Mike Schwartz |
| Posted 2021-01-30 by mhenderson |
| Published in Mohave Daily News Online from Jan. 24 to Jan. 31, 2021 - Bullhead City, Arizona - Mike Schwartz passed away on Monday, January 11, 2021 in Lake Havasu City, Arizona at the age of 94. He was born on June 8, 1926 in Valea lui Mihai, Romania. Early in his life, Mike and his family were taken from their homes by the Nazi's and sent to various concentration camps; Mike would never see his parents, Samuel and Malvina, nor his older brother, Ernie, again. He survived the Holocaust in Europe during World War II with his younger brother, Ted. Mike always said his greatest accomplishment was saving his brother's life in those camps. His hero was Gen. George S. Patton and his Allied forces who liberated Mike and his brother in April, 1945. His sister, Anci, survived the war as well. After the war was over, Mike proudly went to Israel and served in the Army. In the early 1950's, he moved to Norway, where he met and married his first wife; they moved to Toronto, Canada. There he had two sons and worked for the Canadian Broadcasting Company as a set builder. In the late 1970's Mike moved to Los Angeles with his second wife, Shirley, creating his own company building houses and primarily cabinets, a trade he learned from his father. After Shirley's unexpected passing, Mike met Anna, another Holocaust survivor. They spent years traveling together and became actively engaged in a foundation called Shelters For Israel. After retirement, he took up his love of painting. In 2010, Mike moved to Bullhead City where he opened the Desert Art Gallery. Nothing gave him more joy than painting in his studio while listening to his classical music and meeting all the locals who would come in to visit. He would periodically give talks about his experiences in the concentration camps to large groups as he wanted to spread awareness of the war as much as he could. Mike was strong, charming, quick witted, funny, caring and compassionate; to many, he was an incredible role model. In spite of all the adversity he faced, he always went through life with a glass half full attitude. The family would like to give a special thanks to the wonderful caretakers at Davis Place in Bullhead City and Gems in Lake Havasu City. He was preceded in death by his beloved brothers, Ted and Ernie Schwartz; and his dear sister and brother-in-law, Anci and Ignutz Farkus. He is survived by his two sons, David and Danny; his three grandchildren, Dustin, David and Brittany; and his two great- grandchildren, Ava and Mila. Mike passed away peacefully with his eldest grandson by his side. He was laid to rest next to his second wife, Shirley, at Mount Sinai in West Hollywood. He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by extended family, friends and all whose lives he touched. See Also: Find A Grave |
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