Loving, generous, loud, engaging, doer
Michael was personable, energetic, loud, and engaging with the heart of a servant. He loved the outdoors, animals and was passionate about his dog, Mollie. He loved spending time with family and played various sports. Michael especially liked competing with his older brothers, Thomas, and Stephen, at tennis and golf. Michael was born in Quito, Ecuador because his father worked for an energy company there. This gave him dual citizenship and a strong tie to Ecuador. In 2010, Michael visited his birthplace, spending time with his godparents and their families.
Michael was baptized in Ecuador and practiced the Catholic faith. His faith journey included both times of strong devotion and then also times of struggle. His last months were blessed with renewed spirituality. He was especially fond of the image of Jesus as the Good Shepherd. “In his memory we have dedicated a path he created as “The Shepherd’s Path,” his father stated.
Michael was born with tuberous sclerosis, a genetic disease causing non-cancerous growths in parts of the body. He participated in a medical research study starting in elementary school and continuing through adulthood in an effort to find a cure. He also had dyslexia and learned differently from others, something he was able to compensate for, overcoming the symptoms and successfully learning at grade level.
His brother Thomas said, “Michael was unyielding in his beliefs and had a strong bond with his family. He had the business mind of his father and the heart of his mother.” His parents had concerns about who he befriended or trusted because he was very accepting and could, at times, be easily influenced by others. Thomas said that Michael was far from quiet. He was curious, impulsive, and never intimidated. He was slow to judge and great with children and the elderly. Motivated by bringing joy to others, he treated everyone with respect and deference.
In a heartfelt letter to Michael’s family, Michael’s friend David wrote how Michael made friendship a joyful experience for everyone. “His contagious smile, adventurous attitude, and hopeless romanticism bonded us together at an early age. Even in his brief time spent with us, he found a way to make our lives better, more enjoyable. He gave us a part of himself, recognizing that others found comfort in his personality.”
Michael was studying hotel management at Oklahoma State University. He gained experience working in different hospitality roles and hotels. At the Arizona Biltmore, he received an award in his first week for impressing the most people. Michael created a cherished memory for his parents, Mark and Ann, by gifting them a room at the Biltmore, along with champagne and breakfast, for their anniversary. He was working toward a general manager position at a hotel and eventually wanted to start a restaurant.
Mark said, “Michael never really accepted that he had a substance use problem. He thought he could handle and manage his use of Xanax and marijuana. Michael’s absence has left a hole in our heart and family. Nothing feels complete or whole. We miss his commanding presence, big, warm smile and his bear hugs. We are now more understanding of others and sympathetic to the grief that results from the loss of a child.”
Michael’s father, Mark Arra, provided the information for this narrative.
January 18, 1994-April 22, 2016-Age 22
Portrait Artist: Jerald Pope
Narrative Writer: Barbara Francois
