Sensitive, intelligent, wise beyond his years, caring, gentle
Michael Bump was a rare soul-gentle, kind, and caring with a depth of spirit and keen intellect. A deep-thinker, he was endlessly curious about the world and the Divine, always looking for “God’s truth.” He read endlessly, absorbing knowledge on everything from particle physics to plant life and ancient mysteries of existence. “He was a metaphysician exploring spirituality from many different perspectives,” his father said.
Michael is the son of Christopher and Cathryn Bump and one of five children in a blended family created by his father, Christopher, and his “bonus mom” Dawn. He was close to all his siblings, Josiah, Shawn, Canaan, and Cassie, even living with them off and on through the years. Michael had a special bond with his closest friend and cousin, Scott. They spent endless hours discussing the meaning of life and why we are here, especially during the years they lived together in Portland, Oregon.
Years of Michael’s young life were spent growing up on a farm where he created a small tribe of close friends who stayed in contact throughout the years. His impact on those around him was profound. One of his “brothers in arms” Joe Cook, traveled to New Hampshire for Michael’s memorial service. Michael completed vocational training in welding while in high school and worked a union welding job during his work-study program. He then joined the U.S. Navy and served five years as the ship’s chief gunner mate.
Michael always had a project vehicle, including a red pick up his siblings coined “Clifford” While off roading, Clifford got its rear end stuck in thick mud. Rescued by some experienced off roaders it was Michael’s first, but not last off-road adventure. Michael also got caught skipping school when he drove the very noticeable Clifford past his dad’s office during school hours.
One of Michael’s most notable characteristics was his creativity. He was an artist at heart, with talents in drawing, glassblowing, and metal fabrication. His problem-solving skills and mechanical aptitude made him exceptional at fixing and creating things. A skilled welder and fabricator, he was in the process of starting his own welding business while working for DDA Services as a metal fabricator.
A minimalist and naturalist, he found solace in nature, hiking and simply being. Pensive and quiet, his love for the outdoors was rivaled only by his love for family and friends, particularly his partner, Eva, with whom he shared a powerful connection and a life. Both early risers, out to seize the day, they met when Michael showed up at his new gym at 5:30AM. Each annoyed that there was another person in the gym during “their alone time,” they started talking and found common interests. On their second encounter, Eva asked Michael on a date. “It was a match made in the Cosmos,” Christopher and Dawn stated. They eventually created a home together with their Doodle, Honey, and were planning to marry, buy land, build a house, and maybe own a new truck that wasn’t a project!
From an early age, Michael struggled to find a way to soften the pain and suffering of life and find peace. He used various substances over two decades. Though his disease never defined him, it distanced him from his own beautiful essence. His family saw him fight to reclaim himself again and again. Though painful to witness, they stayed by his side, loving him through it, just as Michael did with others–acceptance without judgement.
Michael was a multifaceted individual with a rich life filled with deep exploration and love. He was, in every way, unique, a “Bump” which in his family, says it all.
Michael’s father, Christopher Bump and his bonus mom, Dawn Bump, provided the information for this narrative.
June 28, 1989-March 1, 2025-Age 35
Portrait Artist: Clayton Conner
Narrative Writer: Barbara Francois
