Mikael Andrew Clum

MIKAEL ANDREW CLUM JUNE 13, 1985 – APRIL 20, 2009 With very heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Mikael Andrew Clum, our beloved son, grandson, nephew, cousin and friend. After a courageous battle with cancer, Mikael passed away peacefully surrounded by close family on Monday April 20th 2009. Mikael came into our lives on June 13th, 1985. He was born in Merced California and attended school in both Merced and Ventura graduating from Ventura High School, class of 2003. He is survived by his parents Chrisman V. Clum & Susan K. Crawford, grandparents Woody and Lu Clum and Barbara and Cal Kearney, step parents Rick Moore and Barbara Rivas, step siblings Angela, Annie and Johnny Rivas, uncles Bernie Clum and Ken Brown, aunts Laurice Brown, Casey and Deirdre Clum and cousins Alicia Hugie, Cristyn Aqunio & Faren & Aja Clum. Mikael was a quick study. He loved guitar, golf, writing and later fine wine and food. In his junior year he made the varsity golf team, and excelled in his tournaments. After graduation, Mikael moved to Santa Cruz, California where he became involved in the wine industry. He poured wine in several tasting rooms and learned from winemakers. He excelled in this field and was planning on making it his own. He wanted to be a sommelier and open a wine bistro with his dad Chris. Most importantly we will remember Mike as the loving, accepting and confident young man he was. He was against cruelty, unfairness, indifference, hate, and hunting. He loved people, animals, music, beauty, and had a consummate love for life. So much so, that on a recent trip to Kauai, he had the words “Love” and “Life” tattooed to each forearm. Mikael touched all with his presence. He taught us to laugh more, worry less, and embrace life. He showed us the true meaning of unconditional love. We love him and will miss him forever. Rest in peace, Mikael, we will be together again. We will have the chance to play again… The poem “The Dash~ I read of a man who stood to speak At the funeral of a friend. He referred to the dates on his tombstone From the beginning - - - to the end. He noted that first came the date of his birth And spoke of the following date with tears But he said what mattered most of all Was the dash between those years. For the dash that represents all the time That he spent alive on earth… And now only those who loved him Know what that little line is worth. For it matters not how much we own. The cars…the house…the cash. What matters most is how we live and learn And how we spend our dash. So think about this long and hard… Are there things you’d like to change? For you never know how much time is left. (You could be at “dash mid range”.) If we could just slow down enough To consider what’s true and real, And always try to understand The way other people feel. And be less quick to anger, And show appreciation more And love the people in our lives Like we never loved before. If we treat each other with respect, And more often wear a smile… Remembering that this special dash Might only last a while. So, when your eulogy’s being read With your life actions to rehash… Would you be proud of the things they say About how you spent your dash?