What defines the substance of a man?
The color of his skin?
The clothes he wears?
The language he speaks?
The G-d he worships?
What defines the substance of a man is who he is internally.
His pride for others and humility for himself.
The love of family; the love of friends; the love of life, lived so large, with so much color and feeling….
And now your legacy is left for us to hold and carry, and pass along, so others will know what defines the substance of a man… A man whose hug we no longer feel, whose laugh is an echo, fading to a memory, of who you were to all of us.
—————-
In memory of Michael Wolf, who taught so many how to live and love life; to be less afraid and embrace all one has. Michael was tragically killed while cycling on Aug. 2, 2022. He is survived by his beautiful and amazing wife of 55 years, Jackie; his four children, Simone Dermeik (Lance), Adrian Wolf (Lisa), Gaby Akana (Jason), and Saul Wolf (Mindi); eight grandchildren; his sister, Ann Fine; brother, Les Wolf; and countless friends in the Jewish, cycling, train and business communities.
Mike loved life; he was proud of his South African origin, which featured in so much of his creativity and art. He was an athlete to his last day on earth. And he loved the Jewish community, which he supported for many years as a printer and member of Congregation B’nai Israel in Tustin.
Having just retired from his printing business shortly before the onset of the COVID pandemic, Mike was engaging in his passions, including traveling with Jackie and friends, art, trains, cycling and spending time with friends and family. He recently completed an eight-year model train project and was taking art classes to build upon his unique talents.
There are not enough words to speak of the man Michael Wolf was to those who knew him. He leaves behind an emptiness for everyone and every community he was a part of.
Jackie thanks the community for the visits, cards, calls and support shown to the family.
Lisa J. Grajewski, Psy. D is a contributing writer to Jlife Magazine.
