Michael Wardlow

February 5, 1950 - September 21, 2021

Our sweet brother Michael Dale, passed away of complications of pneumonia. His wife and sons were with him when he passed. This leaves a huge hole in the hearts of his family. We will miss him every day.

Michael is survived by his wife of 49 years, Michelle; sons Mark, Russell, and Jonathan; 10 grandchildren; brother David Wardlow '63, sister Connie Wardlow '69; mother, Madalynne Coleman Wardlow '41; and sister-in-law, Wendy Waterhouse Wardlow '63.

Connie Wardlow '69, sister

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Michael Dale Wardlow was born in San Jose, California to Ed and Madalynne Wardlow. The family moved to South Pasadena in 1952 where Michael attended El Centro School, South Pasadena Junior High and South Pasadena High, graduating in 1968.

Michael attended Pasadena City College where he met his future wife, Michelle Longo, in French class. Michael and Michelle were married in 1972 and began their 49-year journey together. The couple celebrated the birth of their first son Mark in 1978. A year later in 1979, Russell joined the young family. In 1983, while they were living in Oregon, their family was complete with the addition of their son, Jonathan.

Michael enrolled at the University of Oregon in 1982 to pursue his dream of a profession in education. Shortly after graduating, the family returned to Southern California and Michael began his secondary teaching career with the Los Angeles Unified School District. Michael dedicated much of his life to teaching and mentoring his students at Simon Rodia Continuation High School in Watts. In 1991, Michael earned a Master's degree in Educational Administration from Pepperdine University, and continued at Simon Rodia as the principal. Throughout his teaching and administrative career, Michael impacted many lives in the south-central community of Los Angeles. Michael's dedication to supporting the underserved guided him to teach at The Chino Institution for Men where he finished out his career in 2015.

In retirement, Michael and his wife, Michelle, who had already retired after a long nursing career at the City of Hope, enjoyed traveling including several trips to Europe, Hawaii, and Alaska. Family vacations became a summer ritual as well as celebrating with extended family during the holidays. As their family grew, Michael and Michelle treasured their time with their larger family including their ten grandchildren.

Michael was a talented artist. In his free time he sketched, drew, and painted, creating works of art that are displayed throughout the Wardlow home. Additionally, Michael was an ardent fan of classic rock and loved the Rolling Stones. He and Michelle attended at least five Stones concerts from the 1980s until their last show at Desert Trip in 2016. As die-hard Oregon Ducks college football fans, their games were always a favorite family event, whether watching them on TV or going to games at Autzen Stadium, the Rose Bowl and the Coliseum. In 2012 and 2020, Michael and his family cheered on the Ducks at the Rose Bowl where they beat the Wisconsin Badgers in both games.

Michael passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family. Michael is survived by his wife Michelle, his sons Mark, Russell, and Jonathan, ten grandchildren, mother Madalynne '41, brother David '63, and sister Connie '69.

The Wardlow Family