Michael Micale, a long-time member of the LaRouche movement, passed away on Saturday, October 3, 2015, in Houston, Texas, after an extended hospitalization. Born in New Jersey, he was the son of Joseph and Louise (Pino) Micale. He graduated from Rutgers University.
Mike grew up during the Kennedy years, and shared with many in his generation an enthusiasm for the New Frontier in space, which was opened up by the promise of manned exploration beyond the boundaries of the earth’s atmosphere. He developed a keen interest in science and its applications to the broader economy, taking courses in physics, economics and industrial engineering and management in college, which he found unfulfilling. It was when he met the LaRouche movement in the early 1970s, with its emphasis on creativity, and the role playful creative thinking plays in advancing science, that he found his mission in life.
Mike joined the LaRouche movement near his home in New Jersey, and organized for several years in the Midwest, before relocating to Houston, Texas in 1984. He was an aggressive organizer, until physical problems limited him to “desk duty,” at which time he took over as the financial officer for the region for many years. Prior to his most recent flare up of physical problems, he moved back into organizing, through his involvement in building activist networks in Kesha Rogers’ 2014 U.S. Senate campaign. Never content to be simply a polemicist, Mike embraced the opportunity to educate those he met, whether on the phone or at meetings, and he especially enjoyed the opportunity to challenge people to question what they thought they knew!
His true passion was for astronomy, and he embraced the study of Kepler. He loved nothing more than lugging his telescope to the outskirts of Houston, beyond the bright lights of the city, during eclipses, close encounters with Venus or Mars, or simply to delight in the night sky. Many of the younger members were inspired by his enthusiasm, and his patience, as he helped them discover anomalies in space, while fighting off Texas-sized mosquitoes and the overwhelming humidity of the swampy areas, where he chose to set up shop.
It was during such adventures that he earned the nickname, “Old Kepler.”
Mike has been a cherished friend and collaborator, and will be missed – but he will also be remembered for the way he frenetically waved his arms when making a point, for his self-effacing smile when he realized he was wrong (a very rare occasion!), and his generous willingness to participate in science education.
He is survived by his sister Cathy Bell, and her husband Bill, who spent the last six weeks in Houston, at his side, aiding him in his last battle. He is also survived by two nephews Charles Bell, wife Carol, and Chris Bell, significant other Lenning Gomes. Mike is also survived by two great nieces Taylor and Emery Bell. A memorial service is scheduled for this Thursday afternoon – notes of remembrance will be most welcome.
Harley Schlanger, for the Houston region and the ICLC
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