My name is Brooke Unruh Coate, and I am Michael's cousin. Today’s service was absolutely perfect, and it truly honored the incredible person Mikey was. Even though he was taken from us way too early, I am so glad he lived his life to the fullest and had so many fun adventures. More than anything, it was clear how much he loved his kids; you could see a huge amount of pride in every single picture of them.Michael and I were very close when we were kids, as his dad and my parents were together constantly. We lost touch over the years, and I regret that so much. We simply got busy with our own lives and drifted apart, even though we only lived 30 minutes away from each other. Because of those lost years, I am so deeply thankful that I got to spend some quality time with Mikey recently.I was also very impressed to learn today that he had incredible taste in music. Metallica has been my all-time favorite band since the 80s, and I absolutely loved that they were the theme of the service today.For everyone who did not know Mike when he was young, I want you to know that he was the exact same carefree, easygoing guy then, always with a huge smile on his face. Every single story I heard at the service today reminded me exactly of how he was when we were kids. I found so much peace today in realizing that he grew up to be the very same kid he was back then.I love that he remained the goofiest person in the crowd, that he was still the absolute master of practical jokes, and that he truly cared about everyone he met. His signature middle finger every chance he could show it, and his original, sly ways of displaying it, brought back so many fond memories of our childhood trouble-making days.Amy, you are amazing and I am so glad he had you in his life. The second I saw the two of you together, I knew instantly that you were soulmates. Thank you for making sure that everyone knew exactly who Michael Unruh was. I am so incredibly proud of the man he became, and all the love he had

So sorry Mike isn’t with us anymore. I’ll miss the times we’ve spent together. He was a great guy and I’ll miss him.

Mike is one of the most pleasant and kindest persons I've ever worked with. He always brought a cheerful and positive attitude to work and made it so much more enjoyable! He's a good friend and colleague at work and he will be greatly missed!

We lost a wonderful and kind person when Mike said goodbye to this world. I worked with Mike in Good Samaritan's ICU for several years and then at Oregon Poison Center. His big heart and kindness came through in everything he did. He was able to put people at ease with his natural warmth and positive outlook. Any shift I worked with Mike was always a good one.  This world was a better place with him in it. He'll always be remembered by his colleagues and patients for the light he brought to us all.

condolences to all who knew Mike, he was a lovely person, and easy to get along with, and made anyone who crossed his path feel like a real friend, which can make a huge difference in others' lives. I did not know him long, but long enough to feel the impact of him leaving us. Sending prayers and love- Destiny

Mike was electric and peaceful all at the same time. He had a way of making everyone feel special and welcomed. He was funny, witty and had a stillness about him that put everyone at ease.  He will be greatly missed!

Amy asked me to share some memories of Mike’s childhood. 
Let me start by saying Mike and I enjoyed a childhood that could be described as a mixture of the Wonder Years, The Sandlot, and Stand by Me. In our minds, we thought we were much closer to being The Lost Boys, though. 
Depending on the school year, we had between 8-10 boys in our grade that lived in the neighborhood, so we never had a shortage of pick up games of basketball and street football (snow meant tackle in the grass of the church at the end of the street that the pastor graciously allowed us to destroy… along with one small tree). 
We rode our bikes everywhere from Vancouver to Clackamas Town Center. In the summer, our independence was usually only curtailed by the rule of our day, “Be home by the time the street lights come on.”
Our group of friends officially formed a gang with initiation rites and formal meetings. Along with sports, we mainly played ‘tag’ on our bikes by “cheesing” the back tire of the guy in front of you with your front tire while pedaling as fast as we all could … and dodging car (Mike had more than one close encounter). Some of our Asian buddies seemed to have an endless supply of fireworks via their father, and we were usually only limited by our creativity and neighbors who happened to be home during the day… unlike our parents. Before the Atari 2600 was invented and wrecked our adventurous lives, we were also fortunate to live near Kelly Butte which we referred to as “The Woods” and spent hours exploring, playing games, shooting BB guns or sneaking over to the Drive-In theatre during our countless sleep overs at each other’s houses. 
Mike was always the most energetic and maybe even the wildest one amongst us, and since I had a brother, Mike, everyone referred to him as Unruh. Though, my dad affectionately and accurately dubbed him “Unruly.”

Mike was always a guy you wanted in your pod on work nights- he was hysterical, smart and always willing to lend a hand. A straight-up, albeit cheeky, asset to any work team or organization.
 I have no idea why his energy and charm was taken so early, but am thankful he is no longer uncomfortable or in pain.
 Love and condolences to Amy, Grant and family, we send you love and healing juju as you move forward 
 Natalie and Zoe

OBITUARY

Michael James Unruh

February 18, 1971 – May 10, 2026

Skyline Memorial Gardens and Funeral Home

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