Mehrdad "Mike" Sheikh

Mehrdad Sheikh, 82, was born in Isfahan, Iran, and suddenly passed away on July 21, 2024, at his home in Winter Springs, FL. Mehrdad was married in California to Virginia “Ginny” Miller for over 54 years.

He is survived by his wife Ginny, 2 sons: Eric and Jason, his daughter-in-law Brandy, and 3 grandchildren: Tristan, Emma, and Lailianna, and a sister.

He was the third son of four children of Taghi and Fakhri (both educators) in Mashad, Iran, where spent his childhood.

Then he came to the United States in the early 1960’s where he attended Modesto Jr. College and later California Polytechnic College in San Luis Obispo, CA. He studied architecture, then metallurgy, and graduated with a B.S. degree in Welding Engineering. He always worked to earn his way through college.

His artistic side got him into creating metal art. One of his accomplishments was a large metal sculpture called "Web of Life," that still hangs on a wall at the Cal-Poly Union. He also made two 55 foot kinetic metal sculptures at his farm in Cato, NY.

His first job was in Gainesville, VA, at Atlas Machine & Iron Works as a Welding Eng. where he began a welding training course there along with eng. responsibilities.

After 5 years he moved to Armco International in Middletown, OH, which led him to a job selling welding materials in Tehran, Iran. That job lasted 14 months because his company moved him out before the revolution and back to Ohio in 1977. He worked in Middletown, Ohio, in research for a short time before transferring to PAR Industries in New Iberia, Louisiana.

He worked a while in New Iberia, Louisiana, until offshore drilling ended. He secured a job at Niagara Mohawk Power Corp. in Syracuse, NY in the Quality Assurance Department. He bought a 300 acre farm in the country and lived there about 15 years.

He then went to United Technologies Carrier in Syracuse, NY, and shortly transferred to Pratt & Whitney in Connecticut commuting with hopes of not having to leave the farm.

From there he ended up at Siemen's Westinghouse in Orlando,FL, and retired after a decade in 2010.

He loved his family, playing golf, joking with people, spent Saturday mornings in his country shop maintaining and doing hobby activities and always had projects ongoing. He left a huge vacant spot at the family table.

Thank you for praying and showering the family with kind words. In lieu of flowers, please consider contributing to CrossLife Church or CrossLife Academy both via mail at 45 W Broadway, Oviedo, designated in the memo section or donate to your favorite charity. Love to you all.

The family will receive friends from 10:00 am - 11:00 am on Monday, July 29, 2024 at Baldwin Fairchild Funeral Home, 501 E. Mitchell Hammock, Oviedo, Florida 32765. The funeral service will follow at 11 am at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to Cross Life Church or Cross Life Christian Academy 45 Broadway, Oviedo, Florida 32765. Please specify in the memo line where you wish your donation to be used. You are also encouraged to donate to the charity of your choice.