ability to navigate the many intricacies within the Chinese bureaucracy.  We spent many hours working together through phones and meeting physically among ourselves and also with the government officials. Mike blew me away with his sharpness, ability to focus on the critical and relevant issue,  great judgement and great personality which critically required to deal with some difficult officials. When we were done and finally settled this crisis, both of us had built up a very good friendship. 

Since then Mike and I had continued with this great working relationship and friendship supporting each others. We always find time to meet up whenever he was in Asia and we will not just talk about work but many a time about our personal life. 

Mike, I salute you and I will miss you my friend. My thoughts will always be with you and my prayers for your family. 


Sending prayers to help you in the days ahead.

What happened to Mike is inexplicable and unbearable.

I want to recall your calm, smile, humor and irony. You were driving the work with sincere thoughts to your colleagues, making sure that the pace was always balanced.

Lately you were wearing very bright orange shirts (which are dubbed "Mike's color") and the city of Venice (Italy) background for your video calls, making jokes between the real stuff and the Vegas remake.

When you got to know that I appreciate red wine, you were very kind, suggesting a few great places to shop (advice which I still follow).
Walking through the office these days, I still expect to meet your smile in the corridor...

It's still hard to accept the news of Mike's sudden passing. We shared the same 'side of the building' at Seagate Cupertino for several years. He travelled often but it was always nice when he returned as his wonderful energy, warm smiles and banter in the hallways really livened up the place. I always admired the team spirit and strong culture he inspired in the tax team - whether it was work or play related, the tax team was extraordinary in all they did (and do) and it was a shining reflection of what a great leader and person Mike was. Mike was a true gentleman, always very charming and witty who brightened every room he walked into. In meetings, I remember him as the razor sharp guy who would test, probe and push to ensure facts were understood and options evaluated. Reading his life story, he was truly blessed with a wonderful family, my deepest condolences to you all. I'm grateful to have known Mike, he has touched all of us in so many ways and know his spirit will carry on around us.

I worked with Mike for 5 years. He hired me, promoted me and guided me. I admired his calm and strategic thinking. No matter how well prepared I thought I was before our many calls, Mike always managed to point out  new questions or issues I had not thought about.  I was always impressed with how he also dealt with advisers and authorities. I will always cherish everything I learnt from him, and will miss him dearly. My sincere condolences to his family. RIP

I worked for Mike at Seagate for over 7 years.  Mike was a great boss and a great friend and golfing companion who I will truly miss.

At work, Mike had a knack of using his knowledge and experience to cut through various distractions and get down to the underlying problem at hand and proposing a sound solution.  His calm demeanor and ability to mediate situations were qualities that I really admired.

Mike loved any kind of athletic endeavor or any kind of competition.  He was very competitive at whatever the event or challenge was.  From Finance group Bocce Ball games to Tax department bowling matches to the annual Cupertino site Halloween contests, Mike always competed mightily, either individually or as part of a team.

Mike loved to golf and was very good at it.  I enjoyed golfing with Mike; it was never "just for fun": there was always some wager on the match, with "bragging rights" and a little money on the line.  I will miss the future rounds not played.

Mike loved his family.  He spoke often of Kim, his kids and grandkids; what they were up to and how much he enjoyed spending time with them.  My deepest condolences to Kim and the family.

Mike, your teams and colleagues at Seagate will miss you.  You were a great influence on all of us.  I am deeply saddened that you were not able to enjoy your retirement years that you were looking forward to so much.  On the golf courses in heaven, I hope you continue to "keep it in the short grass".

Rest in peace, Mike.

Kurt Stoffers

I will never forget the skill set that I learn from observing how Mike carry those difficult conversations in such a peace, calm, respectful manner, and then finally turn into win win situation.  Thank you, for everything you’ve done for China, you will be deeply missed.

Mike has touched so many of us in years at Seagate..
Always a gentleman, always professional down to the detail.  His sense of duty, of right and wrong was never in doubt,  and he will always take the time to understand, to educate and align.  beneath that cool and calm demeanor, Mike has a sense of humor that is endearing.. He will be remembered as a great and caring leader ,  a loyal colleague and wonderful human being ..

BS..

Mike played an important role for us at Seagate for many years. In addition to the significant work he did in  maintaining and improving the best tax structure in the world, Mike was one of the true amazing culture carriers at the company. He was always articulate, sharp, well prepared, calm, clear eyed, and he had an energy that made everyone perform at their best. As CEO, I always knew that we were in the best hands possible, and that Mike would represent our company in a way that was exemplary. He was an extraordinary individual, who made me a better leader as well.  His smile was infectious, he had an amazing twinkle in his eyes, and it was an honor to know him. My thoughts and condolences go to Kim and the family.I’m very sorry for your loss. May Mike’s spirit rest in peace.

 Steve Luczo

While I only had a few opportunities to work with Mike, his warm and approachable character clearly shone through, as did his passion for his work and for the Seagate team. I appreciate the guidance and feedback he gave to me on those occasions, He will be sadly missed. 

Mike Small was the most personable boss and mentor I have ever had in my career.  His composure, kindness, wisdom... Very impressive!  You will be sorely missed and Forever in our thoughts

The sudden passing of Mr. Mike Small has sent us into great sadness and with a very heavy heart.  Our deepest condolences to Mike’s family, the Seagate management at Wuxi are truly sorry for your loss and pray for your comfort, strength in this difficult time.

As VP of Global Tax, Mike made a significant contribution establishing the Tax framework between Seagate Wuxi and local government.  He was instrumental to the success of Seagate at Wuxi and China today.  We are of great appreciation for Mike’s contribution for Seagate Wuxi, he will be missed greatly.

Mike we will miss you. There were way too many good times to come and now I will just cherish the good times that we had. 

Pat O’Malley 

It feels surreal that Mike is no longer with us. When I think of how sudden it all happened, I can only think of Billy Joel’s famous song “only the good die young”. 

Simply unbelievable that someone so  charismatic, compassionate and genuine has left us so soon. 

Such happy memories of our time with Mike & Kim; dinners, board games, pickle ball, Notre Dame, etc! 

We are deeply saddened that the memories with Mike have come to such an abrupt end. 

May you Rest In Peace. 

Much love, 
Christine

Susan and I always enjoyed our time with Mike and Kim.  Mike was a great friend and colleague.  I enjoyed every round of golf we played, and you could count of him to always bring his "A" game!  Rest in peace, my friend.  

“To GOD we belong, and to GOD we will return”. I had quite a bit of interaction with Mike but the one most beautiful attribute that stands out is he never questioned my ability and always trusted whatever I presented to him, that is the sign of a true leader. 
I am no longer at Seagate, but I miss him because I remember him as one of the few leaders that cared about his team, and others outside his team. 
May you rest in peace my friend. 
Nadir


My brother Cass and I grew up with Mike and Mark and sometimes Michelle, living on Nellis AFB together; going to Rancho HS and then UNLV. We had many wonderful times playing basketball (listening to Mike & Mark "discuss" who won); camping; hikes; parks; movies; dinners; beer;  and just enjoying life, even as we grew older!
Mike we will miss you but know that you are with God now!
God Bless
Sam

Mike was good friend of mine and my wife, Monica.  I was a corporate tax nerd, like him, and I got to know Mike well over the years at industry events.  Mike was an excellent finance professional, and many of my peers sought his counsel on topics frequently.  You knew when you approached Mike for a question about work that you’d get an attentive ear, his signature calming presence, and some sage advice.  Mike had seen a lot of things in the business world, and indeed had also traveled the world extensively for business, and so he had a lot to offer.  Because I helped to lead a tax group that Mike belonged to, I heard from many of his peers over the past week.

No one mentioned anything about finance or business.

Instead, I heard a lot about his warm smile, the genuine look he always seemed to have on his face, and that twinkle he had in his eyes.  I heard about wine tasting and game playing.  I heard about cooking and eating homemade meals.  I heard about tales from the golf course.  I heard about how much he adored Kim and their family.  I heard about how Mike was the real deal – a terrific person to be around, and someone to emulate.   It’s all true.

Mike just had this way of making me feel welcome, worthy, and loved all at the same time.  It will be my life-long pursuit to emulate that warm and genuine handshake he so often gave me in such a natural way.

Life’s contract doesn’t always have clear terms, and many of its conditions are non-negotiable.  It never crossed my mind that I’d be writing about my dear friend Mike this week.  Instead, I planned on being his friend for a few more decades.  Mike, I am heartbroken that you’ve left us, and I miss you tremendously.  Because I am a person of faith, I know that I’ll see you again, and I’m hoping for that to be on a plush golf course, on a fine sunshiny day.

Whenever the song "Happy" comes on, it always reminds me of you and the joy you brought to our little Tax team. 

Thank you for the guidance and the memories throughout my time at Seagate. I am honored to have had the chance to be a part of your team, part of the Coolness. Rest in Peace, Mike. 

Our forever Gru…

As one of your ‘Minions”, thank you for always bringing positive energy to the team and making sure we were always taken care of and had the support we needed to succeed. 

From simply checking in on each member on the team no matter what level they were and always challenging individuals to bring out the best in them. You always did it with good intentions and made me and the team work harder for you, as we knew you had our best interest at heart. 

I will miss those random calls you would receive everyday when your phone would not be on silent and we would get a listen to a snippet of “Everything is Awesome” from the Lego Movie or “Happy” from the movie Despicable Me. It always brought a smile to our tax area as it kept things loose and upbeat where we sat.

I especially want to thank you for being one of the best boss’, mentor, and friend to me. You have provided nothing but sound guidance that I will forever be grateful for.

Tax will forever be COOL because of you! May you rest in peace Mike.  


Mike...you are special.  

Thank you for always checking in on me.  Thank you for sending me comic strips of Dilbert or Hagar from your morning paper and sharing a good laugh afterwards...I will never forget those moments.  

My favorite is really our final exchange with the picture I sent you of Rocky Balboa with two arms up on the steps in Philly...that was only a week before you left us...I said that was you, you loved that theme as you said it made you look really cool...yes man, you are the Champ forever in our hearts.  

You will be missed....thank you for being a mentor, a partner, and a special friend....May you rest in peace.  




The Silver Fox
I will treasure our time together at work, at lunch, on the golf course, on the phone. 
I will remember you as a colleague, a mentor, a dear friend.
I will remember how much you cared for your team and that tax is cool and ITA is awesome.

I will remember how much you loved your family and that they were never far from your mind and how often and fondly you would talk of them. I felt I knew them too.

I will remember which of us was up on the golf course.
And I will sorely miss the trips not taken and the rounds not played and of memories that were yet to be made. 

Deeply saddened but grateful for the time we had.

It was a real pleasure working with Mike and I and the team here  really enjoyed his visists to Amsterdam. He was an expert in his field and a great strategic think but above all a lovely kind man with a great sense of humour and always very approachable and supportive. We will really miss him. 
I wish all his family and friends strength at this difficult time.

Mike visited our office in Amsterdam a few times and I always enjoyed the time spend with him. He was a very good listener and down to earth in his approach to others. We will miss him a lot. He left us all way too soon. I wish all his family and friends lots of strength in this difficult period.
Robbert

Thank you for all the good memories we had at Seagate. It had been a pleasure to work for you and get to know you for the last few years. Thank you for your support . 

Just 1st time that I met  when Mike visited Thailand, I felt warmth when I talked to him. He was a warm and kind person. Mike will be in our memories forever. 

I never worked with Mike but I saw him from World Wilde meeting. He looked so kind, warm and friendly. He always had smile all time.
Rest in peace.

Mike possessed all the admirable qualities of a great leader but above all he was a remarkably caring boss. He will be dearly missed.

Mike was always available for my payroll team and I when we needed help or an expert opinion. I gather that he was also like that in his personal life so I know that he will be sorely missed by all whose lives he touched. I regret that his life was cut way too short but I will strive to leave the world a better place like Mike did.

Such a great man and leader - a true professional. I always admired the fact that he frequently expressed how proud he was of his team and his family.  I consider myself fortunate to have known him.

I will always remember Mike for his sense of humor, his openness, and his willingness to lend an ear in troubled times.  His infectious laugh and smile brought so much joy, whether it was in a meeting or presenting at a conference, Mike truly did make tax 'cool'.   He truly will be missed...   

As an HR colleague, meeting with him on a regular basis, discussing his team...they were all his favorites.  He always had a kind word about everyone, and supported all.  He oftentimes went over and beyond to show his appreciation for his finance team.  Many did not get to see that, he'd never speak about it, but I'd hear about it from employees, and say to him, "Why don't you tell people what you do?".  He would smile cheekily and humbly say "It was no big deal," but it was a big deal to me and to so many others.  He also was so thoughtful with his words, and myself and others were in awe of "how smooth" and eloquent - a skill many of us coveted - and told him so! I'll greatly miss his cheerful attitude, his thoughtfulness with humility, and ability to see the potential and best in others.  To his family, he left so many of us with happy memories and I'm grateful to have worked with him.

I was fortunate to work with Mike at Seagate. He was a very positive influence on Seagate and the entire Finance team. Personally, I never left a conversation with Mike without a smile on my face. A lasting memory for me will be Mike handling the MC duties for our year-end holiday parties. He will be missed tremendously.

This is a deeply saddened moment and missed. Mike was so kind, smart and a warm heart person. My hug goes out to his family. 

I worked with Mike for many years, and am greatly saddened by this loss. He was warm, caring and extremely talented in his profession. My thoughts go out to his family in this difficult time. 

Mike and I were classmates at UNLV getting our Accounting degrees.  He had a family and was working full-time.  He had quite a load.  We graduated together and entered the world of public accounting - him in tax, me in audit.  I also followed him as he went into private industry.

He was a humble, charismatic, talented man and a credit to our profession.  He was too young to pass and will be missed by all that knew him.  

For the relatively short time that I knew Mike through golf, I really enjoyed his company. He was a straight shooter and friendly/fierce competitor who loved his family. He was so happy to get back to Las Vegas after his kids and grandchildren moved there and was really looking forward to retiring after “working full time since he was 16”. I will really miss Mike and was looking forward to meeting up with him in Las Vegas someday. My heart aches for his family and I hope they can eventually celebrate the man that Mike was.

OBITUARIO

Michael Joseph Small

2 noviembre, 1959 – 7 agosto, 2021

Palm Southwest Mortuary

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