Michael Darren DuFresne

      Michael Darren DuFresne was a natural leader whose winning presence allowed him to take control of various situations with ease. Equipped with a clear and calculating focus, he possessed a tough-minded, “take charge” attitude. He had the ability to make even routine situations seem exciting, and he was at ease with the role of playing problem solver. Michael always sought out the scene of where the action was. Sociable, analytical and pleasant, Michael was an individual who enjoyed life's challenges.

      Michael was born on August 3, 1962 at Kaiser Hospital in Portland, Oregon. His parents were Arnold and Joan DuFresne. Michael was raised in Portland, Oregon. Always able to express himself well, Michael possessed strong interpersonal skills. He was optimistic in his outlook on life and was able at all times to be open and direct in his communication. Armed with a great wit, Michael was raised to be accepting of others and to implement a strong personal work ethic.

      Blessed with a balanced attitude, Michael was able to relate well with others. His occasional role as family mediator gave him the opportunity to ease tense situations when they occurred. Michael was raised with one subling. He had a younger sister, Laura. Michael had a strong desire to be treated fairly and would readily offer others the same fairness in return.

      As a young child, Michael showed his creative ability in many ways. He was outgoing and animated. Michael enjoyed new activities and pursued a variety of interests. He took part in baseball. In his spare time he liked making fishing poles and fly rods.

      Known to others as a focused, logical, open-minded and somewhat driven individual, Michael was able to utilize these qualities to succeed in high school. His curious nature was spurred by his ability to maximize his personal learning style through employing a hands-on approach. He was good with facts and had an excellent memory. He graduated from Parkrose High School in 1980. He enjoyed some courses more than others, having favorite classes and teachers.

      Friends and acquaintances found Michael an easy man to get to know, and those close to him would often praise his open, practical style of communication and relaxed approach to life in general. Michael was uncomplicated and straightforward in his relationships, which allowed him to accept people for what they were. While growing up, some of his best friends were Kevin Sloss, Jeff Young, Mark Sloss and Vern Gras. Later in life, he became friends with Jerry & Carol Gangstad, Lucurtia, Kevin & Cheri Sloss, Jeff & Patty Young, Joey Sloss and many more- love to all of you.

       Michael was attentive to Tammy's feelings, and he charmed Tammy and others with his gift for being able to give freely and generously. A good listener with an engaging personality, Michael was able to bring pleasure and unexpected humor to the relationship.

      Very much like a kid himself, Michael identified with the inquisitive and creative side of his children's personalities. He was able to direct his energy and spontaneity towards helping his children acquire added common sense skills. Michael was blessed with one child, one son, Benjamin Darren.

      Michael was a flexible worker who was able to draw the best from others around him. A persuasive individual who was quick to make necessary decisions, Michael's strengths included being able to think on his feet. He could be a leader who sought impact for his decisions. Gifted with an incredible ability to read body language, Michael was able to positively manipulate situations and motivate others in order to get a task completed. He was a good negotiator who enjoyed new challenges. Michael could multi-task, and he was endowed with entrepreneurial spirit, allowing him to think beyond standard norms when it came to resolving issues in his work environment. His primary occupation was shop foreman. He was employed for 17 years by Rowe Brother Equipment Rebuilders.

      Michael enjoyed his leisure time by taking part in various hobbies. He had something of an artistic flair in many of the things that he did. He put this creativity toward all of his pastimes. His favorite pursuits were hunting, fishing and camping. He was content to enjoy his hobbies alone but was also willing to share his interests with others.

      Because he liked to take risks, Michael was a perfect match for athletics and exercise. He was enthusiastic and confident about these activities. In high school, Michael played baseball. Recreational sports included hunting, fishing and camping. Michael was also something of a sports fan and enjoyed watching his favorite events whenever he got the opportunity. Tops on his list were NASCAR racing.

      Michael's natural leadership qualities placed him in consideration for public recognition, earning him accolades for his many and varied efforts throughout his life. Some of his most prestigious awards included World of Wheels, '79, Datsun, truck and four wheel drive.

      Travel and vacations were experiences that Michael truly enjoyed. He preferred to seek out excitement wherever he went and he was partial to vacations that were casual and laid back with an atmosphere of “live and let live.” He was willing to leave his plans open and flexible, just in case something more interesting came along. Favorite vacations included Cancun, Mexico.

      Michael was a lover of animals and cherished his pets. One of Michael's favorites was Bo, a Lab. They were best friends for 8 years. His family was rounded out by his four dogs: Shadow, Lady, Sophie, Lacey.

      Michael passed away on September 24, 2008 at Portland Adventist Hospital, Portland, Oregon. Michael fought a brave battle against liver disease. He is survived by his wife, Tammy; son, Benjamin; parents, Arnold and Joan DuFresne; sister, Laura; brothers-in-law, Greg and Andy; sisters-in-law, Kim, Two nieces Lauren, Brooke;Mother-in-law Beverly Griffith,Father-in-law Bill Griffith and a new daughter-in-law, Crystal. Services were held at Faith Community Church.

      Michael was the kind of person who could win others over easily. A concrete communicator, he relied on his senses to increase his involvement and awareness of others. He was always able to provide amusing repartee to his friends and acquaintances, offering a seemingly endless supply of quips, anecdotes, jokes and stories. If Michael had a theme song written about him, it might well have been “Don't Worry, Be Happy.” He enjoyed his life and the experience of living it. This is how everyone will remember Michael Darren DuFresne.