Michael Jon Soda

Michael Jon Soda (Mike) passed away from a brief illness on Friday, June 25, 2021. He was born on September 15, 1964 and grew up in northeast Portland. He attended Jason Lee Elementary and graduated from James Madison High School in 1983. He resided in his own apartment in southeast Portland until his passing.

Despite having an intellectual disability, Mike possessed many talents. He had the uncanny ability of remembering phone numbers, important dates, and personal details of all the people he met. He successfully mastered the Tri-Met bus system and became quite resourceful and self-sufficient. He worked odd jobs to supplement his income and loved traveling to visit friends in Eugene and Reno. He found the most joy in following the Madison and Clackamas high school baseball and football teams over the years. He prided himself in helping the coaches with whatever they needed from assisting with concessions, taking down field signs and hauling equipment. Mike will be remembered for his huge heart, outgoing personality, and knowing literally everyone in Portland!

Mike is preceded in death by his parents, Beverly and John Soda who passed away in 1995 and 2011, respectively. He is survived by his sister, Michelle Soda Wingo, brother-in-law, Ron Wingo and niece, Abby Wingo. He leaves behind several relatives: Kathy, Cindy, John, Matt, and Joe Herstrom; Richard, Robert, and Kyle Hetherington; Susan Alekson, Tony, Ditta and Stephen Soda; Gary, Sherry, and Pat Bernklau; Brenda Panage, Etta Bryson, Terri Bryson Berg, Kyle, and Jeremy Berg; and Tracie Herbus.

Please join us in celebrating Mike’s life at McDaniel High School (2735 NE 82nd Avenue, Portland, OR 97220) on Sunday, September 26, 2021, 3pm at the athletic complex. Per state regulations, the ceremony will be outdoors, and everyone will be required to wear a mask. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Madison Alumni Association (https://madisonathleticfund.org/) for the construction of a fieldhouse and hitting barn.