Tribute Wall
Wednesday
19
July
Visitation
6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Wednesday, July 19, 2017
Adams-Green Funeral Home
721 Elden Street
Herndon
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Tim Hogle posted a condolence
Saturday, December 16, 2017
During his years working on the Voyager planetary mission, Mike was a highly dedicated engineer at JPL and a good friend to me. We shared the excitement of the Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune flybys and the pressure of the work during and between them, as well as those memorable semi-annual motorcycle adventures to Baja California for several years during the 5-year Saturn-Uranus lull.
Mike was notorious for his jokes – groaners every one. But with his gregarious nature, he managed to break the ice and entertain with his humor, even while under fire during critical Voyager Project presentations of his work. And he was smart enough to get away with it, as his work was top notch.
My family knew him as “Mike the Joker” – and they still refer to him that way. One time my son Glen, about 3 or 4 years old at the time, told him quite innocently “My daddy doesn’t like your jokes”. This produced embarrassment for me, but a loud guffaw from Mike.
Socially footloose and fancy free when I met him, I remember a number of us teased him about driving women away with his jokes. On one occasion while he was dating a nurse named Carol, he became uncharacteristically serious and told me that “she is the one”. And it certainly turned out that way.
Mike left JPL for NASA on the east coast after the Uranus encounter and came back briefly to help with the Neptune activities. The last time I saw him was during a visit he made to JPL in the early 1990s with his two young children in tow, telling us that these were proof that he really could reproduce himself. I remember them climbing all over him as he sat and chatted with me, not bothered a bit by the distraction. I see that as true dedication to his family.
After that, there was one phone call years later when he needed some obscure piece of information about Voyager. But in spite of good intentions, we lost touch. I always have been curious to know what he was doing and if he ever got that Masters degree he pursued so doggedly for over a decade. I just recently heard about his passing from a former Voyager colleague. The news stirred up these old memories that I think some others who knew him might find worth reading.
Not knowing more, I naturally wonder how it is that he passed away so young. But reading what has been said here has brought some closure to the “whatever happened to Mike Urban” question that echoed around the Voyager flight team for years after his departure. It sounds like he lived a full and worthwhile life.
It appears that he did get the Masters degree. Congratulations Mike, wherever you are.
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Adans Ko uploaded photo(s)
Thursday, December 14, 2017
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Voyager Project Teams Picture on 1987.
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Adans Ko uploaded photo(s)
Thursday, December 14, 2017
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Close up of Mike in the picture.
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Adans Ko posted a condolence
Thursday, December 14, 2017
Mike is a smart, humorous, and congenial person. I worked with him on the Voyager project for 6 years, during the Uranus and Neptune encounters. He will be forever missed.
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Susan Hofmann lit a candle
Wednesday, December 13, 2017
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I enjoyed working with Mike for many years at JPL. Always a gentleman, funny and supportive. Sorry to hear of his passing.
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Betsy Wilson posted a condolence
Tuesday, December 12, 2017
Worked with him on VGR Uranus tlm specs in early 80's (I think). Nice man, and smart, good to work with. Too young.
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Stephen Leete posted a condolence
Thursday, July 20, 2017
I am very sorry to hear of Mike's passing. We worked together for a few months. He was diligent, hard-working, and enthusiastic. He will be much missed by the NASA community.
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Michael Devirian posted a condolence
Thursday, July 20, 2017
I worked with Mike for many years at JPL. He was a very talented aerospace engineer, and a truly good person. My condolences to his family.
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Wilma Burkel posted a symbolic gesture
Thursday, July 20, 2017
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We miss you.
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Tom Dixon posted a condolence
Thursday, July 20, 2017
Condolences from Mike's friends at NASA, and especially from the old "Special Payloads Division". He was a valued team member, always working to create both a quality product and also a fun and friendly work atmosphere. I am deeply saddened by his passing. Peace to his family and friends.
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Michele Davidson & Family posted a condolence
Wednesday, July 19, 2017
Thinking of Carol and Joy and Mike's extended family during this difficult time. You remain in our thoughts and prayers!
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Scott Haines posted a condolence
Wednesday, July 19, 2017
So sad to hear of Mikes passing. He was a fantastic neighbor for eight years to me and my family. He will always be remembered. My heartfelt condolences to Carol and Joy and the rest of the family.
Scott Haines
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Alex & Jennifer Trihias posted a condolence
Wednesday, July 19, 2017
Alex and I are so sorry for your loss and our prayers are with your family. Joy, your father was a wonderful, kind and generous person. He will be missed.
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Alice Jones posted a symbolic gesture
Wednesday, July 19, 2017
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Alice Jones posted a condolence
Wednesday, July 19, 2017
Patty and family, I'm so very sorry for you loss. Your brother sounds like he was a very generous, compassionate man. May he rest peacefully up above and know that he will forever be with you in your heart. Think of all the past happy memories shared.
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Keith brown posted a condolence
Wednesday, July 19, 2017
I have know Mike since the 80's. We were neighbors on Caragane Ct. While I was traveling overseas for the government Mike took my daughter out to find a puppy to keep my wife company while I was gone. That puppy was named "ASPEN" and she became the joy and life for all of us. When there was a car issue Mike was always there to "fix it" in order to save us money. He lent himself generously of his time. No task was too big for him. He was truly a friend when you needed one. To say he will be missed is an understatement. This I have to say is a devastating loss to all of us who knew him. Thank you for being the friend and person you were Mike. We are forever grateful.
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Jack Ballard posted a condolence
Tuesday, July 18, 2017
My condolences to the family of this very nice, generous person. I had the privilege of working with Mike for a couple years and I am sad to hear he has departed this world too soon. Godspeed Mike.
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Eddie Rodriguez lit a candle
Tuesday, July 18, 2017
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Eddie Rodriguez posted a condolence
Tuesday, July 18, 2017
Dear Carol and Joy,
It saddens me tremendously to have heard of Mike's recent passing and the loss you both must be feeling. I met Mike on the GOES project in Suitland, Md and worked with him for a few years. The obituary was beautifully written and captures Mike's caring and loving personality. He would always make time for me and others when they needed help and never asked for anything in return. He will be terribly missed. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family in this time of mourning. If you need anything during your time of need, please don't hesitate to contact me.
With Deepest Condolences,
Eddie Rodriguez
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Jeff Urban posted a condolence
Tuesday, July 18, 2017
Carol and Joy, I am sorry for your loss and Tami and I will be thinking of you during this difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
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The family of Michael George Urban uploaded a photo
Tuesday, July 18, 2017
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721 Elden Street | Herndon, VA 20170
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