Michael Eugene Schlag, a lifelong resident of the Salem area, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, June 15th, 2010.
Michael grew up on his family’s farm, the “Owl Roost Ranch”, east of Salem at Howell Prairie. The values of farm life and being self sufficient, instilled in Michael by his parents, stayed with him all his life. After graduating from McNary High School, Michael began a career as a machinist. He honed his skills working for McNary Machine in Salem for several years and in 1990 opened his own business, River City Machine of Salem, with partner Ron Burns. Michael took great pride in helping his customers and friends rebuild machinery. He came up with ingenious solutions to get equipment running again.
Michael loved old machinery and over the years collected and restored antique cars, old gas engines, tractors and even owned a working steam locomotive. He was a regular participant in Antique Powerland at Brooks, Oregon and was an active member of the Horseless Carriage Club and Model T Ford Club. He possessed a wealth of knowledge on old machinery that truly amazed all who knew him.
In recent years Michael returned to his roots with a rural home east of Salem and named his home the “Owl Roost Ranch” in tribute to the childhood home he loved so much. He lived happily there with his dogs Kitty and Anna and his collection of antique cars.
Michael is survived by his sister, Ann Baker, her husband, David, and a multitude of friends who will miss him dearly.
Remembrances may be made to the Ava Baby Dachshund Fund at the Willamette Humane Society, PO Box 13005, Salem, OR 97309.
A Celebration of Life will be held for family and close friends at Weddle Funeral Home in Stayton on Saturday June 26th. For friends who wish to honor & remember Michael, another gathering at Western Antique Powerland will be held July 24, 2010 4:30 to 6:00 p.m.
Arrangements entrusted to Weddle Funeral Services
Online Condolence can be made at Weddle-Funeral.com
I remember Mike being a very sweet guy. He was my brother’s friend growing up…. from Hazel Green all the way to McNary. He was one of a few friends of my brothers that was nice to me and my sisters, alot of times friends of brothers are just as onery as our brothers are, but not Mike, he was always sweet and kind to us girls (and there was 4 of us girls)! My brother Phil was over visiting at my house and we were talking about Mike, still in disbelief he is gone. Phil told me a funny story about Mike, Matt and Phil camping out at Judge Staders place when they were in their early teens. Even though I didn’t see Mike much, when I did, he was a long lost friend. He will truly be missed. God Bless you Mike. your friend, Mindy Ginther Wiltse.
The highlight of my day would be when Michael would frequently call. Howdy-there what are you working on today, he would say. We would discuses my projects and then he would tell me about his, or the treasures he had just found at a swap meet, sale or one of his treasure sites that he always managed to fine. Michael was my most valuable resource for information for my model building and as my best friend their will always be my fondest memories.
Wayne
I have known Mike since he and I were both 6 years old. My memories of the adventures that Mike and I had together over the years are vast. Mike, was the reason that Sharon and I reacquainted with each other and thus started married life together. This was the greatest thing that Mike had ever done for me.
I pray everyday that Mike is at peace.
Mike, you will be sorely missed.
Michael was a good friend that I relied on often for help in restoration projects. He was always quick to help when needed and will be missed but not forgotten. My thoughts and Prayers are with Ann in the dificult days ahead.
I first met Michael some twenty years back when he and Ron were starting their business. We shared tools and swapped jobs and became good friends. Mike was always generous with his knowledge about a great number of subjects well beyond his years. It was great fun to travel with him to look for old stuff be it cars, tractors, tools or engines. He left us way too soon. I have a lot of stories to reflect on, But I long for more. I miss my friend who I owe a lot.
Mark
I was Michael’s fifth grade teacher at Hazel Green Elementary. His class was my first as a teacher, and I am now retired from teaching. I have not seen or spoken to Michael since those early Hazel Green years, but I have no doubt he was a wonderful friend and relative. As a young boy he displayed kindness and compassion to others. My deepest condolences to all those who knew and loved him.
Donna Eberle
Mike was a good and loyal friend and partner for many years and we were lucky to have had him in our life. Our sadness is on many level and we are hopeful time will help heal. Out thought and prayers are with Ann. Ron and I pray that Michael is at peace.
Ron and Janet Burns
I will greastly miss Mike’s quick wit and sense of humor. He would call me from time to time and we could laugh and carry on like 2 kids. I was so impressed with his knowledge and ability to fix anything.
Our last outing toigether was the Bakersfield Swap Meet last April, He was like a kid in a candy store, He was running from stall to stall buying anything he thought he could sell on Ebay. We have a tradition at that swapmeet, and that is to take in a fine steak dinner at the Hungry Hunter. I invited Mike to join the group of regulars some 20 car guys. At 1st he was a bit hesitant but I pestered him until he said yes. He was a fine addtion to this group of roudy old car collectors. Mike was a guy that fit in where ever He went. The next day He saw me on the swap fields and thanked me for the invatation, I told him He no longer needed an invite,as he was one of us and always welcome.
The last time I heard from Mike was several weeks ago. He called me early in the morning as was his habit, asking questions about the 2 cylinder tour he was putting on in Salem. He was so excited to be a part of our 2 cylinder group and getting his 2 cylinder Reo up and running. I am deeply saddend at his untimely death. Mike was far to young and had far 2 many projects to see through.
I will miss Mike deeply, he was a friend and compatriot, fellow car collector and all around good guy!!!!!!!!!!!
Howard Musolf
National President Horseless Carriage Club of America (2001)
So much sadness fills our heart with Michael’s passing. He was a great friend and business partner. We feel lucky to have had him in our lives even though the time was cut short. Our thoughts are with Ann during this time.
Michael was a secret hero. He would drop everything to come to the rescue of a damsel in distress, like the time my door handle came off in my hand and I couldn’t close up the house. Or the time my garage door got stuck and I couldn’t get the car out of the garage. He was an amazing volunteer at Historic Deepwood Estate. We could count on him for anything from arranging a car show for the Antique Faire, to hauling hay bales for the Halloween parties, to fixing the staff sink. That man could build or fix anything. I’m surprised he didn’t mine ore and make the metal himself. We’ve lost a sweet man with a vast body of knowledge. He’s sorely missed.
I moved from Salem 35 years ago and yet when I stopped in for visits from time to time I would see Mike and he would remember me like I had never left. I too admired the values he and his family added to our community growing up in the Hazel Green/Howell Prairie countryside. May God bless his loved ones now who bear the pain and suffering of this great loss, my families prayers are with you.
Mike was a good friend when we were in Junior high and High School. We would see each other less and less over the years, but i agree with everyone else, seeing him again it was like old times and we would chat like the time had not passed. I’m so sorry to hear of his passing and pray for all his friends and family.
Jeff Gustin
Thank you everyone for your comments on how Mike was a part of your lives. He had so many friends and was a friend to so many people. It has helped me to talk to his friends about Mike. We would often joke about Mike talking on his cell phone . . . now I know, he was touching bases with one of his many wonderful friends. Than you all. Ann
I am terribly sorry to hear the news about Mike’s passing. Mike and I attended Whiteaker and McNary, together, and shared time in orchestra. I remember his folks coming to our performances, and they always were so kind to every performer (even when we squeeked and played very out of tune.) They were very proud of Mike, and rightly so. He was an absolute gem of a human being. Mike was a friend to everyone – kind hearted, witty, gentle spirited, resourceful, good natured. The Salem community is a little less friendly, knowing he is not around somewhere, fussing on some project or shining that great smile of his. My deepest condolences to Ann and his family. You will be in my thoughts and prayers. May God welcome you home and love you greatly, dear Mike.