Michael Falkenstein, z”l, passed away on March 28, 2021, the first day of Passover. Mike is survived in his immediate household by his best friend, companion, and wife of 57 years, Lynda Carl Falkenstein, as well as his feline companions who were daily beneficiaries of his love for animals. He is also survived by his nephew, Michael Becker and wife Susan Becker; nephew, David Becker and wife Sara Reinstein Becker; nephew Alan Gotlieb; nephew Andy Smith, and wife Sarah Pope; niece, Molly Buck and husband, Brian Buck; sister-in law, Pamela Smith; and brother-in-law, Patrick Smith. Mike was preceded in death by his parents Gustav and Hedwig Falkenstein and his sisters Inga Gotlieb and Ruth Becker.

Affectionately known to many as Mikey, Uncle Mike or just Mike, he was born on Sept. 2, 1938. Born in Frankfurt, Germany, at the height of the Nazi regime, Mike and his family escaped overland via the Trans-Siberian Railroad, eventually finding refuge in Shanghai, China, where he spent the next seven years of his life.

Like countless other Jews at the time, Mike and his family were stateless refugees. With some luck and a great deal of perseverance they were able to immigrate to the United States and settle in Portland, where he overcame language and cultural barriers, eventually graduating from Northwestern School of Law. Mike first met Lynda Carl, his wife to be, at B’nai B’rith Summer Camp where he worked as a counselor, later falling in love and marrying in 1964.

Mike was known for his gentle kindness, care and compassion for all living things. By all measures, he was an accomplished professional and dedicated public servant. But Mike was never concerned with customary standards of success and status. Instead, he was most proud of the positive difference he made in the lives of countless youth in the juvenile justice system whom he met with empathy, rehabilitation and restorative justice. Surely Mike’s early life experience as a Holocaust survivor and refugee etched a fierce sense of justice into his being. But his Jewish upbringing and life-long respect for his Jewish culture, customs and ethical teachings served as the foundational blueprint guiding him throughout his life.

Mike’s presence was a constant in the lives of many. After his retirement in 1999, he was able to devote himself to volunteer work which he approached with great passion and pride. Meals on Wheels, Elders in Action and the Oregon Jewish Museum were but a few of the organizations to benefit from his selflessness. He was also well-known in nearly every corner of the Multnomah Athletic Club where he served a term as club president, mentoring and inspiring scores of members with his generous spirit, camaraderie and rigorous daily fitness routines. He will also be remembered for his signature, meticulously polished cordovan penny loafers upon which he adorned an actual penny before eventually swapping with a dime to account for inflation.

To honor his memory, friends are invited to donate to the ACLU, Dove Lewis Animal Hospital, Oregon Jewish Museum and Center for Holocaust Education, All People Be Happy Foundation, or other charitable cause of their choice.

A Zoom Shiva is scheduled for April 12, 2021, at 6:30 pm. 

Linda says, " All who knew and loved him are welcome to join us": https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84899252039?pwd=RER2OUcxRHBpVHNsVW1oREFiVTlVZz09